Columbia Gas stops gas line repairs in downtown York historic district, public meeting set

Update: A public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 31 at 6 p.m.  in City Council Chambers on the first floor of 101 S. George St.

Concerns from residents and city officials prompted Columbia Gas to pause its downtown York gas line repair project. 

"Columbia Gas has temporarily ceased work on this portion of our infrastructure replacement program in the city of York until we can hold meetings with city officials, HARB leadership, and individual residents and landlords and work to a solution to address residents' concerns," said a statement provided by Columbia Gas communications director Sarah Barczyk.

The natural gas company has been working to repair and upgrade outdated lines, already replacing over 30 miles of pipeline since 2009, the statement said. 

The public outcry has been over the placement of exterior gas lines in the city's historic district. The outside lines are considered an eyesore and detrimental to property values. York's historic district stretches from North Hartley Street in the WeCo district past South Broad Street.

Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, Mayor Michael Helfrich and City Council President Henry Nixon met with officials from Columbia Gas on Monday, July 22, according to Philip Given, acting director of Economic Community Development. 

"We came to an agreement with the process on how they're going to contact property owners," Helfrich said.

Helfrich noted that a majority of city residents are renters and it's possible many were not made aware of the project or potential options for repaired gas lines, which include relocating a line to the side of the house, painting over gas lines or adding a planter boxer when applicable. City officials will be working with Columbia Gas to contact property owners to help inform residents, he said. 

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"We're thankful Columbia Gas is willing to have these conversations," Given said.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission requires gas meters to be located outside, but Columbia Gas can consider an exception for properties in a historic district. Concerned residents who wish to have a line moved should reach out to Columbia Gas directly, Given said. 

The notion was echoed in the statement provided by Columbia Gas. Read the complete statement below: 

"The residents of York deserve to have efficient, reliable and, above all, safe natural gas delivery. Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is committed to providing this service, which includes following all federal and state laws and regulations, as well as through the Company’s strong safety practices. 

As a part of Columbia’s comprehensive pipeline replacement program, we are replacing aging portions of its distribution system with state-of-the-art plastic pipe. Over the past decade, Columbia Gas has replaced over 30 miles of pipeline in the city of York. As a part of that work, customers’ service lines and gas meters are replaced at no direct cost to customers. 

Consistent with the core value of safety and federal and state laws, we must have ready access to meters and other lines and equipment to ensure that the equipment is operating safely. An outdoor meter eliminates the risk of shut-off due to access issues, and provides first responders with easy access to our customers’ meters in the event of an emergency. We work to find the safest area for outdoor meter placement as both a safety enhancement and a convenience for our customers. 

As a public utility, Columbia Gas is regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC). This means that Columbia Gas must comply with the PA PUC’s regulations. The Pa PUC’s regulations require that gas meters and pressure regulators be located outside. Under those regulations, an exception may be considered — but is not mandated — if we can readily confirm that the building is, or is eligible to be, listed on the national register of historic places, or is located within a historic district that is listed in the national register of historic places. However, just because a location is listed on the national register of historic places is not a guarantee that a meter will not be moved. While we will do everything we can to work with residents, landlords and the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) team, safety is our number one priority in this process. 

Columbia Gas must also comply with its tariff, which is a set of rules that has been approved by the PA PUC. Columbia’s tariff provides us with the sole discretion to determine the locations of our meters. A copy of our tariff in its entirety can be accessed through our website at www.ColumbiaGasPA.com. 

Columbia Gas has temporarily ceased work on this portion of our infrastructure replacement program in the city of York until we can hold meetings with city officials, HARB leadership, and individual residents and landlords and work to a solution to address residents' concerns.

Any customer who might have a specific question regarding our service, our pipeline replacement projects or any property restoration may call 1-888-485-8823 for more information."

Columbia Gas has ceased operations within the city's HARB district. No timetable has been set on when gas line repairs will start again. However, all other York County projects are continuing as planned. 

A public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 31 at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers on the first floor of 101 S. George St.