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PG&E will inspect more than seven miles of gas transmission pipeline in San Ramon, Dublin and Livermore through the end of July.
PG&E said Wednesday in a statement that the inspections ensure that the lines not only meet but exceed federal, state, and PG&E’s rigorous compliance standards. The utility said it’s completed more than 150 miles of such work in Alameda and Contra Costa counties alone between 2021 and 2023.
Workers will insert a highly sensitive electronic tool inside the pipeline and the gas flow alone will propel the tool through several miles of pipe.
The resulting data will identify any potential defects such as dents and corrosion. Identifying these potential issues helps to keep customers safe, according to the utility.
The in-line inspections allow PG&E to safely assess the integrity of its assets without impacting the community since customers will continue to be served gas without interruption to service.
PG&E will be inspecting both the internal and external condition of gas transmission lines throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Should the inspections lead to any significant findings, PG&E says crews would take steps to make repairs in a timely fashion.
In-line inspections of PG&E’s gas transmission lines are made once every five to seven years, per federal regulations. There are also annual valve maintenance and biannual leak surveys. Other steps PG&E takes to monitor its gas transmission pipelines include aerial or ground patrols, leak surveys and cathodic protection inspections to ensure pipeline safety.
A construction laydown site has been set up in Dublin to accommodate material delivery, office trailers, construction equipment and some fabrication work.
Crews are scheduled to work from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, though times and dates may vary. PG&E said it will communicate with customers in the vicinity of the construction with updates and contact information as the project begins.
