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Source Of Dangerous Propane Traced To Westfield Distributor

BOSTON (AP) - An investigation by Attorney General Martha Coakley and the state fire marshal has traced the source of odorless propane distributed in Massachusetts to five railcars and four facilities used by a Westfield gas distributor.

An independent report commissioned by the state uncovered five railroad tank cars containing unodorized propane at the Westfield facility operated by DCP Midstream. The cars were ordered shipped back.

Unodorized propane does not include the chemical that gives the odorless gas a distinctive smell so it can be detected in the case of a leak.

Propane without a sufficient amount of the chemical was also found at four distribution facilities used by DCP customers.

Coakley's office said procedures have been put in place to prevent future distribution of odorless propane from the facility.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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