STEELTON, Pa.-- Good news for dozens of people living in Steelton, Dauphin County. As of 8:00 p.m. Saturday night, everyone is safe to return to their homes and apartments.
Sixty-two people were evacuated from their residences in the borough, after a large propane leak was discovered just before 3:00 p.m. The affected homes were along Front and Second Streets, from Gibson to Eleanor Streets in Steelton.
A media release from Amy Richards Harinath, Press Secretary for the Dauphin County Commissioners, issued on Saturday night stated the following: "UGI Energy Services has successfully transferred the contents of a leaking propane tank that malfunctioned at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 28 in Steelton. UGIES, Dauphin County HAZMAT and PP&L crews have conducted safety checks and tested air quality in the affected areas... and have cleared the site for re-entry."
UGI says a crew was unloading liquid propane from a rail car into a storage tank when a relief valve malfunctioned, resulting in the release of propane. It is unclear how much, if any, product was lost as a result of the leak, as well as how much propane was in the storage tank when the relief valve malfunctioned.
As of Friday night, there was hope that the clean-up could be complete overnight, but crews realized that could not happen.
"As we were continuing the process of unloading the propane from the compromised tank, we discovered that there were some additional valve issues with that particular tank," said Pam Witmer of UGI Energy Services.
As of Saturday afternoon, the contents of the partially-full storage tank had been successfully offloaded and the site is secure. After testing the defective tank and ensuring the relief valve was safe for use, Emergency Management and Hazardous Materials personnel cleared the area and deemed it safe.
As residents return home though, they are asked to call 911 immediately if they smell gas.
The Red Cross shelter that had been set up inside Steelton Elementary School is closing. Approximately 16-people were staying at the shelter.
Residents with questions or concerns can visit Steelton's website at www.steeltonpa.com or call Dauphin County Communications at (717) 558-6900.