A northeastern Pennsylvania utility has agreed to a $1 million settlement with state regulators who said an improperly repaired gas line could have led to disaster.
The Public Utility Commission cited what it called “significant” potential for serious consequences in the repairs near a convenience store in Wilkes-Barre Township last year.
The agency accused UGI Penn Natural Gas of meager repairs to a corroded 50-year-old pipeline, inadequate investigation and insufficient record keeping.
Commission spokeswoman Jennifer Kocher said the investigation began after a whistleblower reported use of improper clamps in the May 2012 leak repair.
A report posted Tuesday on the agency's website alleged a dozen violations or omissions.
UGI spokesman Keith Dorman declined comment beyond saying the company was committed to ongoing efforts to enhance safety and reliability.
$1M Settlement in Poorly Repaired Gas Line Case
Copyright AP - Associated Press
