Kentucky regulators slap Louisville Gas and Elec. with highest-ever natural gas pipeline safety fine

The Kentucky Public Service Commission on Friday announced that it had issued its highest ever penalty in a natural gas safety case – a $395,000 fine of Louisville Gas and Electric for a 2014 pipeline break that injured two contract workers.

That the Oldham County accident in a high-pressure pipeline occurred in close proximity to homes, a school, and businesses was a factor in determining the amount of the penalties, according to a press release.

The pipeline ruptured because a mechanical coupling between two sections of pipe had not been installed properly, the PSC found. The coupling, which was installed in 1998, failed when the 12-inch line was being excavated for modifications.

Workers were injured by debris that was sent flying by the pressurized gas. The gas did not ignite, but debris also caused about $52,000 in damage to nearby property.

Read more: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2018/03/16/louisville-gas-electric-safety-fine-2014-pipeline-break/433371002/