Contributed photo
Piedmont Natural Gas will conduct repairs south of Hamlet starting April 23 through April 30, unless there are delays.
HAMLET — Piedmont Natural Gas has issued an advisory that the company will be performing routine pipeline maintenance south of Hamlet for the next week, which could cause some disturbances to nearby residents but do not warrant emergency 9-1-1 calls.
The maintenance will be conducted near 198 Energy Way by the Duke Energy-Smith Complex. The company said that this is expected to take seven days from April 23-30, barring inclement weather.
Nearby residents and businesses may see a large flame in the air coming from a large vertical pipe used in the repairs known as a “flare stack,” which could cause a loud noise as well. People may notice a “whistling sound” or the smell of natural gas, according to PNG.
“Flare stack operation is a controlled process that will be managed and monitored by Piedmont Natural Gas personnel in cooperation with local fire department resources,” the company said in a press release. “Piedmont’s No. 1 priority is safety – for its customers, its employees and the communities it serves. These activities are key to continuing Piedmont’s safe, reliable natural gas service and meeting the increased demand for natural gas.”
Pictures and drones will not be allowed on the worksite. Local fire departments may be asked to be present.
Jason Wheatley, a spokesperson for PNG, said that this advisory is an effort to inform the public so they don’t make unnecessary 9-1-1 calls, which can potentially cause delays to response to actual emergencies.
