{"operation":"document","citation":"P-19-014 through P-19-018","title":"NTSB Safety Recommendation Letter P-19-014 through P-19-018","source_type":"guidance","agency":"National Transportation Safety Board","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2019-10-24","effective_on":"2019-10-24","summary":"Official NTSB transmittal letter for safety recommendations P-19-014 through P-19-018, issued 2019-10-24.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/ntsb-transmittal-letter-p-19-014-018.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/ntsb-transmittal-letter-p-19-014-018.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/ntsb-transmittal-letter-p-19-014-018","source_url":"https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-recs/recletters/P-19-014-018.pdf","body":"Page 1\nOctober 24, 2019 The Honorable Howard “Skip” Elliott Administrator Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 The attached letter from the NTSB Chairman provides information about the NTSB’s September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendations may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. The NTSB is vitally interested in these recommendations because they are designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement these recommendations. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendations by number (for example, P-19-14 and -15). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply exceeds 20 megabytes, including attachments, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. Executive Secretariat-LRM Office of the Managing Director National Transportation Safety Board 490 L’Enfant Plaza SW Washington, DC 20594 Tel: (202)314-6047 Email: ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov\n\nPage 2\nNational Transportation Safety Board Washington, DC 20594 Office of the Chairman October 24, 2019 The Honorable Howard “Skip” Elliott Administrator Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Mr. Elliott: This letter provides information about the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendations may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. As a result of this investigation, we identified the following safety issues: • Adequacy of natural gas regulations • Project documentation • Constructability review • Project management • Risk assessment • Safety management systems • Licensed professional engineer approval of natural gas projects • Emergency response Accordingly, the NTSB makes the following safety recommendations to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Additional information regarding these recommendations can be found in the noted sections of the report. • Revise Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 192 to require overpressure protection for low-pressure natural gas distribution systems that cannot be defeated by a single operator error or equipment failure. (P-19-14) (See section 3.2.) • Issue an alert to all low-pressure natural gas distribution system operators of the possibility of a failure of overpressure protection; and the alert should recommend that operators use 59529\n\nPage 3\n2 a failure modes and effects analysis or equivalent structured and systematic method to identify potential failures and take action to mitigate those identified failures. (P-19-15) (See section 3.2.) The NTSB is vitally interested in these recommendations because they are designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement these recommendations. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendations by number (for example, P-19-14). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply, including attachments, exceeds 20 megabytes, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. Sincerely, [Original Signed] Robert L. Sumwalt, III Chairman 59529\n\nPage 4\nOctober 24, 2019 The Honorable Kay Ivey Governor of Alabama State Capitol 600 Dexter Ave. Montgomery, AL 36130-2751 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to provide assistance to victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. The attached letter from the NTSB Chairman provides information about the NTSB’s September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02.. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendation may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. For more information about NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. The NTSB is vitally interested in these recommendations because they are designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement these recommendations. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply exceeds 20 megabytes, including attachments, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. All communications regarding safety recommendations will be stored by the NTSB and viewable by the public. Please do not send privileged or confidential communications in response to this recommendation. Responses marked as confidential or privileged (or similar designations) will be considered nonresponsive. If you have concerns about this protocol, please contact us at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov or call (202) 314-6290 and ask to be directed to the Safety Recommendations Division. Executive Secretariat-LRM Office of the Managing Director National Transportation Safety Board 490 L’Enfant Plaza SW Washington, DC 20594 Tel: (202)314-6047 Email: ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov\n\nPage 5\nNational Transportation Safety Board Washington, DC 20594 Office of the Chairman October 24, 2019 The Honorable Kay Ivey Governor of Alabama State Capitol 600 Dexter Ave. Montgomery, AL 36130-2751 Dear Governor Ivey: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to assist victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. We are providing the following information to urge the State of Alabama to act on the safety recommendation in this letter because we believe your organization can help reduce the risk of future accidents. For more information about the NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. This letter provides information about our September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendations may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. As a result of this investigation, we identified the following safety issues: • Adequacy of natural gas regulations • Project documentation • Constructability review • Project management • Risk assessment • Safety management systems 59529\n\nPage 6\n2 • Licensed professional engineer approval of natural gas projects • Emergency response Accordingly, the NTSB makes the following safety recommendation to the 31 states that allow exemptions to professional engineer approval and stamping for natural gas infrastructure projects, including the State of Alabama. Additional information regarding this recommendation can be found in the noted section of the report. • Remove the exemption so that all future natural gas infrastructure projects require licensed professional engineer approval and stamping. (P-19-16) (See section 3.4.) The NTSB is vitally interested in this recommendation because it is designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement this recommendation. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply, including attachments, exceeds 20 megabytes, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. Sincerely, [Original Signed] Robert L. Sumwalt, III Chairman\n\nPage 7\nOctober 24, 2019 The Honorable Michael J. Dunleavy Governor of Alaska State Capitol Third Floor PO Box 110001 Juneau, AK 99811-0001 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to provide assistance to victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. The attached letter from the NTSB Chairman provides information about the NTSB’s September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02.The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendation may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. For more information about NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. The NTSB is vitally interested in these recommendations because they are designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement these recommendations. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply exceeds 20 megabytes, including attachments, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. All communications regarding safety recommendations will be stored by the NTSB and viewable by the public. Please do not send privileged or confidential communications in response to this recommendation. Responses marked as confidential or privileged (or similar designations) will be considered nonresponsive. If you have concerns about this protocol, please contact us at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov or call (202) 314-6290 and ask to be directed to the Safety Recommendations Division.\n\nPage 8\nExecutive Secretariat-LRM Office of the Managing Director National Transportation Safety Board 490 L’Enfant Plaza SW Washington, DC 20594 Tel: (202)314-6047 Email: ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov\n\nPage 9\nNational Transportation Safety Board Washington, DC 20594 Office of the Chairman October 24, 2019 The Honorable Michael J. Dunleavy Governor of Alaska State Capitol Third Floor PO Box 110001 Juneau, AK 99811-0001 Dear Governor Dunleavy: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to assist victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. We are providing the following information to urge the State of Alaska to act on the safety recommendation in this letter because we believe your organization can help reduce the risk of future accidents. For more information about the NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. This letter provides information about our September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendations may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. 59529\n\nPage 10\n2 As a result of this investigation, we identified the following safety issues: • Adequacy of natural gas regulations • Project documentation • Constructability review • Project management • Risk assessment • Safety management systems • Licensed professional engineer approval of natural gas projects • Emergency response Accordingly, the NTSB makes the following safety recommendation to the 31 states that allow exemptions to professional engineer approval and stamping for natural gas infrastructure projects, including the State of Alaska. Additional information regarding this recommendation can be found in the noted section of the report. • Remove the exemption so that all future natural gas infrastructure projects require licensed professional engineer approval and stamping. (P-19-16) (See section 3.4.) The NTSB is vitally interested in this recommendation because it is designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement this recommendation. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply, including attachments, exceeds 20 megabytes, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. Sincerely, [Original Signed] Robert L. Sumwalt, III Chairman\n\nPage 11\nOctober 24, 2019 The Honorable Doug Ducey Governor of Arizona State Capitol 1700 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007-2812 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to provide assistance to victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. The attached letter from the NTSB Chairman provides information about the NTSB’s September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendation may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. For more information about NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. The NTSB is vitally interested in these recommendations because they are designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement these recommendations. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply exceeds 20 megabytes, including attachments, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. All communications regarding safety recommendations will be stored by the NTSB and viewable by the public. Please do not send privileged or confidential communications in response to this recommendation. Responses marked as confidential or privileged (or similar designations) will be considered nonresponsive. If you have concerns about this protocol, please contact us at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov or call (202) 314-6290 and ask to be directed to the Safety Recommendations Division. Executive Secretariat-LRM Office of the Managing Director National Transportation Safety Board 490 L’Enfant Plaza SW Washington, DC 20594 Tel: (202)314-6047 Email: ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov\n\nPage 12\nNational Transportation Safety Board Washington, DC 20594 Office of the Chairman October 24, 2019 The Honorable Doug Ducey Governor of Arizona State Capitol 1700 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007-2812 Dear Governor Ducey: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to assist victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. We are providing the following information to urge the State of Arizona to act on the safety recommendation in this letter because we believe your organization can help reduce the risk of future accidents. For more information about the NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. This letter provides information about our September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendations may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. As a result of this investigation, we identified the following safety issues: • Adequacy of natural gas regulations • Project documentation • Constructability review • Project management • Risk assessment • Safety management systems 59529\n\nPage 13\n2 • Licensed professional engineer approval of natural gas projects • Emergency response Accordingly, the NTSB makes the following safety recommendation to the 31 states that allow exemptions to professional engineer approval and stamping for natural gas infrastructure projects, including the State of Arizona. Additional information regarding this recommendation can be found in the noted section of the report. • Remove the exemption so that all future natural gas infrastructure projects require licensed professional engineer approval and stamping. (P-19-16) (See section 3.4.) The NTSB is vitally interested in this recommendation because it is designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement this recommendation. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply, including attachments, exceeds 20 megabytes, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. Sincerely, [Original Signed] Robert L. Sumwalt, III Chairman\n\nPage 14\nOctober 24, 2019 The Honorable Asa Hutchinson Governor of Arkansas 250 State Capitol 500 Woodlane Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201-3405 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to provide assistance to victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. The attached letter from the NTSB Chairman provides information about the NTSB’s September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02.The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendation may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. For more information about NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. The NTSB is vitally interested in these recommendations because they are designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement these recommendations. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply exceeds 20 megabytes, including attachments, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. All communications regarding safety recommendations will be stored by the NTSB and viewable by the public. Please do not send privileged or confidential communications in response to this recommendation. Responses marked as confidential or privileged (or similar designations) will be considered nonresponsive. If you have concerns about this protocol, please contact us at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov or call (202) 314-6290 and ask to be directed to the Safety Recommendations Division. Executive Secretariat-LRM Office of the Managing Director National Transportation Safety Board 490 L’Enfant Plaza SW Washington, DC 20594 Tel: (202)314-6047 Email: ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov\n\nPage 15\nNational Transportation Safety Board Washington, DC 20594 Office of the Chairman October 24, 2019 The Honorable Asa Hutchinson Governor of Arkansas 250 State Capitol 500 Woodlane Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201-3405 Dear Governor Hutchinson: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to assist victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. We are providing the following information to urge the State of Arkansas to act on the safety recommendation in this letter because we believe your organization can help reduce the risk of future accidents. For more information about the NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. This letter provides information about our September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendations may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. As a result of this investigation, we identified the following safety issues: • Adequacy of natural gas regulations • Project documentation • Constructability review • Project management • Risk assessment • Safety management systems 59529\n\nPage 16\n2 • Licensed professional engineer approval of natural gas projects • Emergency response Accordingly, the NTSB makes the following safety recommendation to the 31 states that allow exemptions to professional engineer approval and stamping for natural gas infrastructure projects, including the State of Arkansas. Additional information regarding this recommendation can be found in the noted section of the report. • Remove the exemption so that all future natural gas infrastructure projects require licensed professional engineer approval and stamping. (P-19-16) (See section 3.4.) The NTSB is vitally interested in this recommendation because it is designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement this recommendation. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply, including attachments, exceeds 20 megabytes, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. Sincerely, [Original Signed] Robert L. Sumwalt, III Chairman\n\nPage 17\nOctober 24, 2019 The Honorable Gavin Newsom Governor of California 1303 10th St. Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 95814-4910 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to provide assistance to victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. The attached letter from the NTSB Chairman provides information about the NTSB’s September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendation may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. For more information about NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. The NTSB is vitally interested in these recommendations because they are designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement these recommendations. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply exceeds 20 megabytes, including attachments, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. All communications regarding safety recommendations will be stored by the NTSB and viewable by the public. Please do not send privileged or confidential communications in response to this recommendation. Responses marked as confidential or privileged (or similar designations) will be considered nonresponsive. If you have concerns about this protocol, please contact us at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov or call (202) 314-6290 and ask to be directed to the Safety Recommendations Division. Executive Secretariat-LRM Office of the Managing Director National Transportation Safety Board 490 L’Enfant Plaza SW Washington, DC 20594 Tel: (202)314-6047 Email: ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov\n\nPage 18\nNational Transportation Safety Board Washington, DC 20594 Office of the Chairman October 24, 2019 The Honorable Gavin Newsom Governor of California 1303 10th St. Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 95814-4910 Dear Governor Newsom: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to assist victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. We are providing the following information to urge the State of California to act on the safety recommendation in this letter because we believe your organization can help reduce the risk of future accidents. For more information about the NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. This letter provides information about our September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendations may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. As a result of this investigation, we identified the following safety issues: • Adequacy of natural gas regulations • Project documentation • Constructability review • Project management • Risk assessment • Safety management systems 59529\n\nPage 19\n2 • Licensed professional engineer approval of natural gas projects • Emergency response Accordingly, the NTSB makes the following safety recommendation to the 31 states that allow exemptions to professional engineer approval and stamping for natural gas infrastructure projects, including the State of California. Additional information regarding this recommendation can be found in the noted section of the report. • Remove the exemption so that all future natural gas infrastructure projects require licensed professional engineer approval and stamping. (P-19-16) (See section 3.4.) The NTSB is vitally interested in this recommendation because it is designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement this recommendation. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply, including attachments, exceeds 20 megabytes, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. Sincerely, [Original Signed] Robert L. Sumwalt, III Chairman\n\nPage 20\nOctober 24, 2019 The Honorable Jared Polis Governor of Colorado 136 State Capitol Denver, CO 80203-1792 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to provide assistance to victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. The attached letter from the NTSB Chairman provides information about the NTSB’s September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendation may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. For more information about NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. The NTSB is vitally interested in these recommendations because they are designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement these recommendations. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply exceeds 20 megabytes, including attachments, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. All communications regarding safety recommendations will be stored by the NTSB and viewable by the public. Please do not send privileged or confidential communications in response to this recommendation. Responses marked as confidential or privileged (or similar designations) will be considered nonresponsive. If you have concerns about this protocol, please contact us at ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov or call (202) 314-6290 and ask to be directed to the Safety Recommendations Division. Executive Secretariat-LRM Office of the Managing Director National Transportation Safety Board 490 L’Enfant Plaza SW Washington, DC 20594 Tel: (202)314-6047 Email: ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov\n\nPage 21\nNational Transportation Safety Board Washington, DC 20594 Office of the Chairman October 24, 2019 The Honorable Jared Polis Governor of Colorado 136 State Capitol Denver, CO 80203-1792 Dear Governor Polis: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to assist victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. We are providing the following information to urge the State of Colorado to act on the safety recommendation in this letter because we believe your organization can help reduce the risk of future accidents. For more information about the NTSB and our recommendation process, please see the attached one-page summary. This letter provides information about our September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018, NTSB/PAR-19/02. The details of this accident investigation and the resulting safety recommendations may be found in the attached report, which can also be accessed at http://www.ntsb.gov. As a result of this investigation, we identified the following safety issues: • Adequacy of natural gas regulations • Project documentation • Constructability review • Project management • Risk assessment • Safety management systems 59529\n\nPage 22\n2 • Licensed professional engineer approval of natural gas projects • Emergency response Accordingly, the NTSB makes the following safety recommendation to the 31 states that allow exemptions to professional engineer approval and stamping for natural gas infrastructure projects, including the State of Colorado. Additional information regarding this recommendation can be found in the noted section of the report. • Remove the exemption so that all future natural gas infrastructure projects require licensed professional engineer approval and stamping. (P-19-16) (See section 3.4.) The NTSB is vitally interested in this recommendation because it is designed to prevent accidents and save lives. We would appreciate a response within 90 days of the date of this letter, detailing the actions you have taken or intend to take to implement this recommendation. When replying, please refer to the safety recommendation by number (for example, P-19-16). We encourage you to submit your response to ExecutiveSecretariat@ntsb.gov. If your reply, including attachments, exceeds 20 megabytes, please e-mail us at the same address for instructions on how to send larger documents. Please do not submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy of the same response. Sincerely, [Original Signed] Robert L. Sumwalt, III Chairman\n\nPage 23\nOctober 24, 2019 The Honorable Ned Lamont Governor of Connecticut State Capitol 210 Capitol Ave. Hartford, CT 06106-1535 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation—railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline. We determine the probable cause of the accidents and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. In addition, we carry out special studies concerning transportation safety and coordinate the resources of the federal government and other organizations to provide assistance to victims and their family members affected by major transportation disasters. The attached letter from the NTSB Chairman provides information about the NTSB’s September 24, 2019, report Overpressurization of Natural Gas Distribution System, Explosions, and Fires in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, September 13, 2018,","truncated":true,"body_characters":199791}