Lyons: Plan For 'Affected Areas' Of Andover Coming Friday

ANDOVER, MA -- State Rep. Jim Lyons (R-Andover) said Thursday he expects a more complete plan on restoring gas service in Andover to be released on Friday. While most homes in the so-called "unaffected area" have had gas service restored through a house-by-house, round-the-clock effort this week, residents in the "affected area" have been told it could be weeks before Columbia Gas of Massachusetts makes necessary repairs to transmission lines and restores service there.

"I am being told that there will be an announcement tomorrow on what the plan is to address the affected areas," Lyons wrote on Facebook Thursday morning. "Once the plan becomes public we are available to help anyone that needs help."

Friday's release of the plan was confirmed by Andover Town Manager Andrew Flanagan Thursday afternoon. In an update sent Thursday afternoon, the town said it would release a list daily in the coming weeks of streets being worked on on each day.

Based on comments left on the post, that statement was greeted with skepticism by the thousands of Andover residents and more than 100 businesses that marked one week without gas service. Even as the National Transportation Safety Board moved forward with its investigation into what happened, Columbia Gas and local officials have struggled to give a definitive answer to the question "What happens now?"

"I just left the claims center in Andover and have to tell you it was a very disappointing experience. It is staffed by out of state intake personnel with no Columbia Gas representatives in sight and no information on what home owners in the affected areas can do to replace potentially damaged heating systems and appliances," one resident wrote in response to the Facebook post by Lyons. "The only thing I left with was a “promise” that an adjuster would be at my home within 5 days. That would be TWO WEEKS from the day we were displaced to START the process of determining if/how we will be able to heat our home in the coming months. Columbia Gas, our representatives and Town of Andover, MA, MA better get their act together or you are going to have some desperate and angry refugees on your hands."

The affected area is roughly north of the intersection of Route 28 at Salem Street toward Lawrence and the Merrimack River. The unaffected area is south of the intersection of Route 28 at Salem Street and west of Beacon Street at Reservation Road.

A build up of high pressure in Columbia's main transmission line sparked more than 60 explosions and fires in the three communities, killing one and injuring more than two dozen people. Thousands more were forced to evacuate Thursday night. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation which could take as long as two years.

Thursday's Developments In The Recovery Effort

• NTSB investigators are looking at the intersection of Salem and South Union Streets in south Lawrence as the possible "ground zero" in last week's explosions. NTSB officials, and investigators from the Massachusetts State Police, FBI and U.S. Attorney's office were on scene there Thursday.
• The Baker-Polito administration said Thursday it would continue to run a Recovery Resource Center for residents of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover at the Elks Lodge at 652 Andover Street in Lawrence. The center will be open from noon to 7 pm on Thursday and Friday. The center staffed by representatives of municipal and state agencies as well as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army and disaster relief organizations affiliated.
• Columbia Gas continues to operate claims centers in each of the three communities. In Andover, the claims center is at the Old Town Hall and will open noon to 8 p.m. through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and will continue to operate next week with the same operating hours.Claims can also be initiated by phone at 800-590-5571. The claims center in Andover has already handled more than 600 claims since it opened Tuesday. Columbia Gas has a Website with more information on property claims process.
• Andover has set up shower trailers at Pomp's Pond for any resident needing to take a hot shower. The showers are open from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and will continue as needed. Residents need to bring their own shower supplies including towels, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. There will be a limited number of showers designated for family use. There is also an accessible shower for those with mobility impairments located at the Andover Senior Center.

More Coverage:

• Governor Promises Support To Merrimack Valley Businesses
• Residents Not Warm On Idea Of Weeks Without Gas
• Lawsuit Claims Columbia Gas Knew Of $27 Million In Needed Repairs

Where To Get Help In Andover

Customers in the unaffected area who still don't have gas service should call call Columbia at 866-388-3239.

Customers, regardless of where they live, may have to repair or replace service lines, furnaces, water heaters, and gas appliances. NiSource, the parent company of Columbia Gas, is arranging to have the work done for free for residents that cannot afford the repairs. The Town of Andover is waiving permit fees for repair work related to the gas explosions.

The Andover Community Services Department is offering free continental breakfast and a hot lunch for all residents every day through Friday, September 21. Residents are asked to call and register at 978-623-8320.

The Andover/North Andover YMCA in Andover is open to residents of both communities who want to use the facilities to shower or workout.

Where To Get Help In North Andover

Customers in the unaffected area who still don't have gas service should call call Columbia at 866-388-3239.

Columbia Gas is setting up a Community Claims and Resource Center for North Andover residents and businesses. The center is located in the First and Main Plaza at 115 Main Street (the space adjacent to CVS). The center is scheduled to be open on Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 pm, and Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm. There will be a town staff member present to answer non-claim related questions.

Columbia Gas has a Website with more information on property claims process.

Customers, regardless of where they live, may have to repair or replace service lines, furnaces, water heaters, and gas appliances. NiSource, the parent company of Columbia Gas, is arranging to have the work done for free for residents that cannot afford the repairs. The Town of Andover is waiving permit fees for repair work related to the gas explosions.

The Andover/North Andover YMCA in Andover is open to residents of both communities who want to use the facilities to shower or workout.

Never miss another local news story: Get free local news alerts right to your inbox.

Photo by John Guilfoil Public Relations LLC.

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