Masked Gas Men Worry Neighbors

Gas work on 28th Street. Photo by Peggy Sands.

Walking his dog down 28th Street below Dumbarton Street June 13, Georgetown resident Edward Segal was more than a little surprised to come upon a group of masked men.

They were gas workers with black hooded masks covering their faces and heads, along with white helmets. Each wore a bright red jump suit with neon yellow stripes and heavy gloves. Attached to each man’s belt was what looked like an oxygen canister.

“It was scary,” Segal said. “I didn’t ask them what was going on because I just wanted to get out of there since I wasn’t protected.” When he went back later in the evening, he found a trench and warning signs, reading: No Smoking. Gas Venting.

“I have no idea what they were doing,” Segal told The Georgetowner. “I don’t think it’s my responsibility to ask. But there were no notifications posted anywhere. How long will our community continue to tolerate the lack of communications, accountability and transparency by the Washington Gas Company?”

Segal notified several officials in Georgetown about the incident but no one could say what was going on. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Rick Murphy told him he had contacted the Office of the People’s Counsel, a new independent agency of the D.C. government that handles “advocacy, education and protection between D.C. residents and the utility companies.”

An OPC public relations officer told The Georgetowner June 16 that she had not heard of the incident but would have an official call (that had not happened as of press time). By June 18, there were neither trench nor workers.

“Gone but not forgotten,” Segal said. “God knows when they will be back.” He said he hopes they will notify the neighborhood the next time masked men are to gather there.