As Forest Ave Gas Main Plan Solidifies, Leak Concerns Surface on Aquidneck Avenue

As new concerns surface regarding natural gas leaks along Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown's oldest gas mains running beneath Forest Avenue are moving closer toward a complete replacement plan that could start construction next summer, according to current engineering timetables.

Thomas R. O'Loughlin, Middletown Public Works Director, said Tuesday night that town officials are working with National Grid engineers on a plan to replace 3,000 to 5,000 feet of the utility company's gas main segments under Forest Avenue, where pipes are comprised of aging wrapped steel, cast iron and other steel. According to O'Loughlin, a National Grid engineer came out recently to assess the area, officially kicking off the design phase for a project in which new heavy-duty PVC composite plastic pipes that are more resilient to vibrations and deterioration would replace the aging metal pipes.

"Our goal is to start construction by next summer," O'Loughlin told Patch after briefing the Town Council. "It's still in the design phase and once that's over, they'll officially put it on the slate where they would release funding."

National Grid, which assumed responsibility for natural gas utilities in Rhode Island four years ago, is currently undertaking its largest annual gas main replacement program ever in the state of Rhode Island, with an estimated $50 million allotted for the improvements, said David Graves, a National Grid Providence-based spokesperson.

So far funds have not been released for any Middletown replacement projects, but the Forest Avenue gas main would be the first in line, said O'Loughlin.

On May 20, a gas leak on Forest Avenue north of the Airport Access road near Bluegrass Drive resulted in a neighborhood evacuation and has since raised residents' concerns over area safety.

At Monday night's Town Council meeting, member Theresa Santos raised concerns over gas leaks reported by residents on Aquidneck Avenue between Newman and Morris Avenue. Given the recent events and concerns over Forest Avenue, she questioned whether National Grid would address Aquidneck Avenue in the same manner as Forest Avenue for a complete gas main replacement. "Are they waiting for an explosion at someone's house?" Santos asked rhetorically.

Town resident Manny Mello used to work installing gas mains all over Aquidneck Island for many years and said he can smell a leak easily. He echoed Santos' concerns regarding both streets, adding, "I know what can happen with gas and I know Forest Avenue has one of the oldest gas lines there is."

O'Loughlin maintained that National Grid has been cooperative and responsive to the town's concerns. If a leak is reported, the company will replace that section of piping at the source right away, he said, adding, "They're actually being proactive and starting to replace pipes before any more occur."

On Aquidneck Avenue, approximately 10 service lateral gas pipes have already been replaced, O'Loughlin noted.

O'Loughlin also noted the difference in funding which would determine the scope of work to be done on each separate project. The Forest Avenue complete gas main would likely be funded from National Grid's $50 million Capital Improvement budget, while leaks reported elsewhere, such as those described by Santos on Aquidneck Avenue, would be repaired as they occur by the National Grid Maintenance Division.

The May 20 leak was fixed at the source when it occurred, according to National Grid. Company records also show that segments of current gas mains along Forest Avenue are cast iron installed in the early 1900s and other sections constructed of steel pipes installed in the 1950s and 1960s, which are more prone to deterioration compared to the heavy duty and more resilient plastic composite materials used today.

For more information about gas leaks, click here.

To report a gas leak, call National Grid at 1-800-892-2345.