State Hearing Takes Broader View On Gas Line Safety In MA

BOSTON, MA -- Columbia Gas of Massachusetts President Steve Bryant told state lawmakers his company accepts full responsibility for the Sept. 13 gas explosions in Andover, North Andover and Lawrence. But Bryant declined to answer specific questions, citing pending lawsuits as well as ongoing state and federal investigations into the explosions, which killed one and left thousands of Merrimack Valley residents without heat or hot water for more than two months.

Government officials continued their ongoing scrutiny of natural gas following the Sept. 13 gas explosions with the first of two state legislative hearings on Tuesday. Last month a Congressional panel met in Lawrence to hear testimony on the explosions. Columbia Gas is facing at least two wrongful death lawsuits, a class action lawsuit and a federal criminal investigation.

Related Story: Columbia Says Merrimack Valley Restoration Effort Is Mostly Done

Tuesday's hearing, however, took a broader view and focused on gas utility safety throughout the state. In addition to Bryant, executives from EverSource and National Grid appeared before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Joe Kirylo, president of United Steelworkers Local 12003, said part of the problem lies with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, which doesn't have enough inspectors. That statement echoed a finding by the National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report on the Columbia Gas incident.

"It's nothing less than impossible to expect DPU to cover over 1 million households, distribution mains and regulator stations with only two pipeline inspectors," Kirylo said.

Never miss another local news story: Get free local news alerts right to your inbox.

Patch file photo via Shutterstock.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).