Investigation Reveals Excavator Damage to Natural Gas Facility

Strategic Insights -

On May 13, 2025, RG&E notified the New York State Public Service Commission of an excavator damage to a natural gas facility at 5 Woodrow Dr., Pavilion. The incident resulted in an uncontrolled release of natural gas, affecting 13 unscheduled customer service interruptions. Despite no reports of injuries or media attention, an investigation found that the Genesee County Department of Public Works, Excavator, was responsible for the damage, failing to comply with 16 NYCRR Part 753- 3.1(a)(1), which requires notice to the one-call notification system before commencing nonemergency excavation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident occurred on May 13, 2025, and involved an excavator damaging a 4-inch plastic gas main while working on a bridge replacement project in Pavilion, New York.
  • RG&E received a total of 13 unscheduled customer service interruptions, with 10 reported initially, and no reports of injuries or media attention.
  • The Genesee County Department of Public Works, Excavator, was responsible for the damage, as identified by an investigation conducted by the New York State Public Service Commission.
  • The Excavator failed to comply with 16 NYCRR Part 753- 3.1(a)(1), which requires notice to the one-call notification system before commencing nonemergency excavation.
  • Staff issued the Excavator a citation on July 22, 2025, for failure to comply with the regulations.
  • Approximately 71.83 MCF of natural gas was lost as a result of the incident.

Statistics:

  • 13 unscheduled customer service interruptions were reported as a result of the incident.
  • 10 of the 13 interruptions were reported initially.
  • 71.83 MCF of natural gas was lost due to the excavator damage to the natural gas facility.
  • The incident occurred at 5 Woodrow Dr., Pavilion, New York.
  • The investigation found that the Genesee County Department of Public Works, Excavator, was responsible for the damage.

Sources:

  • STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE Investigative Report, Third Party Damage at 5 Woodrow Dr., Pavilion - RG&E
  • Exactix.UDIGNY.org
  • New York State Public Service Commission
  • 16 NYCRR Part 753- 3.1(a)(1)