Pennsylvania PUC provides update on Beaver County pipeline incident investigation

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) provided updates on the ongoing actions of its Pipeline Safety and Electric Safety Divisions related to the recent pipeline incident in Beaver County.

“We appreciate the strong interest in this incident – especially for the residents directly impacted by the fire and evacuation – and safe pipeline operations is top priority for the Commission,” PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown said. “It is important to understand that these are complex incidents that require extensive work by PUC engineers and other experts before any conclusions can be reached.”

The incident, methane gas pipeline explosion, occurred early Monday morning in Center Township. The explosion destroyed a home, two garages and several vehicles and promoted the evacuation of several other homes. No injuries have been reported.

In addition to the natural gas line, nearby high voltage electric transmission and distribution lines and towers for FirstEnergy/West Penn Power and Duquesne Light were also damaged.

The utilities re-routed power around the damage for most customers and restored service to all remaining locations Tuesday.

The PUC noted that the Pipeline Safety Division is continuing to work with local emergency responders to inspect the scene, but that inclement weather and poor on-site conditions is limiting access to the site.

According to the PUC, Pipeline Safety Engineers have confirmed that the incident involved a 24-inch natural gas gathering line operated by Energy Transfer Partners. The pipeline is in a Class 3 location, which denoted population density near the pipeline from 1 to 4 with 1 representing the lowest population density. The pipeline falls under the jurisdiction of the PUC’s Pipeline Safety Division.

The pipeline had recently been constructed and was in the process of being energized, according to the PUC. It was pressure tested in 2017 and 2018.

The ongoing investigation will examine all aspects of construction and operation to identify the nature and cause of the incident.