Firefighters pour water on flames burning in the rubble left from an early morning explosion Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in Seattle.
Advertisement
Staff also recommended the commission require PSE to review all previously abandoned gas lines to verify compliance and provide a plan for identifying and correcting any other unsuccessful retirements.
A state investigation into the late winter Greenwood gas explosion has found the likely cause to be accidental damage to a supposedly retired natural gas line, owned by Puget Sound Energy, from people using the alley between Mr. Gyros and Neptune Coffee. PSE failed to properly disconnect and seal the line, allowing it to remain in service for almost 12 years without proper oversight, the staff of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission’s Pipeline Safety staff said in their investigation report.
The gas leak occurred in a narrow space between a restaurant and a coffee shop, where an above-ground portion of the gas pipeline was located. That damage allowed gas to escape, accumulate in the building occupied by Mr. Gyros restaurant, and ultimately explode.
Interviews revealed that individuals were using the alley to store items like bags, backpacks and bicycles.
The damage to the pipe that sprung the initial leak was caused by “unauthorized individuals”, investigators said. Interviewees said they would sometimes trip on the gas line.
Records from Puget Sound Energy claimed the line was disconnected and sealed when it was retired in 2004.
Advertisement
Puget Sound Energy faces a $3-million fine for the cause of the Greenwood gas explosion back in March that injured nine firefighters, destroyed a building and caused significant damage to three businesses. The commission is not bound by its staff recommendations.
