Clean up from Steam Pipe Release in Mid-Town East Underway
The steam pipe sent debris and dust into the air in the early morning hours of Dec. 27 on the corner of E. 52nd St. and Second Ave. Residents in a four block area were told to stay inside and close windows and several buildings were without heat and hot water. The clean up could take several days.
| 30 Dec 2023 | 01:59
Con Ed is testing for asbestos after a steam pipe exploded on E. 52nd St and Second Ave. on Dec. 27. Photo: Citizen App
A steam pipe explosion on the UES forced the closure of several streets, and snarled subways and vehicle traffic on the morning of December 27 as hazmat units descended on the area to check for potential asbestos exposure.
Residents are being urged to close all windows and stay inside although they were being allowed to return to their apartments by Dec. 27.
Con Edison said just after 6 p.m.on Dec. 27 said that initial tests did not detect asbestos in the air but there could be traces in the dust that covered cars and buildings in the area. The rain on the evening of Dec. 27 was expected to help. Con Ed said it is coordinating crews to wash debris from the streets and building facades in the area of the steam leak at East 52nd Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan.
The company said it is working with New York City Emergency Management and other agencies and Con Edison crews will remain at the site around the clock.
The steam leak began shortly after 2 a.m. on Dec. 27 and erupted around 6:45 a.m.
Con Edison shut down a portion of a steam main in response to the release leaving some people without heat and hot water initially. But by week’s end, local residents were allowed to return to their homes but were still being urged to keep windows closed.
“Environmental testing for possible asbestos is being conducted in the affected area, which includes East 51st Street from 2nd Avenue to 3rd Avenue and East 52nd and East 53 Streets from 2nd Avenue to Park Avenue,” Con Edison said in a statement earlier on Dec. 27.. “NYCEM advises residents in this area to shelter in place and other members of the public are asked to stay clear of the affected area for safety reasons.” But by the evening the shelter in place suggestion had been lifted for residents, but officials are still urging local inhabitants to keep windows closed.
The incident has resulted in the interruption of service to eight steam customers, Con Edison said.
While the shelter in place was lifted the day after the explosion, the clean-up is expected to take at least several days, officials said.