HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10547 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 21-10547
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council March 9, 2021
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SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO NATURAL GAS LEAKS
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The purpose of this IR is to discuss the roles and responsibilities for the City, Atmos Energy and the
property owner when a natural gas leak is suspected.
Atmos Energy provided the following guidance for a property owner. Natural gas leaks are dangerous. If a
property owner suspects a natural gas leak, the property owner should leave the area immediately and
call 911 and the Atmos Energy 24-hour emergency number 866-322-8667 from a safe distance. The
property owner should not attempt on their own to turn off the gas valve. The property owner should not
smoke, start a vehicle, use a cell phone or other electronic device while in the area.
Once notified, Atmos Energy will send a technician to the location immediately to investigate. The
technician will investigate the suspected leak to determine the source and location. If a natural gas leak is
confirmed Atmos Energy will turn off the gas and make the area safe for customers and first responders. A
leak detected from the gas main to the gas meter will be the responsibility of Atmos Energy to repair. A
gas leak located on the customer side of the gas meter will be the responsibility of the property owner to
repair, including hiring the plumber and obtaining necessary permits.
When the repair of a natural gas line is the responsibility of the property owner, a plumbing permit and
inspection are required to confirm that the leak has been repaired and to resume gas service. When it is
not practical to obtain a permit prior to commencement of the work due to the time of day or urgency the
permit may be obtained as soon as practical to do so. Atmos Energy will not resume gas service until an
inspection confirms that the necessary repairs have been satisfactorily completed.
A property owner responsible for the repair of a natural gas leak has two options. First, the property
owner may make the necessary repairs themselves if the property is solely occupied by them as their
primary residence, which can be demonstrated by either a homestead exemption granted by the appraisal
district or by proof of ownership and a valid government issued identification in the same name and
address. If the property owner chooses this option they must also have the equipment necessary to
perform the required pressure test of the gas system. Second, the property owner may hire a licensed
plumber to make the repairs, which is recommended. The licensed plumber will apply for the required
permit and have all the equipment needed to make repairs and perform the inspections. The City will
inspect once notified that the repairs are completed. Once the inspection of the gas system has been
approved the City will notify Atmos Energy who will turn the gas service back on.
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If you have any questions please contact Allison Gray, Development Services, at 817-392-8030.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS