Puget Sound Energy fined $1.5 million for massive explosion
Jun 20, 2017, 8:52 AM
A natural gas explosion March 9, 2016 destroyed multiple businesses and injured several firefighters. (AP)
(AP)
Puget Sound Energy is being fined $1.5 million for an explosion that caused significant damage to businesses in Greenwood and injured eight firefighters.
Unless the company completes a widespread inspection and repair program, it will owe an additional $1.2 million over the 2016 gas line explosion in Seattle.
LISTEN: 911 call details massive gas leak before devastating explosion
The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission describes the fine as one of the largest it’s ever handed out. It says it’s appropriate given the massive damage to buildings in the Greenwood neighborhood, as well as injuries to nine firefighters.
Late last year, an investigation concluded PSE did not take the right steps in closing off an old gas line. That allowed gas to continue to flow to the retired line.
The settlement reached with the commission also requires PSE to review its standards and practices related to deactivating service lines and implement employee training on changes made.
