Special Counsel Steven Meyers Participates in National Transportation Safety Board Hearing On Devastating San Bruno Explosion
On March 1-3, 2011, the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) conducted a federal public hearing on the devastating September 9th pipeline explosion with testimony from San Bruno Fire Chief Dennis Haag, PG&E executives, pipeline industry representatives, state and federal regulators, and safety advocates.
Immediately following the September 9th incident, the NTSB initiated an investigation into the cause of the pipeline rupture and resulting explosion. As part of the ongoing investigation, the purpose of the public hearing was to gather factual information and to provide an opportunity for the public to obtain information about the investigation.
The NTSB granted the City of San Bruno “party status,” allowing the City of San Bruno to directly question several government and industry witnesses during the hearing. In attendance on behalf of the City included Special Counsel Steven Meyers, Mayor Jim Ruane, City Manager Connie Jackson, Public Services Director Klara Fabry, Police Sergeant Geoff Caldwell, Fire Chief Dennis Haag, and Councilmember Rico Medina.
The three day hearing included testimony regarding PG&E operations, PG&E’s integrity management plan, public awareness, state and federal oversight, and new and industry wide technology. NTSB’s next step is to complete its final accident report which will include its findings and the report is expected to be finalized by September 2011, the first anniversary of the explosion. The City of San Bruno will also provide the NTSB with its own proposed conclusions and recommendations.
About Meyers Nave
Founded in 1986, the law firm of Meyers Nave is recognized for its work with all types of public entities in California. The firm provides the full scope of legal services to cities, counties, redevelopment agencies and special districts statewide. Meyers Nave’s areas of practice include labor and employment, torts, redevelopment, city attorney and general counsel representations, eminent domain, litigation, writs and appeals, public contracts and land use, and environmental law.
Contact:
Steven Meyers, Principal
510.808.2000
smeyers@meyersnave.com