The formal complaint filings follow an investigation by the PUC’s Safety Division into a house explosion and fire on Dec. 13, 2022, at 3204 Crest Road (Crest Road), Harrisburg.
On that day, Pronto Plumbing, during excavation activities, struck and damaged a natural gas service line operated by UGI, resulting in a line rupture and a release of gas that migrated into the Crest Road residence.
The natural gas subsequently ignited, resulting in an explosion that destroyed the residence, damaged several adjacent homes and injured two people.
During its investigation the PUC’s Safety Division explored the circumstances surrounding this incident, compliance with state and federal pipeline safety regulations, as well as compliance with Pennsylvania’s “One Call Law,” which is intended to help prevent damage to underground utility lines.
I&E’s Formal Complaints
In total, I&E has filed three formal complaints – two formal complaints against UGI and one formal complaint against Pronto Plumbing.
The complaints center on UGI’s failure to comply with federal and state gas safety regulations as well as failure by both UGI and Pronto Plumbing to adhere to Pennsylvania’s One Call Law (PA One Call).
Complaints Against UGI Utilities
I&E’s first formal complaint against UGI alleges gas safety violations of the Public Utility Code, Commission regulations, and federal pipeline safety regulations.
The alleged violations include, but are not limited to, failure to have written procedures, failure to follow damage prevention procedures, insufficient emergency procedures, and failure to protect the public and employees.
In its complaint, I&E seeks a civil penalty in the amount of $375,000 and numerous remedial measures by the company.
I&E’s second formal complaint against UGI alleges a violation of PA One Call, in that the company failed to mark its facilities in response to an emergency One Call locate request.
In this second formal complaint, I&E seeks an additional administrative penalty from UGI in the amount of $20,000.
Pronto Plumbing One Call Complaint
I&E’s formal complaint against Pronto Plumbing also alleges violations of PA One Call.
The alleged violations include failure to use prudent excavation techniques, failure to use due care in excavating an area that had not been marked, failure to immediately notify the facility owner of excavation damage, and failure to renotify the PA One Call System upon finding an unmarked excavation area.
In this complaint, I&E seeks an administrative penalty in the amount of $50,000, the statutory maximum.
Click Here for the PUC announcement.
(Photo: WHP 21 News.)
PA Oil & Gas Industry Public Notice Dashboards:
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[Posted: June 30, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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