Article: Pipe strikes in Wisconsin prompt focus on prevention

A lawsuit over a gas pipeline explosion in Oconomowoc seeks to assign blame and penalties, while industry leaders search for ways to prevent such accidents.

A company that insured two homes destroyed in the April 2008 blast sued We Energies and contractor Dorner Inc., Luxemburg. The utility owned the abandoned gas line that Dorner broke.

But the explosion also sparked a discussion among contractors, utilities, Diggers Hotline representatives and pipe locators over how to avoid pipe strikes.

Lawsuits and government regulations that penalize companies after accidents are not the best ways to prevent problems, said Richard Wanta, executive director of the Wisconsin Underground Contractors ...

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