LACEY, Wash. – The Utilities and Transportation Commission’s Pipeline Safety staff has recommended a $5,668,595 penalty against Kennewick-based Cascade Natural Gas Corporation, stemming from a 2023 deadly fire in Toppenish.
According to a UTC Pipeline Safety Staff release, 66 alleged pipeline safety violations were discovered following a trucking incident in Toppenish that led to the release of 83 barrels of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The spill resulted in a vapor cloud that ignited, causing a fire.
One contractor on-site sustained severe burns and died two days later. Another contractor escaped unharmed, while the truck driver was treated for burns and released from the hospital, said a Pipeline Safety Trust release.
The Pipeline Safety Staff said they urged the commission to impose penalties on Cascade. However, the commission will review the evidence before making a final decision, the UTC release added.
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation serves over 222,000 customers across 67 communities in Washington including the Tri-Cities and Yakima.