Fatal Pipeline Pig Ejection Leads to $1.4 Million Settlement for Energy Transfer Unit
A subsidiary of Energy Transfer will pay $1.4 million to settle federal allegations that pipeline safety violations contributed to a fatal maintenance incident at a Kansas gas facility.
(P&GJ) — A gas pipeline operator has agreed to pay $1.43 million to resolve federal allegations that violations of pipeline safety regulations led to the death of an employee, the U.S. Department of Justice said Jan. 20.
The settlement involves Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Transfer, following a fatal incident at the company’s Borchers Station near Meade, Kansas, in March 2020.
According to a civil complaint filed by the United States in April 2025 under the Pipeline Safety Act, Panhandle Eastern failed to follow its own written procedures for operations and maintenance in connection with the incident. Federal authorities alleged that the violations caused a pipeline cleaning pig to be ejected from a partially pressurized receiver barrel during maintenance activities, striking and killing a company employee.
“This settlement reflects our commitment to impose accountability in regulatory matters,” said United States Attorney Ryan Raybould. “The outcome here illustrates the importance and necessity of compliance and appropriate enforcement actions to prevent and address tragic circumstances such as those alleged in this case.”
“Safety and enforcement go hand in hand,” said Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Administrator Paul Roberti. “The complaint alleged that the company’s failure to follow the rules led to an employee’s death. We will not let operators escape accountability in cases like this one and will continue to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure our nation’s energy infrastructure is safe.”
Under the terms of the settlement, executed Dec. 31, 2025, Panhandle Eastern agreed to pay the United States $1.425 million. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination or admission of liability.
The case was investigated by PHMSA and later referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for resolution.