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Negligence likely Caused Bushland, TX Pipeline Explosion

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An anonymous commenter provides more information about the natural gas pipeline explosion in the Panhandle town of Bushland, TX.

In the comments I asked if people were back in their homes.

At 12:26AM
I’m not sure if anyone was allowed back in, but EPNG will have to make major repirs before they turn that line back on, and I’m sure PHMSA will be standing over their shoulder with EPNG’s track record. There’s a chance they will get a Corrective Action Order from PHMSA, especially if EPNG dropped the ball on pipeline upkeep:

http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/reports/enforce/Actions_opid_0.html?nocache=5565

Some other past pipeline fire videos I found:

Decatur, Wise Co., TX, where it looks like someone dug into a gas pipeline:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYf9QwHJ-uc

Parker Co., TX:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNKdtMwSyS8

At 12:51AM
More about EPNG’s other accidents:

http://www.newswest9.com/Global/story.asp?S=11454798

Then, there’s:

http://www.justice.gov/enrd/Anniversary/2335.htm

2007 Consent Decree. The Environmental Enforcement Section negotiated a Consent Decree with EPNG resolving the United States’ allegations. The Consent Decree entered by the court in 2007:

* required EPNG to pay a $15.5 million civil penalty and undertake extensive injunctive relief to implement modifications and comprehensive reform on the entire 10,000 miles of EPNG pipeline system.

* resolved allegations in the Complaint that EPNG failed to employ personnel qualified in corrosion control methods; failed to investigate and mitigate internal corrosion in two of its pipelines transporting corrosive gas; and failed to suitably monitor those two pipelines to determine the effectiveness of steps taken to minimize internal corrosion.

Thank you Anonymous for your research.

EDIT: I added “Likely” to the title because, although it’s obvious that EPNG has a pattern of negligence, it hasn’t been established in this case.

About Sharon Wilson

Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.

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