Columbia Gas Ordered to Seek State Approval for All Non-Emergency Work
LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) — Massachusetts officials are placing additional restrictions on the utility company blamed for last year’s destructive gas explosions following a major gas leak that prompted evacuations last week.
The state Department of Public Utilities said in a letter Thursday that Columbia Gas must halt any non-emergency work across its service area unless it gets state approval.
The agency earlier this week ordered the utility to complete a number of new safety measures, including submitting by Monday a plan to address 2,220 old service lines abandoned during its systemwide pipeline upgrade in Lawrence.
It said Columbia Gas will be fined up to $1 million per violation if the orders aren’t carried out.
The company said in a statement that the agency’s latest directive is “the appropriate and responsible course of action.”
Related News
From Archive
- EIA: Texas to lead U.S. pipeline construction activity through 2027
- Oil pipeline struck during fiber optic construction spills into L.A. storm drains
- Utility strike at center of Dallas explosion investigation
- Gas line strike destroys three homes in Ohio neighborhood
- $1 billion Ohio River Tunnel project awarded in Pittsburgh
Comments