Natural gas system performance in Magna M5.7 2020 earthquake

Abstract

The 8 March 2020 Magna M5.7 earthquake struck 4 km north-northwest of the Magna township located about 20 km (12 mi) west of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. This article documents the performance of the natural gas system in the Magna earthquake. From a system-wide perspective, the gas system performed well with no leaks in transmission pipes, 1 leak in distribution mains, 11 leaks in lateral services, and 468 leaks at gas meter sets. There were no fires associated with gas leaks. Good performance can be attributed in part to the earthquake having relatively low intensity and short duration over much of the region as well as widespread use of steel for transmission and polyethylene (PE) for distribution pipes. About one-in-four mobile homes located close to the epicenter suffered extensive damage with many suffering gas leaks. This article also elaborates on issues with meter sets adjacent to mobile homes.