Merrimack Valley Explosions
Stories on the 9/13/18 gas explosions and fires that rocked three communities
$56M Explosions Settlement Between Columbia Gas, Massachusetts Approved
The settlement with Columbia Gas of Massachusetts and its parent, NiSource, was agreed to in July and approved Wednesday, the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs announced in...
Columbia Gas To Pay $56M Settlement In Merrimack Valley Explosions Investigation
The $56 million payment from parent company NiSource -- a larger sum than the $53 million criminal fine imposed by a federal judge -- will form the basis of a...
$143 Million Columbia Gas Settlement Gets Final Approval From Judge
The resolution of a class action civil case comes two weeks after Columbia Gas agreed to plead guilty in a criminal proceeding, acknowledging it violated the federal Pipeline Safety Act.
Columbia Gas Will Leave Mass. As It Pleads Guilty To Federal Charge After Disaster
The office of U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Andrew Lelling said Wednesday that it has secured a guilty plea from Columbia Gas, 17 months after the utility’s deadly pipeline disaster in...
Deadline To File Claim In Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions Approaching
Friday is the deadline to file a claim in the $143 million class action settlement stemming from 2018's natural gas explosions and fires.
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$143M Columbia Gas Settlement Gets Preliminary Approval From Judge
Columbia Gas must begin mailing claim forms to about 175,000 residents and business owners who are eligible to collect payments.
Mayor, Lawmakers Object To $143M Gas Explosions Settlement
Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera and four state lawmakers have proposed a new payout plan that includes $20 million for public safety improvements in light of a recent major gas leak...
State Halts Columbia Gas Pipeline Work Amid Concerns
The Department of Public Utilities ordered Columbia Gas to stop all work on its gas distribution systems in all service territories, including Lawrence, Springfield and Brockton, unless explicitly approved by...
Lawyers Propose Plan For $143M Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions Settlement
The proposal calls for six categories of lump sum payouts, ranging from up to $50 for a "nominal" disruption to up to $15,000 for a "major" disruption.
Lawrence Dedicates Square To Leonel Rondon On Anniversary Of Columbia Gas Disaster
A new plaque honors the teen who died one year ago in an explosion caused by faulty pipe work on a Columbia Gas line. In an unnerving twist, the faint...
A Year After Merrimack Valley Explosions, Lawrence Mayor Says Community Is Still Repairing
Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera joined WBUR's Morning Edition host Bob Oakes to discuss the work left to be done for the city to fully recover.
Looking Back At The Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions, 1 Year Later
A year ago Friday a series of gas explosions shook the Merrimack Valley region. Here are some numbers to help explain what's happened since this deadly disaster first occurred.
Columbia Gas Must Inspect 700 Lines Abandoned After Last Year's Merrimack Valley Explosions
The state's Department of Public Utilities will monitor the progress of Columbia Gas as the utility inspects 700 gas lines abandoned after last year's Merrimack Valley explosions.
How Money In A Columbia Gas Settlement Fund Might Be Distributed
Attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who managed a fund for Boston Marathon bombing victims, explains how a fund for victims of last year's gas pipeline explosions might work.
Columbia Gas Reaches $143 Million Agreement With Residents, Businesses For Gas Explosions
The settlement applies to thousands of businesses and residents in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover that had sued Columbia.
Businesses Still Struggle To Bounce Back From Columbia Gas Explosions After Nearly A Year
Nearly a year after the deadly Columbia Gas explosions, one-third of affected businesses are not operating like they were before the disaster.
Columbia Gas Reaches Settlement With Family Of Teen Killed In Explosions
Also Tuesday, officials announced a campaign to reinvigorate the local economy by encouraging people to shop in the area.
Columbia Gas Reaches $80 Million Settlement With Communities Affected By Gas Explosions
Andover, Lawrence and North Andover will receive a settlement to cover the costs of digging up about 50 miles of roadway for gas line replacement, as well as associated overtime,...
Columbia Gas Settles With Lawrence Family Hurt In Explosions
The utility and the family didn't disclose the settlement amount, but said it includes providing a motorized wheelchair, a mobility van and modifications to the family's Lawrence home.
'No More Slaps On The Wrist': Markey, Trahan Propose Pipeline Bill With Far Stiffer Penalties
The legislation is in response to the explosions and fires in Merrimack Valley last year.