SARA HANSEN / MESSENGER PHOTO
Hazmat teams close Gunnison Main Street businesses Friday while they search for a gas leak.

Gasoline leak shuts down Gunnison Main Street, businesses
By Karen Prisbrey
8-15-07

GUNNISON—Gasoline fumes permeated the central business district of Gunnison on Friday, Aug. 10, forcing the closure of all businesses between Center Street and 100 South on Main Street.
City Maintenance Supervisor Donald Childs met with Officer Zack Howick at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the situation. Because of the strong odors and the health risk they posed, the area was cleared until more was known about the circumstances.
Sanpete County Hazmat Officer Nathan Miner was called in at 11:30 to conduct an investigation.
Miner concurred with Howick’s decision to clear the business district, saying, “I would prefer to err on the side of caution rather than take chances. I don’t believe there is any danger due to an explosion, but there are health and respiratory concerns.”
The Gunnison Fire Department Hazmat team also responded to the scene to provide necessary assistance.
According to Childs, “Gasoline fumes had been smelled in the area during the last week, but they were especially pungent this morning at the State Farm Insurance Agency office, the China Gate Café, and at Lila Lee’s Apparel.”
It was reported that Lila Lee Christensen, owner of Lila Lee’s, felt like she had been smelling the fumes off and on since March at the clothing store.
There wasn’t a definite determination as to where the gas was coming from, but concern was expressed that there might be a gasoline leak from the storage tanks at Top Stop or the GIC Convenience Stores.
Wasatch Environmental of Salt Lake City was called in to examine the situation. A point of origin wasn’t determined at that time, but the firm will return the first of the week with additional equipment to track down the source of the spill.
All businesses were allowed to open again late Friday afternoon; however, owners were cautioned that there is still a health risk involved.
If shoppers smell strong odors of gas they are advised to alert the owners, complete their sales, and leave the premises.
Top Stop will remain closed for an indefinite period of time.
Howick said, “We have no idea where the spill is coming from nor where pockets of gas are accumulating. We can’t say it is an explosive situation, but we do know that the caustic fumes pose a health threat. We strongly advise that people are cautious as they are shopping in that area.”