“about 10 times greater than the threshold at which explosions can occur. “
Well if its above the explosive level then there’s no issue! /s of course!
Natural gas has a small combustion range, between 4-14% concentration burning the fastest at 10%. Anything more or less will not burn, but if there is a heavy concentration, somewhere close by it is in that explosive range.
Leaks happen in old steel and cast iron systems, corrosion protection was not the greatest decades ago. Most utilities have periodic driving or walking surveys over mains and services with electronic equipment to detect leaks. If any are found, further investigation by making test holes in the area would tell if it is something that needs immediate attention.
One would think if the case here were actually as described immediate attention would be required.
I was thinking the same. I watch mythbusters enough to know that if they overdo it, there is no earth shattering kaboom.
If a private utility is responsible for the gas mains, this is surprising. If the fedgov or a municipal utility is in charge, no surprise.
I noticed that very little hard information was given. I suspect that's because, like global warming, the real data doesn't justify even a news story.