Tree planter breaks natural gas line at Camas home

"Call before you dig" isn't just for construction companies.

A man who was digging a hole to plant a tree for Earth Day on Friday pierced a plastic natural-gas line and caused a leak at 330 Weir St. in east Camas.

There was no fire and no one was injured, but firefighters told employees of a nearby Taco Bell to close their drive-thru lane until the line was repaired.

The Camas Fire Department was called to the scene shortly before 3 p.m., said Battalion Chief Larry Larimer.

A man at the home was swinging a pick to cut through stubborn tree roots when he split the line, which was about 12 to 18 inches below ground.

A crew with NW Natural gas went to the scene and had the leak stopped about 3:50 p.m., said spokeswoman Jenna Cooper-Gross.

Natural gas, fiber-optic and sewer lines can be buried less deep than folks think because of erosion, zoning and other factors, she said.

It's best to call 811 two business days before digging. The call is free and a crew will locate the lines for free.

If you don't call, you could be held liable for damage.

Weir is a short residential street on the extreme east end of Camas, just south of Evergreen Way.

For more information about natural gas safety, visit www.nwnatural.com.

John Branton: 360-735-4513 or john.branton@columbian.com.