State regulators approve $2M settlement with Cascade Natural Gas over fatal Toppenish fire

State regulators approved a settlement requiring Cascade Natural Gas to pay up to $2 million in penalties related to a fatal fire in Toppenish, Washington, in September 2023. The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) alleged 66 pipeline safety violations contributed to the death of Earnest D. Barnett and injuries to another individual. Violations included failures in notifying the commission about equipment use, providing flame-resistant clothing, securing transport vehicles, and following emergency procedures.

The fire occurred during a liquid natural gas (LNG) transfer process where a driver prematurely drove away while still connected to the transfer container, releasing a vapor cloud that ignited. Cascade Natural Gas had acquired several small gas systems and contracted Sapphire Energy Solutions and Southern Pines Trucking for LNG delivery.

The settlement requires Cascade to pay $1.75 million immediately and an additional $250,000 upon completing a safety audit, improving contractor oversight, and notifying the commission of future LNG use. Cascade has stated it has already taken steps to improve safety protocols and cooperated with the investigation, and is prohibited from recovering the penalty costs from its customers.

(Source：Yakima Herald-republic)