On December 24, 2008, natural gas leaking from a gas distribution pipeline resulted in an explosion and fire at 10708 Pauite Way, Rancho Cordova, California. One person died, and others were injured.
The National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) immediately began to investigate the accident. The NTSB concluded its investigation on May 18, 2010, with the issuance of its Pipeline Accident Brief on the accident. The NTSB concluded that the probable cause of the accident was using a section of unmarked and out-of-specification polyethylene pipe with inadequate wall thickness that allowed gas to leak from the mechanical coupling installed during a repair on September 21, 2006. The NTSB found that a 2-hour 47-minute delay in the arrival of the gas company crew to begin response activities was a contributing factor.
On November 10, 2010, CPSD issued its Incident Investigation Report on the accident. CPSD’s report alleges that the gas company violated various provisions of Title 49, Part 192 of the Code of Federal Regulations and Public Utilities Code § 451 in the following respects: