MASON CITY – A gas leak this morning on Highway 122 West is now contained, an Alliant Energy official confirmed at 11:22 AM.
Highway 122 West had been closed and blocked for some time as what appeared to be a release valve at gate station was ejected natural gas into the air. The release valve acts as a “circuit breaker,” NIT is told, or a safety mechanism, to prevent a larger leak. “The system operated as intended,” the official stated, in preventing a larger problem.
The road was closed “to eliminate the possibility of sparks,” the Alliant Spokesman said. “Safety is our first priority.”
The “evacuation” was lifted at 11:11 AM.
The interstate gas pipeline, owned by Northern Natural Gas, supplies Alliant Energy, who then disperses to its customers.
There was no interruption of service to Alliant Energy customers.