Alabama Gas Corp. sues newspaper to ban writing about pipeline safety plan
Source: Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama Gas Corporation has taken legal action to attempt to stop the Montgomery Advertiser from publishing or writing about the company's document that outlines a plan to ensure the safety of gas pipes.
The document, Alagasco's Distribution Integrity Management Plan (DIMP), was obtained in June through a public records request to the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC), which oversees the state's utilities.
... On Sept. 12, Alagasco obtained a temporary restraining order, or restriction on publishing the information, from Jefferson County District Court. The company also filed civil lawsuit against the newspaper and a motion for a permanent injunction, which if granted by a judge would prohibit the Advertiser from publishing the information. A hearing will be held Sept. 25.
The Advertiser's use of the document is part of a national USA Today investigation that examines the dangers of cast iron pipes, which when corroded can cause gas leaks, fires and explosions. According to federal data, Alagasco has about 833 miles of cast iron main gas lines, which is the highest of any gas company in Alabama and ninth highest in the country.
Read more: http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2014/09/17/alagasco-sues-to-block-advertisers-use-of-safety-plan/15772173/
= new reply since forum marked as read
right next to the buried iron water lines..as we found out when a water main burst.
