Local News

Chevron Controversy: Free Pizza Coupons After Gas Well Explosion

February 18, 2014 / 10:55 AM EST / CBS Pittsburgh

GREENE COUNTY, Pa (KDKA) – Nearly a week after a massive fire and gas well exploded in Greene County, gas giant Chevron is under fire for their response to the blaze.

The explosion was so intense, neighbors reported feeling the ground shake.

It took several days for Chevron to cap the massive blaze.

A worker is missing, and presumed killed in the blast in Dunkard Township, about a mile from the small town of Bobtown.

The controversy now surrounds what Chevron reportedly did after the blaze.

Chevron went door to door to 100 homes surrounding the blaze, leaving coupons for free pizza in response to the explosion.

"My uncle was asking my mom if they happened to get one in the mail," said Christopher Moyers of Dunkard Township. "My mom said no, my uncle says he got one."

This is the letter reportedly passed out on Feb. 16 from the Chevron Community Outreach Team which was left at one resident's home.

In it, Chevron says: "Chevron recognizes the effect this has had on the community. We value being a responsible member of this community and will continue to strive to achieve incident-free operations. We are committed to taking action to safeguard our neighbors, our employees, our contractors and the environment."

The pizza coupon is good for a large special combo pizza, and 2-liter drink from Bobtown Pizza. It's the only eatery for 80 miles.

People who got the letters are calling to find out if the free pizza is legit.

"They bought 100 gift certificates," confirmed Brian Scritchfield.

Brian Scritchfield, his father and their partner Bill Sowden opened the place just more than a month ago. The accident at the gas well was most of their business.

"So they'd call up for lunch and a couple of days we did breakfast for them," Scritchfield said.

Some people were happy with the gesture by the gas company.

"People here, you know, we were kind of overwhelmed a little bit with all the publicity and people coming in," said Gloria Garnek. "So I think it's a nice thing."