CORYELL COUNTY, Texas — A Coryell County family's issue reportedly caused by an Atmos Energy pipeline project was ignored for six years, but after 6 News got involved -- the family's property is finally getting the attention they've been asking for.
Atmos Energy representatives walked the Erwin family's property on Tuesday, Aug. 6 and left after putting an offer on the table to fix the problem.
"Big sigh of relief," said Randy Erwin, who originally reached out to 6 News for a 6 Fix. "I've done it quite a few times since they called and agreed to pay all the damages on the road and lowering the gas line. Thank you all very much for helping us, we don't think we could have done it without you."
Randy Erwin emailed 6 News about getting involved after he said he exhausted all resources to get Atmos Energy to act. He was trying to get his family's property back to its original state before Atmos Energy replaced a decades old pipeline that ran through the property. It was also important for him as he had promised his late father that he would take care of the property.
Now, Erwin is relieved and thankful to say he can keep that promise.
"Your daddy would be very proud of you," said Corinne Erwin, Randy's mom and also the property owner. "He'd be very pleased with him."
"I did what he asked me to do and I'll continue as long as I can, but you know, I'm just happy with the outcome," Randy Erwin added.
The messy mayhem on the Erwin's property included the road washing out, creating larger issues like flooding out the barn and sending water closer to the house.
Those are two of the main issues that will be addressed when contractors start their work that Atmos Energy will be paying for.
"They were out here about an hour or so," Randy Erwin said. "They drove I guess from Dallas and they just walked up the hill and looked it over and said 'What do you want done?' We told them. They'd already looked at the bids and they agreed to it right then. So it was a worthwhile trip for both of us."
The Erwins say after the six-year battle with Atmos Energy to get their property fixed, they learned some big lessons.
"It's when you don't have a choice," said Corinne Erwin. "They have an easement. They come through here and they do what they want to. Of course, it's subcontractors, but they're still responsible for it. The subcontractors don't care, or at least the ones we had didn't care."
"Get everything in writing," Randy Erwin added. "Details. Details. Details. Get it in writing and get it signed."
The family also learned to reach out for a 6 Fix, knowing 6 News will try its best to get solutions.
"Thank goodness I emailed y'all and asked for help, boy did y'all come across," Randy Erwin said. "They were true to their word until Baylee [Bates] got ahold of them. It's what you call jerking the chain. You jerked the chain and got somebody's attention."
"Baylee changed it all," Corinne Erwin added.
6 News reached out to Atmos Energy to get a comment about the six-year-old complaint. They declined to comment but said they would work directly with the Erwins. Here is what their email statement read:
"Atmos Energy is committed to the safety of our employees and communities, delivering a reliable source of energy and providing exceptional customer service. We have been and are working directly with the customer, and we appreciate you bringing this to our attention."
The Erwins say Atmos Energy will be sending over the paperwork in the next day or two, and contract work will be able to begin shortly after.
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