NJNG: Gas Restoration Progress Continues Despite Anomalies

New Jersey Natural Gas crews have replaced more than 65 percent of its primary gas main on the Barnegat Peninsula, despite having found a few anomalies on side streets.

"Following the removal of debris on three side streets, we identified additional anomalies on our main," said Renee Amellio, a company spokesperson.

Going forward, NJNG will bypass side streets that suffered such extensive damage that they cannot be repaired prior to re-pressurization of the entire natural gas system on the barrier island from Bay Head to South Seaside Park. Repairs will then be completed on those streets and service will be restored manually.

"This will allow us to re-pressurize the entire system and restore service to our customers in all towns most quickly," Amellio said.

The company also said beginning Dec. 2, it will provide a map of its work area for each day on its website.

"As soon as an area has been successfully re-pressurized, a second team will begin meter rebuilds for that area," Amellio said.

As was done on Long Beach Island, once a meter at the side of one's home has been replaced or rebuilt, a tag will be placed near the side of the meter and a qualified technician can then turn gas service back on.

Gas service can only be turned back on, however, if electricity has already been turned on, a resident has returned to the home, and a technician has determined it is safe.

The company said despite foul weather on Tuesday, it is still on target to complete the restoration of service to all customers on the barrier island who are able to be restored by the end of December.

Long Beach Island’s Joint Office of Emergency Management is requesting that residents with restored natural gas service bring back their electric space heaters to the Long Beach Township Police Department or the local police department on Long Beach Island, so they can be reused by those who do not yet have service restored.