I spent some time last evening, and into the wee hours of this morning, in Mr. Picard’s Fourth Ward. I purposely went there to see what the “word on the street” and in the popular gathering places was concerning this apparent problem we have with the encroachment of gas lines into sanitary sewer lines.

What I found out was frightening.

First, a little background:

I do not have a copy of the International Property Maintenance Code, but if memory serves (always a risky proposition in my case) it incorporates by reference a number of standards which are common in the construction world. I would be amazed if, by reference or otherwise, a separation of at least 18” was not mandated for natural gas lines crossing sanitary sewer lines, and an even greater separation for such lines running parallel to one another. (As an aside, there are similar requirement for the separation of sewer lines and potable water lines, but that is a discussion for another day.)

Failing to abide by such mandates, is not just “naughty”. Such violations are not to be compared to, say, an individual innocently placing a shed a foot or two too close to a lot line, or perhaps accidentally parking a car too long in front of his home.

These code violation are actually dangerous to life, limb and property and may be completely hidden not only to the current owners or residents of properties, but also to innocent passers-by and future residents.

Even worse, the “word on the street” is that:

This is NOT the first such incident;

That other such incidents have been covered up;

That city officials are aware of many such violations but have chosen to “look the other way”;

That some gas laterals to homes were actually run INSIDE the sanitary laterals! (As cynical as I can be, even I cannot belief this one, but I have been assured it is true!);

That C,G&E/Duke directed/approved of such installations;

That most members of City Council are aware of these violations!

So, what about it, Mr. Picard???

I post here over my real name, and you DO know who I am, so I ask:

Mr. Picard, are YOU aware of this situation, and if so, what do YOU intend to do to protect the citizens of YOUR Fourth Ward and the rest of the city of Middletown?

Do YOU intend to call for an INDEPENDENT investigation to learn if Middletown City officials were aware of this situation and turned a blind eye?

What DO you intend to do to ascertain the extent of this situation, and rectify it?

Has this subject EVER been discussed by four or more Council members OUTSIDE of a City Council meeting?