An investigator for Maine Public Utilities Commission has concluded that Maine Natural Gas is likely responsible for its gas line ruptured by a contractor on Feb. 27 in Gorham.
Stephen M. Lewis of the utilities commission sent a notice of probable violation earlier this month to Maine Natural Gas in Brunswick. But the commission is not imposing a fine.
Gary Kenny, a spokesman for Maine Natural Gas, said Monday that the company hadn’t responded to the letter yet. Kenny said the company has until June 1 to reply and Kenny declined further comment.
An R.J. Grondin & Sons excavator ruptured the 6-inch gas line while digging on School Street (Route 114) near the University of Southern Maine during highway reconstruction. A part of the gas line apparently was not properly marked. In his probable violation letter, Lewis said the gas company “marked in a reckless or negligent manner.”
The incident evacuated several university buildings and private homes in addition to closing the road.
Reports filed by R.J. Grondin on Feb. 28 and Maine Natural Gas on March 8 led Lewis to believe that the gas company didn’t comply with certain requirements of Maine’s “Dig Safe” law, protecting underground facilities.
The May 2 letter said violations of the law could be subject to a fine of up to $500 for each violation incident and up to $5,000 for each violation in subsequent incidents.
But, Nicole Clegg, a spokeswoman for the utilities commission, said Maine Natural Gas has a good record, has been cooperative and has made repairs. “We didn’t impose a penalty because of their record,” Clegg said.
Clegg said that gas company employees would be required to attend training and education classes by the Public Utilities Commission. “It’s about making sure everything is clearly marked,” Clegg said.
The gas company was given 30 days from the date of the Public Utilities Commission letter to acknowledge the violation or to dispute the violation by requesting an informal review.
The Public Utilities Commission has enforced the “Dig Safe” rules for the past seven years, according to Clegg.
R.J. Grondin began reconstructing the highway last fall.
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