3 May 2002

Natural Gas Corporation Holdings Limited (NGC) said today it is seeking compensation of $120,000 from the contractor whose bulldozer ruptured NGC’s high pressure gas pipeline at Himatangi, near Foxton, in February.

Gas supply to the lower half of the North Island was cut for almost 24 hours when a bulldozer operating on the pipeline easement without NGC’s knowledge or approval, struck the pipe. Large gas users were asked to stop taking gas, but emergency services and residential customers continued to be supplied from residual gas in the pipeline. Repairs included the removal and replacement of a 12 metre section of pipe.

NGC said the incident, and NGC’s claim for compensation, reinforce the obligation of care on contractors and others working near gas pipelines, or other utility services.

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