DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – There is growing concern amid some Dallas County residents following a fatal home explosion in Northwest Dallas last month that led to the discovery of numerous gas leaks in the area.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins is calling on Atmos to be transparent moving forward.
“I’d like to see more information accessible to the public. Interactive maps…transparency is good for everyone,” he said.
The pipes in Northwest Dallas were steel but Jenkins said Atmos in the midst of replacing hundreds of cast iron pipes across the city.
Federal regulators have warned states to replace dangerous cast iron natural gas lines.
21 states have already replaced the dangerous lines, Texas isn’t among them.
“The vast majority that’s left in Texas is right here in Dallas. Houston had it removed 20 years ago. So, we need to get that out of the ground,” he said.
Since the deadly explosion, Atmos has been forced to increase it’s evacuation area following a series of leaks.
Jenkins said the company has promised a full replacement by 2023.
“I’d like to have it done as soon as possible. I’d like to have it done this year,” he said.
Atmos has been providing residents displaced by the gas shutdown with stipends to help cover the cost of living while the work is being done.
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