Atmos Energy is installing signage in a small swath of Starkville to let residents know of an ongoing $2 million effort replacing aging infrastructure.
Although the infrastructure rehabilitation project, which focuses on an area roughly between Gillespie and Scales streets and north of Lampkin Street, began in October, the company recently started ramping up its effort to spread the word about the project, dotting intersections and other right-of-way areas with small billboards explaining contractors’ efforts and listing area representatives’ contact information for inquiries and complaints.
“There seemed to be some confusion as to what we’re doing and why we’re doing it,” said Atmos Public Affairs Director Robert Lesley. “This is a good thing. We just want the people of Starkville to know (what the company is doing).”
The Starkville project is part of an almost $50 million statewide effort upgrading aging infrastructure. Specifically, Lesley said Tuesday, some of the Starkville lines being replaced “date back to the 1940s.”
Atmos is planning another local rehabilitation project this summer. The company is still determining the area that will receive new infrastructure, he said, but the project will likely focus on the northeastern portion of Starkville.
Referring to the “shale gas revolution,” Lesley told Starkville aldermen on Tuesday that Atmos is taking advantage of lower natural gas prices now so residents won’t experience the burden of infrastructure upgrades on their monthly bill.
“Since gas prices are a vast majority of your gas bill … we can come in and make these replacements – give areas of Starkville pretty much a new gas system – and your bill is going to be lower than what it was eight years ago,” he said.
Mears Construction of Houston, Texas, Atmos’ subcontractor, is handling the on-location work in Starkville.
In December, Lesley said workers were utilizing directional drilling to minimize ground and infrastructure impact. The process uses sonar to guide drilling and allows workers to avoid traditional trench-digging efforts that have more of an impact to the site’s surroundings.
Even with advanced technology and processes, sometimes the work still must tear through yards or roadways. For example, Starkville Utilities General Manager Terry Kemp confirmed at least eight incidents in December where subcontractors damaged an existing water or sewer line, and Atmos previously had a small portion of Scales Street repaved after it was damaged.
“In every case, whether it is concrete or sod, we are committed to restoring the neighborhood to at least as good a condition as when we started,” Lesley said.
At least one resident, however, is not satisfied with the subcontractor’s performance.
Emil Lovely, who owns properties on McKinley Street and Earnest Jones Jr. Drive, said workers dug holes in his yard but ultimately addressed some of the affected areas. But he said they also left behind litter, including empty water bottles and pails.
At Tuesday’s board of aldermen meeting, he called Mears “the sloppiest company I’ve ever seen in my neighborhood.”
“I finally got them to come out and fix the sidewalk they broke up, but they haven’t done anything to refurbish the yard. The pile of dirt is still there. When they put in the gas line, they dug a hole but they didn’t level the yard,” Lovely said. “(Left behind trash) is inconsiderate. I know things aren’t going to be done overnight, but I expect something to be done. If you’re not going to do it then, at least tell me when you will.”
Atmos representatives in attendance Tuesday told Lovely they would address his concerns and “get it done.”
Attempts to contact Mears were unsuccessful by press time.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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