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Regulatory Action Taken Against Excavator for Damaging Gas Main in Jamestown

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

On August 19, 2025, National Fuel Gas (NFG) notified the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) of service interruptions due to excavation damage caused by the City of Jamestown Department of Public Works. Further investigation confirmed that the excavator damaged an NFG gas main with a backhoe, resulting in the uncontrolled release of natural gas and 14 service interruptions affecting 18 customers. The damage occurred despite the excavator having received notification of planned excavation from NFG and having completed a mark-out of the area. The investigation found that the excavator employed powered equipment closer than four inches from the NFG gas main, violating 16 NYCRR Part 753-3.8.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Jamestown Department of Public Works excavator damaged an NFG gas main with a backhoe, causing 14 service interruptions affecting 18 customers.
  • The excavator had received notification of planned excavation from NFG and had completed a mark-out of the area, but still employed powered equipment closer than four inches from the gas main.
  • The incident occurred on August 19, 2025, and was investigated by the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS).
  • The investigation found a violation of 16 NYCRR Part 753-3.8 by the Excavator, specifically, that the Excavator employed powered equipment closer than four inches from NFG's facility.
  • The DPS issued a field citation to the Excavator on site for violating the safety regulations.
  • An estimated total of 36 ccf of gas was lost due to the damage.
  • NFG closed a mainline valve to stop the gas leak at 9:41 am, completed shut off of all affected services at 10:24 am, replaced the damaged section, and re-energized the system at 1:21 pm.

Statistics:

  • 14 service interruptions occurred due to the excavation damage.
  • 18 customers were affected by the service interruptions.
  • 36 ccf of gas was estimated to have been lost due to the damage.
  • The incident occurred on August 19, 2025.
  • The DPS issued a field citation to the Excavator on site.

Sources:

  • STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE Investigative Report, Regulatory Document, dated 09/10/2025.

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