Rustic Ridge

Please see below for a message to our gas customers in the Rustic Ridge neighborhood of Plum Borough. 

August 25, 2023 – Beginning immediately on the morning of August 12, Peoples began the comprehensive analysis of our natural gas distribution system. While that work continues even today, we can share the following updates:             

A thorough review of our equipment and pipelines was conducted by our experienced field team overseen by officials from the Public Utility Commission and other governmental agencies. As a result, we can report that our pipelines in the area were not and are not leaking.

After comprehensive testing and records review, it was determined that our system pressure was and continues to be at normal levels.

Our detailed review of mercaptan (odorant added to natural gas) levels resulted in a determination that the mercaptan levels were and are within normal range.

Using state-of-the-art technology which detects stray natural gas, we continue to test regularly for potential stray natural gas in the area. We have not detected any stray gas prior to or since the August 12 event.

We have reviewed the entire Rustic Ridge neighborhood’s service lines (pipes owned by homeowners that bring gas from the main into the home) for leaks. Where detected, the customer is alerted, and those leaks are addressed. Of the approximately 230 homes inspected to date, we have found two minor service line leaks.

After learning of reports about suspected calls made to report an odor of natural gas in Rustic Ridge prior to/or on August 12, we conducted an extensive review of our incoming call logs. All phone calls to the company’s call center are logged and recorded. Our research confirms that we did not receive any reports of natural gas odor in Rustic Ridge on August 12 or in the week prior.

 Additionally, we’re keeping our crews in the Rustic Ridge neighborhood for the time being out of an abundance of caution. They are there to conduct detailed safety checks of our system and for residents, including your home service lines for anyone who is interested. We’re also working directly with Rustic Ridge Homeowners Association to support the community’s needs.

Peoples is also bringing all our resources to bear to support the ongoing investigations. We’ll continue to keep our website (www.Peoples-Gas.com) updated with any new information.

The safety of our customers, employees, and the communities we serve remains our top priority. We encourage anyone who believes they detect natural gas odor to leave the area immediately and call our 24-7 hotline: 1-800-400-4271. Customers can learn more about how to recognize signs of natural gas, and other important safety measures, here: www.Peoples-Gas.com/safety.

PREVIOUS UPDATES for our customers in the Rustic Ridge area of Plum Borough

August 17, 2023 - We are bringing all resources to bear to help the Allegheny County Fire Marshal and Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in their investigation. As part of our ongoing commitment to safety and reliability, we continue to survey the area and monitor for the presence of natural gas. Peoples will continue these efforts throughout the coming days to ensure the community’s safety.

Additionally, Peoples crews continue their routine work throughout the region. Teams conduct maintenance, inspections, and monitoring of our systems. This includes performing repair work when necessary.

The safety of our customers, employees and the communities we serve is our number one priority. We encourage any customer who believes they detect natural gas odor to call our 24/7 hotline: 1-800-400-4271. Customers can find more info here: www.peoples-gas.com/safety. Updates will also be made on the Ongoing Outage Map.

August 16, 2023 - Last night, we completed additional system testing with the Allegheny County Fire Marshal and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. This means we can now begin restoring your gas service.

Our technicians are going door to door to conduct a safety check and relight your appliances. If you are not home, we will leave a door hanger that includes our Customer Service contact information: 1-800-764-0111. We will be available on a 24/7 basis and continue to provide updates until service is fully restored.

As a reminder, we require all of our service employees to wear a photo ID. Always ask to see identification before allowing a service worker into your home. And if you ever smell a natural gas odor or suspect a leak, leave the area immediately and call our 24/7 emergency number: 1-800-400-4271.

Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility.

August 16, 2023 - Last night, we completed additional system testing with the Allegheny County Fire Marshal and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. This means we can now prepare to begin restoring your gas service as early as this afternoon. As part of the restoration process, Peoples will need to purge the air and re-energize our system. At that point, we can begin the relight process. If you smell a natural gas odor or suspect a leak, leave the area immediately and call our 24/7 emergency number: 1-800-400-4271. We expect to have service restored to customers in the Rustic Ridge area by the end of the day. Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility.

August 13, 2023 - We spoke at the county's press conference today at 1pm. We won't have further comment until we have more information from the Fire Marshall on when he deems it safe to restore service.  

August 12, 2023 - Our crews continue to work and coordinate with the Allegheny County Fire Marshall, who is leading the investigation. As a precaution, we shut off gas service to about 50 neighborhood homes. We will continue to update our customers on when we believe gas will be restored.  

August 12, 2023 - Our crews are on site and have turned off the gas to the affected area of Plum Borough. Our first priority is the safety of the public and our employees, and we are working closely with local and state responders at the scene. We will share additional information when we know more.