Ruptured Pipeline Blasts Steam in Youngstown, Ohio, "Geyser" Fractures Belmont Avenue

On June 10, 2025 a steam pipeline burst creating a crack in the asphalt roadway of Belmont Avenue, directly across from SOBE Thermal Energy’s steam heating and cooling plant. A plume of high pressure steam shot approximately 30 feet in the air, causing visibility problems for drivers. News coverage erroneously stated that steam was coming out of a storm sewer.

Photo Credit: K. Daniels, Youngstown resident. Photo posted on June 10, 2025 at 10:45 am

An aide from the City of Youngstown Street Department stated “since SOBE Thermal Energy, LLC is a private utility company they are responsible for repairs to the roadway.” SCC contacted the City of Youngstown Public Works Department, and the department aide stated "our department does not know that information" regarding who the “third party contractor” is.

SOBE Concerned Citizens (SCC) has video of the pipeline leading from SOBE’s boiler and continuing under Belmont Avenue. Our concerns are not only with who is responsible for a fractured steam pipe but the possibility of accidents involving the proposed pyrolysis plant in a downtown location. Furthermore perhaps this present heating and cooling facility should be located away from neighborhoods and businesses.

See the WFMJ news coverage about the steam leak incident.

video showing SOBE Thermal Energy company's steam production operation

video showing ruptured steam pipe location and the steam generator of SOBE

City crew repairing ruptured steam pipe

repairing ruptured steam pipe

Green structure that looks like a tractor trailer is SOBE Thermal Energy System's Wabash-branded mobile steam plant which allegedly supplies many Youngstown establishments with heating and cooling.

A "BEFORE" photo demonstrating the very CLOSE proximity of the Mahoning County Jail, 110 Fifth Avenue, to the site of the proposed pyrolysis facility