PITTSBORO, N.C. — Construction crews have caused gas leaks, power outages and property damage in a Chatham County neighborhood.
The construction has a big benefit: connecting neighbors to high-speed internet. But neighbors say damage to utility lines has become more than just an inconvenience, it’s also a big safety concern.
The crews doing the work are subcontractors for Brightspeed internet, installing fiber cable in the Chatham Forest neighborhood.
5 On Your Side first reached out to the Town of Pittsboro on March 20 after getting a tip that gas, water and electricity lines were damaged in several different accidents by Brightspeed contractors.
Later the same day, the town put a stop work order on Brightspeed “due to ongoing and repetitive damage to private properties and public utilities.”
“It’s been a little disruptive,” said Chatham Forest resident Kelly Dalton. “I know the gas lines and the safety are the main concern, but a lot of people have had their yards torn up.”
The town of Pittsboro allowed Brightspeed to resume work on April 16 after what town leaders called “several productive meetings where concerns were shared and operational adjustments were made.”
The same day workers resumed digging; they struck a gas line. The next day, April 17, they struck an electric line.
“It seems like there’s just not a whole lot of consideration for the people living here and the safety of everybody,” Dalton said.
Brightspeed told 5 On Your Side that in all six cases of a utility strike involving Brightspeed, “the issues were caused by inaccurate or missed locates by the utility’s owners which, unfortunately, is beyond our control.”
5 On Your Side checked on that claim:
- The town of Pittsboro owns the water and sewer lines, and says their markings were correct.
- Duke Energy said their records showed three claims of a third party digging into their line, but no mention of an incorrect marking.
- Dominion Energy owns the gas lines. They would not say whether their markings were correct.
“It is a little frustrating to be honest with you,” said another Chatham Forest neighbor Marcus Shaw.
Crews had to dig holes in his yard and his neighbors’ yards, and Shaw is concerned that there is an underground pipe that suffered damage from the work.
“We just want resolutions. We’re fair people in general.” Shaw said. “I just want to take care of the property. I want the property to look good.”
Even though work is now done in Chatham Forest, Dalton says she worries about the way this project has gone and how Brightspeed’s expansion into other parts of the community may affect families and businesses.
“We just want to make sure everyone stays safe and no more gas lines are hit,” Dalton said.
Any neighbors with damage complaints should contact Brightspeed directly.
North Carolina law requires anyone doing excavation or demolition to contact NC 811 to have utilities located at least three days before starting work.
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
