Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement with Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. that Includes $25,000 in Monetary Penalties, Improved Safety Measures

Published on 1/13/2011

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement with Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. that includes $25,000 in monetary penalties and improvements to safety practices.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the settlement agreement, which stems from an informal investigation into two incidents.  The settlement includes provisions that prohibit the company from recovering the monetary penalties from ratepayers. Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy issued a dissenting statement.

The incidents include:

 ·    On Nov. 9, 2009, in Haverford, Delaware County,  an incident occurred at the excavation worksite in which an Aqua employee mistakenly hit a PECO electric duct and a water pipe encased in concrete during a new water service installation, performed by an Aqua maintenance crew; and

 ·    On April 26, 2010, in Newtown Square, Delaware County, an Aqua contractor was excavating for a water service transfer and hit a PECO natural gas line which had been mismarked by the PECO locator.  While excavating with a back hoe over the water main to make the tap, the contractor struck the mismarked PECO gas service. A worker attempted to plug the leak and was overcome by natural gas fumes.

If the matters had been litigated, PUC’s independent Prosecutory Staff would have contended the company failed to provide safe and reliable service specifically dealing with employee safety practices. Aqua would have contested the matters.

Under the settlement, the company agreed to:

• Update its written hazards checklist to incorporate applicable standards and all anticipated hazards associated with network distribution jobs and require written completion of the checklist;
• Develop a written procedures for submitting and auditing the written checklists;
• Require additional safety equipment and training for employees;
• Require employees to wear hazard-appropriate eye protection;
• Update its Safety Manual to reflect new procedures and requirements as required by the settlement;
• Review and update its current workplace training programs;
• Pay a civil penalty of $15,000; and
• Pay $10,000 to Aqua’s Helping Hands Fund, which helps low-income customers restore and maintain water service. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-2010-2155842

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722