Is the Chehalis Western Trail – safe?

The February 2001 Nisqually Earthquake caused major damage throughout the South Sound area, including damage to the Chehalis Western Trail.  But, running down the trail is a major natural gas pipeline belonging to Puget Sound Energy  The trail had major cracks which extend deeply into the ground where the pipeline is located.

Puget Sound Energy was asked to determine if there was any damage to the pipeline and any cause for concern to the thousands of residents living along  the trail.

PSE turned the job of determining if there were any leaks or damage to their subcontractor who assured everyone that the trail was safe.  Now comes word that the subcontractor falsified inspection statements as well as falsifying natural gas leak reports; a serious violation according to Utilities and Transportation Commission chair Mark Sidran.

PSE was fined $1.25 million by the UTC.

But the question remains.  Is the Chehalis Western Trail safe to use and safe to live next to?  Puget Sound Energy owes residents and users an answer.