Bradford Era: 24-Inch Natural Gas Pipeline Ruptures, Explodes In McKean County Causing Wildfire; Force Majeure Declared In 2 States

On July 14, the Bradford Era reported one of two 24-inch natural gas pipeline operated by Tennessee Gas Pipelines ruptured and exploded near Clermont, McKean County on Tuesday, July 12 at about 5:00 p.m.  

The local volunteer fire department was called to the site initially at 5:23 p.m. with a report of a brush fire with flames shooting over the trees.

The pipeline rupture and fire caused about five acres of surrounding land to burn.  After the wildfire was extinguished the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources took over management of the area in case any hotspots broke out.

In an initial statement, Tennessee Gas Pipeline said they were notified of a fire in the area at approximately 7:00 p.m. on July 12 and after an investigation, shut down the TGP pipeline segment in the area.

TGP said regulatory agencies were notified of the rupture and fire.

Force Majeure

At approximately 3:53 p.m. on July 13, Tennessee Gas Pipeline declared a “force majeure” for natural gas supplies moving through the two pipelines in the area until further notice.  Read more here.

The force majeure notice said there are actually two natural gas pipelines on the right-of-way, but only one of them ruptured and is shut down.  Line 2 is now operating normally.  Read more here.

This was actually one of two pipeline explosions in the TGP system that same day.  A force majeure was also declared for the second pipeline explosion in Alabama.

On July 16, the Public Utility Commission said the pipeline falls under the direct jurisdiction of the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for recovery from any environmental impacts and permits for repairing the pipeline.

[Note: This post will be updated as more information becomes available.]

(Photo: WJAC report.)

NewsClips:

-- Bradford Era: 24-Inch Natural Gas Pipeline Ruptures, Explodes In McKean County Causing Wildfire 

-- WJAC: No One Injured In Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion In McKean County, Fire Department Says

-- Tennessee Gas Pipeline Announces Force Majeure On Natural Gas Supplies After Pipeline Explosions In Pennsylvania, Alabama On Same Day  

Related Article:

-- Senate Budget Hearings: PA’s Experience With New Pipeline Construction Shows State Laws Not Strong Enough To Prevent Environmental Damage, Protect Public Safety [2.2.22]

[Posted: July 14, 2022]  PA Environment Digest