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Today’s gas leak on North Central Ave in the area of West Hartsdale Ave has resulted in traffic delays and inconveniences. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. And – Con Ed has been working hard addressing the problem.  The Greenburgh Police Department is currently assisting Con Edison with a gas leak on North Central Avenue in the area of West Hartsdale Avenue. Traffic delays are expected and motorists should use alternate routes if possible. At this time we have no information on the duration of this investigation.  This gas leak reminds many of the gas leak in 2013 on East Hartsdale Ave.  Some gas leaks around the metropolitan area in the past resulted in deaths/fatalities.
 
The issue: Is Con Ed being proactive? Does Con Ed have a plan to replace aging pipes that are in danger of leaking?  Should we reach out to the federal government to encourage federal financial assistance to utility companies to replace aging gas pipes?  How much funds does Con Ed allocate each year to aging infrastructure replacement? I think elected officials and Con Ed should work together to address our aging infrastructure  to reduce the risks of another serious gas explosion that could cause a loss of lives.  I have written to Con Ed officials asking that they report back on their plan of action to address this problem.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
 
 
This is what I posted on the town website on March 16, 2014
What to do if you have a gas leak at home or at work? Tips from Con Ed
 
After the recent gas explosion, I received some e mails & calls from residents who were worried about gas leaks near their homes. I always advise residents who call Con Ed or Verizon with complaints to get a ticket number from the person they spoke with. If you want me to follow up and I know who you spoke with or have ticket number info- it makes it easier to get a response, if you need my help.
 
 Con Edison crews remain at the site of this week’s buildings explosion and collapse in East Harlem seeking to restore gas and electric service to other impacted buildings, while also working with federal, state and local agencies on the investigation.
 
 The utility is also working with the Red Cross and city agencies, providing assistance for living expenses to residents and families from the area whose buildings were evacuated due to the explosion.
 
 The company reminds customers to call 1-800-75CONED if they smell gas.  Click here to view a video on gas safety: http://bcove.me/cc1usj6o
 
 Con Edison offers customers a number of gas safety tips. When you suspect a gas leak you should:
  
•Leave your home immediately and take others with you. If outside, get well away from where you suspect the gas is leaking.
   •Open windows before you leave if the odor is faint.
   •Call us at 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633) once safely away from the leak. (National Grid customers should call 1-718-643-4050.)
   •Tell us if there is also a problem with your electric service.
   •NOT do anything to create a spark that could cause an explosion, such as lighting a match, turning appliances on or off, using a phone or cell phone. Do not ring a doorbell or start a car.
 
  
 Here are links to information on gas safety:
 
http://www.coned.com/customercentral/gassafety.asp
 
http://www.coned.com/customercentral/brochures/br_gassafety.pdf
 
http://www.coned.com/customercentral/gassafety_pipeline_integrity_plan.asp
 
 Con Edison operates approximately 4,300 miles of natural gas mains in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County.  The company inspects and monitors the system for potential gas leaks throughout the year.
Paul Feiner