Coming Together for the Merrimack Valley Project
After a major failure the Columbia Gas distribution system in mid-September left residents of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover without natural gas, the State of Massachusetts issued a state of emergency to provide for an accelerated restoration of the utility service.
Knowing that our expertise and assets were significant, and within range of the affected area, John W. Danforth received an inquiry in mid-October as to whether we could lend our assistance to the project. The requirements of the rules put in place under the state of emergency required a collaborative effort between John W. Danforth, UA Local 773 and the City Administrators in Glens Falls in order to ensure our forces were properly certified to work on the project. This initial success launched the effort to bring the pride of workmanship and dedication to success that our Field staff always strives to deliver, to Merrimack Valley.
From mid-October through to current day the men and women of the following United Association, SMART Locals and participating companies have been working tirelessly seven days a week to deliver heat back to the affected residents:
UA Local 773 Plumbers & Steamfitters | Glens Falls, NY
UA Local 22 Plumbers & Steamfitters | Buffalo, NY
UA Local 104 Plumbers & Steamfitters | Chicopee, MA
UA Local 68 Plumbers | Houston, TX
SMART Local 17 Sheet Metal Workers | Dorchester, MA
SMART Local 83 Sheet Metal Workers | Clifton Park, NY
UA Local 12 Plumbers and Gas Fitters | Boston, MA
UA Local 267 Plumbers & Steamfitters | Syracuse, NY
UA Local 7 Plumbers & Steamfitters | Latham, NY
Heffron
Select Demo
Mac Lynch
All Pro
National Fuel/So Cal/Columbia Gas/PS&G
Currently, the majority of the 10,000 affected residences have had heat restored in time for Christmas, making the Holiday a more cheerful occasion. Our role has evolved from piping installation/repairs, to appliance installation and logistics support, and now to warranty service management and small projects. The majority of the companies involved in this effort have begun demobilizing, but through the high performance and quality workmanship of the Danforth leadership and installers on the ground in the Merrimack Valley, we have been selected as the contractor of choice by NiSource, the parent company of Columbia Gas, and will be taking on a longer term role in the area. This project is another great example of our company’s ability to build meaningful relationships from coast to coast.
