Dear members of the Columbia community:
We are writing with more information about the natural gas condition at 122nd Street and Broadway reported through emergency text messages earlier today.
According to Con Edison, the condition was a result of a high-pressure leak on a gas main at Broadway near 122nd Street. FDNY and other emergency personnel responded immediately and have addressed the leak. Columbia Environmental Health & Safety conducted monitoring in campus buildings and outside on campus grounds; no hazardous conditions were observed.
As a precaution, Knox Hall was evacuated. The building has since resumed normal operations. 1 train service was temporarily suspended while FDNY was completing its investigation. Train service has resumed with residual delays.
The natural gas dispersed in the air. The drifting of the gas has created a noticeable smell several blocks from 122nd Street. If you smell a high concentration of the odor, seek outdoor air in a less concentrated area and contact Public Safety at 212-854-5555. For more information on gas safety, please visit Con Edison’s Gas Leak: Frequently Asked Questions web page. If you are experiencing any heating/cooling issues or other operational concerns, please contact the Facilities Services Center.
This is the final update regarding this incident.
Emergency Management Operations Team