Staff and inmates at an Oklahoma prison have been working through what has turned out to be a complex repair project after a gas leak is found at the facility.

 

Since February 26, staff and inmates at the Eddie Warrior Correctional Facility in Taft have been working to repair gas leaks. At the beginning, it looked as though the leak was small, but as repairs were made, it became apparent that the prison was dealing with a much larger issue. Inmates at the institution who have been receiving vocational-technical training through the CareerTech program worked to replace 225 feet of steel gas line after the initial leak was discovered. After that replacement, additional leaks were found requiring further repairs.

 

All of the leaks are located outside the facility and have posed no threat of explosion, though the leaks have disrupted heating and kitchen operations. A 500-gallon propane tank was installed to provide hot water for showers, and staff members are using charcoal grills to prepare some hot meals.

 

Officials at the prison say they believe the repairs are close to being completed.

 

The Eddie Warrior Correctional Facility is a minimum-security women's prison in Taft that houses more than 900 inmates.

 

Photo: CareerTech students work to repair leaks. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections