"Abandoned Gas Line Caused Colo. Home Explosion"

"An abandoned pipeline that was cut off underground and left uncapped and connected to a natural gas well fueled an explosion that destroyed a Colorado home and killed two people last month, investigators said yesterday.

Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) ordered a statewide review of all similar pipelines, known as flow lines or gathering lines. Pipelines located within 1,000 feet of homes and other buildings have to be inspected by the end of the month and tested for leaks by the end of June.

Companies also will have until June 30 to ensure that abandoned lines have been properly disconnected and sealed, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission said in a notice to operators."

Mike Lee and Mike Soraghan report for EnergyWire May 3, 2017.