Galen Scott
gscott@weatherforddemocrat.com
Mike McDonald, a contract right-of-way inspector working for Chevron, said he smelled gas at approximately 11 a.m. Thursday while performing a routine inspection at the Bridgeport LPG lateral line check facility on Grindstone Road in southwest Parker County.
McDonald said he discovered a patch of moist dirt a short time later with a small ring of ice at its center.
McDonald said he notified his superiors immediately. A representative from Texas Railroad Commission was dispatched to the facility.
“I shut everything down and made sure these gates were locked until the people I work for got here,” McDonald said.
Volunteers from Brock/Dennis and Millsap fire departments were also at the scene.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas, which primarily consists of propane, is considered flammable by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. The substance changes into vapor at normal temperatures and pressures. A powerful odorant is commonly added so leaks can be detected easily.
Chevron representatives shut in the leak, which was coming from a shallow, 6-inch pipeline, according to Scott Shirley, a senior corrosion specialist from Chevron Pipe Line Company’s Brock facility. There was no fire or evacuation reported.
Shirley said nitrogen, an inert, non-flammable gas, will likely be used to force remaining LPG from the damaged line. He said a portable flaring device is commonly used to dispose of the resulting interface.
A statement from Chevron said the cause of the incident is not known and is under investigation. According to the company, all appropriate federal, state and local emergency agencies were notified.
Local News
Related Photos
February 27, 2009
LPG pipeline found leaking near Brock
- Local News
-
-
Sheriff, judge at odds over mailer
Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler sent out a statement and automatic phone calls across the county Wednesday saying he did not endorse incumbent 43rd District Judge candidate Trey Loftin, following a mailer sent by the judge’s campaign that included a quote from Fowler.
However, Loftin said Thursday Fowler made the referenced statement to a room full of people at a fundraiser for Loftin and agreed to let Loftin’s campaign quote the sheriff. - Film director looking for local actors
-
Book Smart
- Pastors: bring prayer back
- Weatherford council approves rezoning requests
- City won’t accept recall petitions
-
Gymnasts display all-around talent
- Honoring their own
- WISD band director to retire
-
Escapee kills self after pursuit
- More Local News Headlines
-
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
