DETROIT (WWJ) -- A high pressure gas main in Southwest Detroit has been shut off as investigators try to determine what caused the ground to bubble up.
Over the weekend, residents in the area of Fort and Dearborn streets say they heard an explosion, while others reported they smelled gas.
The issue caused the ground to buckle and raise up several feet, leading to the demolition of the marijuana dispensary, Stash Detroit, which had become structurally unsound.
In a statement, DTE Energy said there was no evidence to indicate natural gas was the cause of the incident, and the utility said a natural gas explosion did not occur.
Still, DTE shut down a 24-inch high-pressure gas main on Wednesday night along Dearborn Street out of "an abundance of caution" as the ongoing ground shift continues to impact the natural gas infrastructure and public safety.
In the meantime, DTE is installing a temporary bypass that will restore the natural gas service to six businesses being affected by the shutdown.
“We’re still investigating the root cause of this ground upheaval, which continues to apply pressure to DTE’s utility equipment,” said Hakim Berry, COO for the City of Detroit. “We thank DTE for its detailed monitoring of the natural gas system, which alerted engineers to a potential issue.”
The installation of the bypass will interrupt the Great Lakes Water Authority’s (GLWA) normal wastewater solids processing at its local facilities on Jefferson Avenue, leading to a possible increase of odor in the area. However, GLWA says the quality of the water will not be affected.
Crews are still trying to determine if an adjacent building located on Fort Street that was also affected by the incident will need to be demolished.
Engineers and other workers have been testing the stability of the ground before any further work is done in the area.
West Fort and Dearborn streets continue to be closed, while other surrounding streets have also been affected.
DTE is urging residents who smell or suspect a gas leak to immediately evacuate the area, and call 911 and the company at 800-947-5000.
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