Missouri Gas Energy (MGE) will pay $2,000 to the Missouri public school fund and will implement new procedures under an agreement approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC) to resolve a July staff complaint alleging PSC rules violations in connection with a natural gas explosion and fire in Blue Springs, MO, in January.

The explosion and flash fire occurred in a vacant single family residence Jan. 8. The structure sustained minor damage; no injuries were reported. PSC staff stated in its report that it believed the explosion and fire occurred when a contractor working for MGE inadvertently introduced natural gas into an abandoned line. MGE is responsible for ensuring work performed by its contractors complies with PSC regulations.

According to the PSC staff report, when natural gas went into the abandoned line, it migrated into the basement of the residence where it ignited. The staff report states that prior to the explosion, a contractor was working to replace gas lines at the intersection of 18th and Walnut streets.

Under the agreement approved by the commission, MGE will implement additional training procedures regarding the location of abandoned lines for employees with line-location responsibilities, contractors, contractor inspectors and company first-responders. MGE will also implement a procedure requiring use of a gauge to ensure contractors and MGE personnel connect to the correct gas line. An MGE employee will also visit the site of critical pipeline procedures before or during these procedures.

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