Published on 9/21/2023

Filed under: Gas

Proposal Alleges a Service Line Leak on a Gas Well Facility in Waynesburg Caused 2020 Explosion That Injured One Person, Destroyed Residence

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today moved to seek public comment on a Joint Petition for Approval of Settlement between the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) and Mifflin Energy Corp. (Mifflin Energy) related to a 2020 natural gas explosion on Water Dam Road in Waynesburg, Greene County, that injured one person and destroyed a residence. 

The Commission voted 5-0 today to publish the proposed settlement and seek public comment before issuing a final decision.  The proposed settlement follows an investigation by I&E’s Safety Division which identified the suspected cause of the explosion as a leak on a service line delivering natural gas from a production gas well previously owned and operated by Mifflin Energy to a home at 169 Water Dam Road.  The gas leak led to an explosion that destroyed a neighboring residence at 134 Water Dam Road, injuring the homeowner.

The proposed settlement would require Mifflin Energy to pay a non-deductible $100,000 civil penalty.  Following the publication of this proposed settlement in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, interested parties will have 25 days to submit written comments.