Brazoria County officials have issued an all-clear following a natural gas leak in the Alvin area that prompted the evacuation of several homes on Wednesday. The rupture occurred in Hillcrest Village near Fairway Drive, close to the local golf course.
Cause of the Leak
According to Alvin Police, the gas pipeline rupture was caused by someone mowing the grass for the county, which accidentally struck the pipeline.
Alvin City Councilman Scott Salter confirmed that the pipeline is owned by Enterprise and noted that the isolation valves, located 10 miles apart, were the reason it took longer than expected for the gas to dissipate from the line.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
The Brazoria County Fire Marshal reported that 20 homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated, and additional homes and businesses within a half-mile radius of Hillcrest Golf Course were also asked to leave until the situation was under control. Residents were advised to stay clear of the area until the leak was safely contained.
Incident Resolution
Brazoria County confirmed that the gas leak was eventually contained, and all evacuation orders were lifted. Roads around the area have been reopened, and public safety concerns have been resolved. Residents were cleared to return to their homes after the all-clear was issued.
SkyEye, a local news helicopter, reported smelling gas from the air while flying over the scene during the active leak. Alvin ISD also informed parents about the situation, advising that buses were not permitted to enter Hillcrest Village at the time.
Families residing in the evacuated area were asked to make alternate arrangements to pick up their children from school.
