The Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Co. has agreed to pay $1.425 million to resolve federal allegations following the tragic death of a technician at its Kansas facility in 2020. Investigations revealed that safety violations contributed to the incident, where a pressurized cleaning tool, referred to as a “pig,” was ejected at high velocity and struck the employee. The company has not acknowledged liability in the settlement, which addresses claims regarding its failure to adhere to mandatory maintenance and safety protocols.
This settlement comes as a result of a civil complaint filed by the United States in April 2025 under the Pipeline Safety Act, which accused Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Co., LP (PEPL), a subsidiary of Energy Transfer, LP based in Texas, of not following its own operational and maintenance procedures that ultimately led to the technician’s death on March 26, 2020.
According to investigators, the incident involved PEPL technician Everett Leon Rogers, 59, who was attempting to retrieve a 10-inch PitBoss™ Cleaning Pig that had become stuck due to ice in the receiving barrel. The barrel, which remained partially pressurized, posed a significant risk. Around 2 p.m., Rogers used a stainless-steel rod to break the ice, inadvertently causing the pig to dislodge and eject at high speed, striking him in the abdomen. He succumbed to his injuries later at a hospital.
A “pig” is a cylindrical device utilized in pipelines to clean out deposits such as scale and rust, ensuring the efficient operation of the pipeline system.
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, commented on the settlement, stating, “This settlement reflects our commitment to impose accountability in regulatory matters. The outcome here illustrates the importance and necessity of compliance and appropriate enforcement actions to prevent and address tragic circumstances.” Paul Roberti, Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), emphasized that the company’s alleged disregard for established safety regulations directly contributed to the fatal incident, asserting, “We will not let operators escape accountability in cases like this one.”
The civil settlement, finalized on December 31, 2025, specifies that the claims remain allegations and that PEPL has not made any formal admission of liability.
