04/16 Update:
30 more evacuations have been lifted for Georgetown homes and businesses. Atmos Energy says the number of total evacuations still in place has dropped to 65, including 24 businesses and 41 homes. There is still gas trapped under the soil following a leak back in February.
2nd Update:
A few families have been allowed to return to their homes amid a month-long evacuation in Georgetown, however the vast majority remain displaced. Atmos Energy still doesn’t know when the full evacuation will be lifted. The City of Georgetown said it has not issued any disaster declaration because it has no oversight over pipeline safety, which falls under the role of the Railroad Commission.
Update:
Exactly one month ago, natural gas leaking underground in Georgetown forced an evacuation of some homes and businesses. That number has grown steadily by the day every since, with more than 70 homes and nearly as many businesses still unable to return. Atmos Energy has given no timeframe for when the gas will be cleared from underneath the soil where it has been trapped.
Original:
The area around Williams Drive and River Bend continues to be an evacuation zone due to last months’ underground natural gas leak in Georgetown. Atmos Energy has been forced to shut off service to hundreds of homes beyond that area itself, but Assistant City Manager Laurie Brewer says the pilot lights are beginning to come back on.
68 homes and 66 businesses remain evacuated.
(Photo: Shutterstock By Herman Evseev)
