Seaside Heights Access Prohibited Thursday for Gas Pressurization

Access to Seaside Heights will be prohibited for one day this week as New Jersey Natural Gas works to pressurizes the barrier island.

Representatives from the utility met with the borough's mayor last week to discuss the plan, which prohibits access to the area on Thursday, Dec. 13. 

"According to the schedule they have in place, access to Seaside Heights will only have to be denied for one day while they pressurize their system," reads a statement on the borough's website. 

No one — save for police and fire personnel — will be allowed in Seaside Heights beginning 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12 until 7 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 14. The borough asks that residents do not put any garbage to the curb on Wednesday "to help ensure that the process goes smoothly."

"By not putting any garbage out for this one day, it will allow the NJNG personnel to detect leaks and access any problems much more efficiently," the statement continues.

NJNG has said that any sources of ignition, cars included, cannot be present when its system is pressurized. Anyone who smells gas is asked to call 1-800-GAS-LEAK.

Last week, the borough expanded access by two hours, permitting property owners to enter between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Access to Toms River barrier islands is being restricted between Dec. 8 and 13, according to the township. The complete and detailed schedule is available on the township's website.