Bill > S2287

This bill amends existing law to enhance safety around natural gas infrastructure, particularly during construction projects. It requires municipalities or the commonwealth to notify gas companies about significant projects on public ways that might affect gas lines, prompting the gas company to inspect for and schedule repairs for gas leaks. The bill also mandates that gas companies ensure shut-off valves are protected by gate boxes or similar safety measures and that critical valves are operational and accessible. Furthermore, before undertaking excavation or blasting work, gas companies must locate, identify, and mark all gas gates and valves, ensuring they are cleared and operational, and leave them in the same condition afterward. The bill specifies that gas companies must provide written confirmation of these checks to the relevant authorities and can face fines for failing to verify valve accessibility or for submitting incorrect location information.