Gas Leak Repaired On WVU Campus Drive, Alert Status Lifted
On Monday, February 27, 2023, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a natural gas leak was reported on West Virginia University's (WVU) Evansdale Campus. The leak occurred on Campus Drive near the Engineering Sciences Building.
Immediate Response
WVU Police and the Morgantown Fire Department responded to the scene and immediately began evacuating nearby buildings. The affected area was cordoned off, and Campus Drive was closed to traffic. Columbia Gas of West Virginia was also called to assist in repairing the leak.
Cause of the Leak
The cause of the leak is still under investigation. However, preliminary reports suggest that it may have been caused by a construction crew accidentally hitting a gas line. The construction crew was working on a water line replacement project at the time of the incident.
Emergency Response
The university's emergency response plan was immediately activated. WVU Alert, the university's emergency notification system, was used to notify students, faculty, and staff of the situation. Those in the affected area were instructed to evacuate immediately. The university also provided updates on the situation via its website and social media channels.
Repair and Safety Measures
Columbia Gas crews worked quickly to repair the leak. The gas line was clamped, and the leak was stopped by approximately 12:30 p.m. The university then conducted air monitoring in the affected area to ensure that it was safe for re-entry. The alert status was lifted at approximately 2:00 p.m.
Investigation and Lessons Learned
WVU and Columbia Gas are continuing to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause of the leak. The university is also conducting a review of its emergency response procedures to identify any areas for improvement. The goal is to ensure that the university is fully prepared for any future emergencies.
Community Impact
The gas leak caused some disruption to campus activities. Several buildings were evacuated, and Campus Drive was closed for several hours. However, there were no injuries reported, and the leak was repaired quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
The gas leak on WVU's Evansdale Campus was a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies. The university's emergency response plan was activated quickly and efficiently, and the leak was repaired without incident. The university is now conducting a review of its emergency response procedures to identify any areas for improvement. The goal is to ensure that the university is fully prepared for any future emergencies.
Additional Information
Additional Resources
Contact Information
- WVU Police: (304) 293-3136
- Columbia Gas of West Virginia: 1-800-543-8911
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