Lawmakers grill natural gas execs after September explosions

BOSTON — Massachusetts lawmakers are criticizing natural gas companies for increasingly using outside contractors for pipeline work while cutting back on staff.

Lawmakers at Tuesday's Statehouse hearing also questioned the independence of a consulting company Republican Gov. Charlie Baker's administration has hired in the wake of September's natural gas explosions in the Merrimack Valley.

>> One week remains in second deadline for Merrimack Valley gas restoration

Canadian firm Dynamic Risk Assessment Systems is evaluating gas utility safety statewide but Sen. Michael Barrett says the firm is "part and parcel" of the industry.

"I am very restricted on what I can say about the September 13th incident," Columbia Gas President Steve Bryant said. "We take responsibility for the incident in the Merrimack Valley and we are working day in, day out to make things right -- including processing claims from customers.”

Could certified gas workers prevent future Merrimack Valley-type disasters?

Tuesday's hearing is focused on the safety of Massachusetts' natural gas systems generally and not the September disaster specifically.

The Sept. 13 explosions killed one teen, injured about two dozen others, damaged more than 100 structures and left thousands without heat or hot water.

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Associated Press