(LEX 18) - — Enbridge has been ordered to "take corrective actions" regarding two pipelines located within close proximity to a line that exploded earlier this month.
A thunderous explosion woke up residents of the Moreland Community just after 1:30 a.m. on Aug, 1 following an unspecified "pipeline failure." The blast caused six structures to catch fire and also damaged Norfolk Southern train tracks in the area. One person was killed in the ensuing fire. Now officials are concerned about two other pipelines in close proximity (20 feet apart) that are owned by the same company.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued the order before the two other pipelines can be used to transport natural gas again. The initial explosion involved "line 15" of Enbridge's Texas Eastern Transmission's pipeline. An investigation shows that two nearby lines that run parallel with line 15, lines 10 and 25, could have been affected by the massive explosion which killed one person, damaged property and injured several others.
PHMSA has determined that lines 10 and 25 cannot be operated again without corrective measures and failure to act could be "hazardous to life, property, or the environment." The lines could possibly have suffered concussive force damage or heat damage. Enbridge cannot resume operation of lines 10 and 25 until it receives prior approval from the Director of PHMSA.
66 million cubic feet of natural gas was ignited during the explosion. Enbridge has ten days to challenge the order in writing or by requesting a hearing.
You can read the report in its entirety here.
