SEATTLE -- State safety regulators released a report on Tuesday saying the March 9 natural gas explosion in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood originated from an improperly abandoned gas line.
The Utilities and Transportation Commission filed a formal complaint against PSE citing 17 violations of pipeline safety regulations and recommended a penalty of $3.2 million.
The UTC's Pipeline Safety team has been investigating the explosion that injured nine firefighters and caused extensive property damage.
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State wants to fine PSE $3.2 million for Greenwood explosion
State wants to fine PSE $3.2 million for Greenwood explosion
According to the report:
Lab tests confirmed that the line failed at the threaded connection "due to applied external force," according to the report.
"The gas service line that PSE believed was abandoned in 2004 was located in a space not intended for human occupancy between the Mr. Gyros and Neptune Coffee businesses. Evidence at the scene and witness interviews indicated that the space around the gas line was frequently used by unauthorized individuals to store personal items. Individuals acknowledged to investigators that due to the limited space, they sometimes disturbed the gas line to access the area."
PSE said Tuesday that the fine is "disappointing and excessive."
Investigators allege that PSE violated pipeline safety regulations by failing to:
The state recommends that PSE be required to review all previously abandoned service lines and provide a plan for finding and mitigating any other unsuccessful line "retirements."