Hopkinton emergency teams responded to a reported gas leak Monday morning at the Eversource liquified natural gas facility on Wilson Street, according to a statement from the town.
Fire Chief Gary Daugherty Jr. and Police Chief Joseph Bennett stated that the report of a suspected gas leak came in at 9:35 a.m. Firefighters were met by staff, who led them to a crack in a section of piping.
Following established response protocols, crews immediately began to monitor the area and deployed water streams for vapor control.
Police units responded and closed the roadway as a precaution, according to the statement. The length of time was not provided.
The Department of Fire Services Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division also responded to provide additional air monitoring stations throughout the nearby neighborhoods.
Daugherty stated that there was no threat to the public at any time and that no evacuations were needed.
He added that the town’s emergency serevices participated in a large-scale training drill at the facility in May 2023 that covered similar scenarios.
The incident remains under investigation by Eversource and Department of Public Utilities.
Water-Sewer Department Manager Jed Fenneuff cautioned residents in the area that there could be temporarily discolored water due to the use of multiple hydrants on Wilson Street. He suggested residents check their water before use. For any discoloration, individuals should flush their water line by running only the cold water tap until the water runs clear.
Last I read publicly , the facility’s mandated emergency containment systems were non-functional (flame lamps, containment ditches, etc), have these deficiencies been corrected, its now been several years since they were identified?