Gas leak sealed

Emergency crews fix valve near optometry site

DTE Energy crew members have sealed a gas leak located near the Michigan College of Optometry (MCO) project.

Physical Plant staff members were advised of a gas leak near the MCO project after a nearby pedestrian reported it to the Department of Public Safety (DPS).Due to the leak being located near the project site, Clark Construction’s project manager Tim Ward was contacted to investigate the odor. According to DPS officials, the source of the gas leak was along the sidewalk between the MCO project main construction site entrance and Ferris Drive.

DTE Energy representatives evaluated the site to determine the cause of the suspected leak. Upon investigating the site, DTE’s response team made the decision to close the sidewalk between Ferris Drive and the MCO entrance.

Director of Physical Plant Operations and Project Management Mark Eichenberg said DTE Energy crew members were able to determine the cause of the gas leak.

“Representatives determined that the source of the leak was from stem packing a mainline distribution valve,” said Eichenberg.

According to Eichenberg, on Sept. 13 at approximately 4:00 p.m. the emergency crew sealed off the leak.

“The assigned crew injected sealant into the valve as corrective action,” said Eichenberg. “The valve was then reviewed later that afternoon.”

Representatives of DTE Energy are scheduled to continue to monitor the valve site.