The Georgia Public Service Commission approved a consent agreement to resolve issues stemming from a June 23 gas pipeline accident near Perry Boulevard in northwestern Atlanta. A third-party excavator ruptured a 24-inch steel high-pressure gas pipeline owned by Atlanta Gas Light. The commission’s investigation found that gas continued to flow for more than four hours from the ruptured pipeline before the company was able to close the valves. The stipulation requires AGL to pay the state $30,000 and to absorb the cost of the gas lost during the incident, estimated at $17,252. In addition, the company must provide within 45 days a revised Emergency Manual that complies with all state and federal safety regulations. Within 60 days after the PSC staff approves the new manual, the company must ensure that all supervisors, service center managers and distribution center foreman are trained in emergency procedures.

©Copyright 2003 Intelligence Press Inc. All rights reserved. The preceding news report may not be republished or redistributed, in whole or in part, in any form, without prior written consent of Intelligence Press, Inc.