An O&R employee, who was updating a map of gas mains, accidentally clipped a two-inch gas main with a digging bar today. The incident occurred at 131 Deltic Road in New City at 10:05 a.m. O&R Spokesman Mike Donovan said just one customer was affected and their service was restored by 2:20 p.m.
There have been a number of problems in recent weeks. Donovan attributed that to the increased number of construction projects occurring during the warmer months and also the improving economy. He said the utility tries to make contractors who will be excavating aware of “811,” a number they can call to notify utilities that they will be digging.
“They call that one number and all the utilities are contacted,” he said.
The utilities then mark where their lines run on the property where work will be taking place.
O&R also meets with contractors in their service territory on an annual basis to make them aware of the importance of getting utility lines marked before any digging begins. Contractors are notified in advance about the program, which will be held this fall. Donovan said contractors interested in attending could contact Joe Mandara of the O&R Gas Department at 845-577-3011. The session is not open to the public.
