Update: FEMA and Xcel Status of Lyons Repairs

BOULDER – Xcel Energy Inc. on Wednesday released an update on damage and repair operations going on in Boulder County in relation to the flooding that has ravaged the area in the past week, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency has also provided some updated figures on damage.

Xcel said a valve is being installed in the natural gas pipeline south of the fire station in Lyons to cut service to flooded areas. Gas valves in parts of Lyons that were not flooded are being turned off in preparation for gas to be put into the system as early as this week.

In Longmont, Xcel said access to some flooded neighborhoods still has not been possible. Crews have responded to emergency leaks but won’t begin assessing the damage until water recedes and roads are passable.

North of Boulder, an operation at U.S. Highway 36 and Middle Fork Road has begun to install new sections of natural gas pipe.

Xcel anticipates a long-term interruption to gas service in Coal Creek Canyon because of damage to the gas main along Colorado Highway 72. In Pine Brook Hills, meanwhile, natural gas has been reintroduced to the pipe near Lee Hill Road and Olde Stage Road, with gas service restoration to homes in the area under way.

Xcel said 245 customers in Boulder County remained without electricity as of Tuesday afternoon. Xcel said it is making significant progress in repairing poles and wires in Four Mile Canyon.

FEMA released its updated damage numbers on Tuesday evening. Of the 4,071 structures that had been evaluated to that point, there were 290 damaged residences and 262 destroyed. Thirty commercial buildings had suffered damage, while four were destroyed.

FEMA said 109 people remained unaccounted for, with 736 entries from the unaccounted list having been closed.

(source: Boulder County Business Report)