The Massachusetts Senate has called two hearings in December about the Sep. 13 explosions in the Merrimack Valley caused by an over-pressurization of a natural gas pipeline operated by Columbia Gas of Massachusetts

摘要

In addition, US Rep-elect Lori Trahan, who's district includes the valley, said one of the first items on her agenda after being sworn in is to request congressional hearings into the accident. The first of the state-sponsored hearings will be held Dec. 4 in Boston and will examine the overall state of the gas industry and infrastructure in the state. The second will be held Dec. 17 in the Merrimack Valley and will focus on the disaster itself, which left one person dead, 25 injured and more than 100 homes and businesses destroyed or damaged in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. Columbia Gas has said restoration efforts will be completed by Dec. 16. The accident, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, was caused by an intense overpressurization of the utility's pipeline during a routine maintenance program on Sep. 18.