A construction-related natural gas leak on West Hills Road prompted a three-hour emergency response Monday morning that led to a road closure and shelter-in-place orders for nearby residents.
Philomath Fire and Rescue responded to the incident at 9:35 a.m. in the 3200 block of West Hills Road east of Bullevard Street after construction crews struck an unmarked gas line, officials with the local fire district reported. The emergency response lasted until 12:37 p.m.
Fire crews established a 300-foot safety perimeter around the leak site and rerouted traffic during the incident. Three nearby residences were advised to shelter in place as a precautionary measure, though no evacuations were necessary.
Seven firefighters and three apparatus from Philomath Fire and Rescue responded to the scene with assistance from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. NW Natural crews responded and successfully capped the damaged line to stop the leak.
Philomath Fire and Rescue said no utility service interruptions were required for area customers during the incident.
The city of Corvallis has been doing work on West Hills Road and Reservoir Road related to the replacement of 2,700 feet of a water transmission main. According to the city, it is part of a larger project that will ultimately rebuild about 13,000 feet of pipe that carries water from the Rock Creek plant to the Bald Hill Reservoir.