News

Indiana Utilities Corporation’s  Response to Damage at Commissioners Way

On June 1, 2026, Indiana Utilities Corporation (IUC) responded to a reported natural gas leak near the intersection of Commissioners Way and Corydon Ramsey Road. Upon investigation, an IUC field technician determined that a contractor installing fiber conduit along the east side of Corydon Ramsey Road had damaged a marked underground natural gas pipeline while conducting directional boring operations.

The damaged pipeline crossed beneath Commissioners Way and had been properly located and marked by IUC on multiple occasions before construction began. Findings indicate the contractor failed to follow applicable Indiana Dig Law requirements (see below) and safe excavation practices, resulting in damage to the utility pipeline and the subsequent gas leak.

IUC responded promptly to secure the area, assess the damage, and restore safe operations.

Following the damage to the underground pipeline, Indiana Utilities Corporation (IUC) repaired the affected section and conducted pressure testing to ensure the pipeline met all IUC and safety requirements. The repair and restoration efforts were completed with assistance from the Harrison County Fire Department and Harrison County Emergency Management Agency.

After extensive safety checks were completed, the pipeline was safely returned to service, roadways were reopened, and IUC crews began restoring service to affected customers. Technicians continued relighting and safety inspections for impacted customers over the following several days.

As an added safety measure, IUC will conduct a follow-up leak survey in the area to verify the continued integrity of the system.

This incident highlights the importance of safe excavation practices. Anyone planning excavation work is required to contact 811 before digging and obtain the appropriate utility locate information. Following Indiana’s safe digging requirements helps protect underground infrastructure, prevent service disruptions, and keep workers and the public safe.

The underground facility had been marked and identified by IUC multiple times. The contractor didn’t follow the following Indiana Dig Law rules and regulations:

IC 8-1-26-20 (a) (2):

(2) Maintain a clearance between an underground facility, as marked by the operator, and the cutting edge or point of mechanized equipment equal to the tolerance zone of the physical plant. If the clearance is less than two (2) feet, or if an underground facility is located or contained in or under pavement or another manmade hard surface, exposure of the underground facility may be accomplished only as follows:

(A) Only by the use of:

(i) hand excavation;

(ii) air cutting:

(iii) vacuum excavation; or

(iv) hydro vacuum excavation.

IC 8-1-26-20 (b) (i):

(B) Mechanized equipment may not be used within the tolerance zone of the outer limits of the physical plant unless the person responsible for the excavation or demolition does the following:

(i) Visually identifies the precise location of the underground facilities or visually confirms that no facility is present within the depth of the excavation.

5 Steps to safe Excavation:

1. Plan your Project
2. Contact Indiana811 agency
3. Wait for location marks
4. Respect the location marks
5. Dig with care

Public safety is the #1 priority at Indiana Utilities Corporation.

Thank you!

Indiana Utilities Corporation