Regulatory Action Taken Against Excavator for Damaging Underground Facility

Strategic Insights -

A recent investigation by the New York State Public Service Commission has led to regulatory action against an excavator, Kandey Company, Inc., for damaging National Fuel Gas's (NFG) underground gas main in Buffalo, New York. The incident resulted in the uncontrolled release of natural gas and multiple service interruptions. The investigation found that the excavator failed to verify the size of the underground facility, violating state regulations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident occurred on May 20, 2025, when Kandey Company, Inc. damaged NFG's 2-inch medium pressure plastic gas main while conducting excavation for a sewer line.
  • The damage resulted in the uncontrolled release of natural gas and 10 service interruptions affecting 21 customers.
  • An estimated 162 cubic feet of gas was lost due to the damage, according to NFG.
  • Kandey Company, Inc. failed to verify the size of the underground facility, violating 16 NYCRR Part 753-3.6, which requires verification before excavation or demolition.
  • Staff issued a field citation to the excavator by e-mail for the failure to verify the size of the underground facility.
  • The excavator had received proper mark-out notification from NFG, but still failed to verify the size of the facility.
  • The investigation found that the excavator had used vacuum excavation and mistakenly damaged the 2-inch gas line, thinking it was a 3-inch line.

Statistics:

  • 10 service interruptions occurred due to the damage.
  • 21 customers were affected by the service interruptions.
  • 162 cubic feet of gas was lost due to the damage.
  • The incident occurred on May 20, 2025.
  • The excavator failed to verify the size of the underground facility, violating state regulations.

Sources:

  • Investigative Report 3rd Party Damage; 109 Florida St., Buffalo; NFG Service Territory dated July 8, 2025.
  • 16 NYCRR Part 753-3.6.
  • One-call ticket #04045-001-073.