Clean Up Process Completed In San Bruno
SAN BRUNO (KCBS) - Less than five weeks after a natural gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno, the clean up process has been completed.
The Glenview neighborhood, where 54 homes were destroyed and eight people died, is flattened. Debris has been removed and empty lots sit where homes once stood.
"We just shoveled the last bit of debris," said San Bruno Mayor Jim Ruane. "This is not just getting rid of some stuff that was here before, it is in fact a new start."
That new start required a lot of man hours, as crews worked round the clock at times.
"We've taken out more than 7,000 tons of material and debris," said San Mateo County Director of Environmental Health Dean Peterson. "And while that sounds like a lot, now the weight and heavy lifting is up to the city of San Bruno and the residents to continue on and rebuild the community."
The city is waiving fees and expediting the permit process by half for those who want to rebuild.
Bob Pellegrini isn't one of them as he said he's waiting to see if PG&E decides to move the pipeline.
"Tie into it where it's coming from up by over 280 and go along 35 where there's a freeway or open area," he said. "But get it out of our neighborhood."
On Tuesday, PG&E officials announced a major effort to strengthen the utility's natural gas transmission line system.
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