WGL Says Gas Leak Problems Are Resolved

In an effort to stop gas leaks in Prince George’s County, Md., Washington Gas Light has started injecting heavy hydrocarbons into its gas stream. “The objective of injecting heavy hydrocarbons in the form of hexane into the gas stream…is to mitigate or reverse the shrinkage of the seals in mechanical couplings,” said Tim Sargeant, media relations director for Washington Gas. The company alleges that gas supplied by the Dominion Cove Point LNG terminal is responsible for deteriorating the seals in the couplings of the distribution system, resulting in increased leaks. Dominion and the import shippers have challenged WGL’s assertions, citing extensive infrastructure problems with WGL’s distribution system. Residents have expressed mixed feelings on the ongoing repairs, with some noting that the smell of gas remains strong. An article published today in The Gazette has the story.

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