Plumbers and staff question Columbia Gas analysis for 480 Douglas Street; commissioners direct follow-up

Contractors and county staff raised concerns Oct. 30 about a Columbia Gas recommendation to install a larger gas line at the county building located at 480 Douglas Street.

A county plumber and other onsite contractors said they believe a 2-inch gas main already exists and that it should provide sufficient pressure for building systems and the backup generator. The plumber questioned the vendor’s analysis and suggested that Columbia Gas may be recommending additional work that the contractor said is unnecessary. A figure of $11,000 was mentioned in the discussion as the estimated cost for related work.

County staff said they will contact Columbia Gas to request another on-site visit with county personnel to verify the line size and pressure and to seek clarification of the company's recommendations before committing to additional work.

What happens next: staff will arrange a follow-up inspection with Columbia Gas and report findings to the commissioners.