The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved a settlement between Cascade Natural Gas and the commission’s pipeline safety program that will ensure that natural gas company will correct deficiencies found with the maintenance of its regulator stations.

In the stipulated agreement, Cascade agreed with the UTC pipeline safety program that the company violated commission pipeline safety rules. The violations were found during a 2006 inspection. As part of the settlement, Cascade has agreed to remove obstructions on above ground pipelines which prevent the company from monitoring the pipeline for external corrosion. The company also has agreed to replace relief valve vent caps that have not been properly maintained and inspected over time. Results of these upgrades will be provided to UTC staff by March 1, 2008. There will be no financial penalty. To read a copy of the agreement and other inspection materials, please go to the document link at the bottom of this page.