Contractor Says It Acted Properly On Day Of Explosions

LAWRENCE, MA -- A Dorchester-based contractor that was doing work for Columbia Gas of Massachusetts in Lawrence hours before explosions destroyed or damaged more than 70 buildings on Sept. 13 says it acted "professionally, safely and correctly." Feeney Brothers issued a statement that said the company is also cooperating with federal investigators trying to determine what caused the explosions, which injured more than two dozen people and left an 18-year-old Lawrence man dead.

Workers for Feeney Brothers were working under the direction of Columbia Gas on a low-pressure to low-pressure gas main tie-in at the intersection of South Union and Salem Streets in Lawrence on the day of the explosions, which led to the evacuation of thousands of residents in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence. The company said its workers followed written directions from Columbia and under the supervision of a Columbia Gas union inspector.

"Feeney’s crew and Columbia Gas’s inspector were interviewed by Columbia Gas managers in the early hours of Friday morning after which Columbia Gas reported that our crew was solid and had done nothing wrong," Feeney Brothers said in its statement. "This was subsequently confirmed by other Columbia Gas representatives who indicated that Feeney followed the Columbia Gas procedures correctly and as directed."

More than 8,000 Columbia Gas customers in the three communities remain without service. Restoration of that service could take months, as crews have to replace underground gas mains in all three communities.

Gas line work is scheduled to begin on Monday. The towns will announce which streets are being worked on each day, and residents should expect traffic delays. There will be 20 construction crews working in Andover at the outset, with the number expected to rise to 65 by October 1. Columbia Gas held a job fair Saturday to hire electricians, plumbers, building inspectors and customer service representatives to help with the restoration.

"While the investigation will take time, we have no doubt that Feeney’s crew will be found to have done their work professionally, safely and correctly. We stand by our crew and all our workers," Feeney Brothers said.

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Assistance For People In All Three Communities

The state said people who lost wages as a result of the gas explosions can file for unemployment assistance. The state set up a dedicated phone line for information on filing a claim at 877-355-1135. Residents can also visit the Valley Works Career Center at 255 Essex Street in Lawrence.

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue is waiving late tax payment penalties for any late-filed return or payment that was due on or after September 12th and before October 1st. If any taxpayer in the affected areas receives a penalty for this period they should call (617) 887-6367.

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.

There is 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 weekdays. The center is 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 be open noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays 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.

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.

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 weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.on 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.

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.

Hot plates for Andover residents who do not have gas service are available for pickup at Andover Town Offices at 36 Bartlett Street. Space heaters should be available early next week. For residents who are converting to electric heat furnaces, the town is waving permit fees.

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 Tuesday-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.

There is 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 weekdays. The center is staffed by representatives of municipal and state agencies as well as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army and disaster relief organizations affiliated.

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.

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Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker meets with Andover business owners last week. Photo by Gov. Baker via Twitter.

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