A construction crew accidentally hit a gas line today (Monday) in downtown Eugene. Reports came around 9:00 am from multiple residents and businesses in the area near the future site of Whole Foods. Police temporarily closed roads in the surrounding area until it was determined it was safe. Mellissa Moore is a spokesperson for Northwest Natural Gas. She says this is a good time to remind construction crews and homeowners how important it is to call before you dig.
Moore: "It's actually required by federal law that you call two days before your digging project. And you'll have somebody come out to your site for free to locate the lines and they'll mark them with spray paint and that way you'll know where to dig so you won't accidentally hit a utility line that's buried underground."
Moore says Northwest Natural responds to about 500 gas line breaks a year. If a contractor accidentally breaks a gas line, the utility offers a training program in exchange for a 20 discount off their repair bill.
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