PA Environment Digest

Share this:

PUC: NTSB Releases Report, Recommendations From Investigation Of West Reading Chocolate Plant Natural Gas Explosion

On April 8, the Public Utility Commission highlighted the continued collaboration between state and federal investigators as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its report and recommendations related to the tragic 2023 explosion at the R.M. Palmer candy factory in West Reading, Berks County.

The deadly incident, which occurred on March 24, 2023, claimed the lives of seven people, injured 10 others, and caused widespread devastation in the surrounding community.

The PUC continues to keep the victims and their families at the center of its safety work.

“From accelerated pipe replacement and advanced leak detection to stronger communication protocols, every step we take is aimed at reducing risk,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “The most meaningful way we can honor those lost in West Reading – and in other tragic incidents – is by building a safer future.”

As the NTSB releases the report and recommendations springing from its review, the PUC’s independent investigation is able to move toward conclusion – guided by the shared goal of reducing the likelihood and severity of future pipeline-related incidents.

Focus on Critical Infrastructure

Improving access to critical gas valves is one of the key issues identified in the NTSB report.

These valves play a vital role in controlling the flow of gas and minimizing damage during emergency situations.

Ensuring their strategic placement supports faster response times and stronger coordination between utilities and first responders—critical elements of effective emergency planning.

The NTSB has requested that the PUC respond to a formal safety recommendation related to the placement of emergency valves on natural gas distribution systems.

The Commission’s Safety Division – whose expertise contributed to the development of these recommendations – will lead a thorough review to evaluate how these considerations may be incorporated into Pennsylvania-specific safety practices.

“We value the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing conversation about these safety recommendations,” DeFrank said. “The collaboration between the PUC and NTSB helps strengthen our utility systems and better protect communities across the Commonwealth.”

While focused on the circumstances in West Reading, this recommendation has the potential to inform best practices across the Commonwealth – ensuring that all communities benefit from lessons learned in this tragic case.

Ongoing Pipeline Safety Priorities

As part of its ongoing commitment to pipeline safety, the PUC continues to implement and expand critical initiatives, including:

-- Targeted Replacement of Aging Pipelines – with an increased focus on removing older plastic lines, in addition to cast iron and bare steel.

-- Modernized Inspection Processes – including pursuing technology upgrades to continuously improve inspection tools and software.

-- Strong Safety Enforcement – as demonstrated by the PUC’s perfect scores across all three of its safety programs in the latest federal audits by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

These efforts reflect a long-term strategy to modernize Pennsylvania’s gas infrastructure while strengthening oversight and enforcement.

The PUC also reiterates its commitment to working with federal partners to address legal challenges surrounding the handling of Confidential Security Information (CSI), which required a court-approved resolution earlier in the West Reading investigation.

“Transparency and cooperation are essential to safety,” Chairman DeFrank concluded. “By continuing to bridge the gaps between state and federal frameworks, we’re not only resolving issues from the past – we’re laying the groundwork for safer, more effective responses in the future.”

Building on Broader Safety Improvements

Moving forward, the PUC is working to expand safety measures beyond the specifics of this incident – most recently through the approval of a first-of-its-kind residential methane detector program in Philadelphia.

While not directly tied to the West Reading incident, this initiative reflects the PUC’s broader commitment to proactive safety measures – especially when it comes to early detection of gas leaks and protecting residents in densely populated areas.

In January, the Commission approved a landmark settlement with Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) that includes an $800,000 pilot initiative to distribute methane detectors to households in the city. These devices serve as early warning systems for potential gas leaks, offering an added layer of protection for residents.

The PUC remains committed to transforming investigation findings into meaningful reforms that protect lives, enhance emergency preparedness, and strengthen Pennsylvania’s pipeline infrastructure for generations to come.

Click Here for a copy of the report and recommendations.

Click Here for the PUC announcement.

(Photo: NTSB report.)

NewsClips:

-- Reading Eagle: NTSB Final Report On Fatal West Reading Chocolate Factory Natural Gas Explosion Issued

-- Inquirer: NTSB Issues Final Report On Natural Gas Explosion At West Reading Chocolate Factory that Killed 7 Workers

PA Oil & Gas Industry Public Notice Dashboards:

-- PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - April 5 to 11 - Late Night Conventional Wastewater Road Dumping Failure To Comply With Cleanup Order; Pipeline Leak Investigation Expands To 2 Other Counties; More Abandoned Wells [PaEN]

-- Late Night Road Dumping: Conventional Oil & Gas Wastewater Continues To Be Dumped On Dirt, Gravel, Paved Roads; DEP Expected To Provide Update At April 24 Meeting [PaEN]

-- DEP: Energy Transfer/Sunoco Pipeline Leak In Bucks County Expands To Delaware, Montgomery Counties; DEP, Dept. Of Health Briefing On State Response To Leak Now Available On Demand [PaEN]

-- PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - April 12 [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On Chapter 105 Permit For EQT ARO LLC 3 Mile Natural Gas Gathering Pipeline In Cascade Twp., Lycoming County [PaEN]