The Ohio Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved a settlement agreement in a case involving a safety code investigation of Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc., a natural gas local distribution company. The PUC had directed its staff to investigate whether Columbia Gas had violated safety code provisions governing maximum allowable operating pressures for pipeline segments.
The settlement obligates the utility to pay a civil penalty of $100,000 immediately and to remain liable for an additional $100,000, with forfeiture dependent upon certain triggering events during the next five winter heating seasons. The utility also agreed to adopt design pressure guidelines set out in the stipulation. Re Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc., Case No. 94-1847-GA-GPS, August 3, 1995 (Ohio P.U.C.).
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