Article Text

Washington Gas has located and repaired the source of a gas leak nine days after a house exploded on Quail Pond Court in Centreville, leaving two people with minor injuries and forcing nearby residents from their homes.

Investigators identified a leaking section of polyethylene plastic pipe near Quail Pond Court and Belle Plains Drive. The discovery followed multiple pressure tests of five neighborhood gas pipelines that officials examined after the Feb. 15 blast.

Washington Gas said crews gradually restored gas to the system and performed leak surveys at each stage. Testing of the surrounding area found no additional leaks.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation. A section of the damaged pipe will undergo laboratory testing in Washington, D.C., to determine why it failed. The agency plans to release a report within 30 days.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue crews conducted neighborhood safety checks Tuesday morning as gas service and appliances were restored in cleared homes.

Many displaced residents have been permitted to return, but 19 homes remain under an evacuation order. Residents were warned not to go home until Fairfax County officials contact them directly and confirm that it is safe.

Officials had granted approval Sunday to restore service to 42 of the 44 affected homes. For properties still under evacuation orders, Washington Gas plans to work with the fire department to inspect household gas piping and safely reactivate appliances once entry is authorized. Firefighters will then complete a final interior safety inspection before determining whether residents may return.

Temporary lodging and reimbursements

Washington Gas said it will continue covering temporary lodging for residents displaced by the explosion. Households that paid for hotels or other temporary accommodations because of the evacuation may also seek reimbursement.

Requests must be emailed to ombudsman@washgas.com and include the resident’s name, address, telephone number, displacement dates and copies of receipts. Only one set of receipts will be accepted per household, and claims must be submitted by March 31.