Columbia Gas: 'Serious' Leak In Andover

ANDOVER, MA — Columbia Gas said it has repaired what had been called a 'serious' outdoor gas leak in Andover. Crews from Columbia Gas dug up the front lawn of a home on Bridle Path Road in Andover to cap a damaged valve or coupling that was believed to be the source of the leak. No evacuations were ordered and no injuries were reported.

The leak was detected around 3 p.m. A Columbia Gas crew was conducting a survey on the road when they received extremely high gas readings outside one the homes. The gas meters on-scene showed natural gas concentrations of approximately 60 percent, prompting officials declare the leak a Grade 1 leak, or "most serious."

Columbia Gas was responsible for a fatal mishap in September when lines exploded and damaged more than 100 homes across the Merrimack Valley. One person was killed.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).