Press Release

PUC Approves $1 Million Settlement in Case Involving Fatal Propane Explosion in Northampton County

Published on 8/11/2016

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a $1 million settlement with Continental Communities, LLC, of Oak Brook, IL (Continental Communities), and Hickory Hills Mobile Home Park, LLC, of Bath, PA (Hickory Hills). The settlement addresses a propane gas explosion in February 2014 which claimed the life of one resident and destroyed or damaged several homes in the Northampton County community.

The Commission voted 5-0 today to approve the settlement, which resolves a complaint filed by the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E), the independent investigative and prosecutorial arm of the Commission. The I&E complaint alleged 39 violations of state and federal regulations governing pipeline operators by Continental Communities and Hickory Hills, who owned, operated and managed the residential community where the explosion occurred.

In addition to the $1 million civil penalty, the settlement notes that the propane distribution system in the Hickory Hill community was disconnected and removed shortly after the explosion and all residents have been switched to bottled propane gas.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

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Docket No.: C-2015-2468131

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov