From the Seattle Times - I used to live near this area and know it well:
Greenwood blast caused by PSE’s abandoned, unsealed pipeline, regulators say
Puget Sound Energy failed to properly disconnect and seal the gas pipeline that caused the natural-gas explosion that rocked Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood in March, according to a state Utilities and Transportation Commission investigation.
A pipeline between two buildings, which housed Mr. Gyros restaurant and cafe Neptune, which were both leveled in the blast, was left active despite being abandoned in 2004, according to the investigation report.
Once broken, gas began to escape the pipeline and accumulate inside or under the Mr. Gyro’s building before it ignited.
Nine firefighters were injured in the explosion. Two buildings and three businesses were destroyed.
As a result of the investigation, the department has filed a complaint against the utility alleging 17 violations of pipeline-safety regulations. If affirmed by the commission, the utility could face up to $3.2 million in penalties.
So the commission gets their money and then the private lawsuits start queuing up in the docket. This is going to be expensive for PSE. Good.
Leave a comment