GEORGETOWN, Texas – Atmos Energy said Friday the weather could determine when more than 100 Georgetown families and businesses can return to their properties, which were evacuated after a natural gas leak February 20.
- Gas leak keeps businesses closed, families evacuated
- Residual natural gas remains trapped in soil
- Texas Railroad Commission investigating cause
The 56 households and 66 businesses have been forced to leave their homes and close their. Crews said Friday they've fixed the leak, but natural gas remains trapped underground. Any rain could prevent the gas from escaping, Atmos Energy's Randy Hartford said.
"We know this has been a burden on our affected residences and businesses, and we thank you for continuing to work with us," he said.
RELATED | Dozens of Businesses, Homes Still Evacuated After Georgetown Gas Leak
Hartford said Atmos is giving affected households a daily stipend of $100 and working with businesses "individually." However, he would not say if affected employees are also eligible for the stipend.
The Texas Railroad Commission confirms it's investigating the leak. RRC Spokeswoman Ramona Nye issued us the following statement Friday:
Protection of public safety is the Railroad Commission’s highest priority. The RRC has an ongoing investigation to determine if Atmos was in violation of RRC pipeline safety rules resulting in the leaks. This investigation began after we received notification on Feb. 27, 2019 from Atmos about the incident.
The Commission also is monitoring the Georgetown situation to ensure Atmos is complying with agency rules in place to eliminate hazardous conditions and protect the public.
Nye said families and businesses are not eligible for relief or assistance through the RRC.
Hartford said he could not give an estimate as to when the area would be safe.
"We brought in additional Atmos Energy crews and contractors from all across the state to assist us," he said. "We will remain out here 24 hours a day."