NEWTON, Kan. — Gov. Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency late Thursday for Harvey County after officials detected an ongoing underground natural gas release in a Newton housing development.
The verbal declaration was made at 8:09 p.m. Thursday, following Harvey County’s own disaster declaration two days earlier. The move allows state agencies to assist local officials in investigating the source of the gas and recommending steps to protect residents in the Fox Ridge neighborhood.
“I am issuing this declaration to help in assisting local authorities in Harvey County,” Kelly said in a statement. “The Kansas Division of Emergency Management and state agency Emergency Support Function partners are keeping in close contact with authorities in Harvey County and providing requested resources.”
State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm said his office is working with other state agencies, local officials and private industry partners to reduce the risk of fire or explosion from the uncontrolled release. Scientists from the Kansas Geological Survey are helping authorities trace the gas to its source.
The Fire Marshal’s office deployed two Regional Hazardous Materials teams to monitor the atmosphere. Emergency Response Chief Gregg Bollella, along with the agency’s search and rescue and hazmat program managers, were also sent to serve as subject matter experts and liaisons.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is leading the investigation, providing technical guidance and coordinating with an environmental consultant. The Kansas Corporation Commission is also offering assistance.