Palo Alto Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Aging Palo PG&E Pipeline
PALO ALTO (KCBS) –Another PG&E gas transmission pipeline is raising eyebrows, this time in Palo Alto. The trouble spot is about 1.5 miles of pipeline 109, which runs along Arastradero Road between Middlefield Road and Alma Street.
"It was put in in 1936, and welded with a single weld, which is a less effective welding system than a double weld," said Palo Alto Councilman Pat Burt. "They have not been able to test it."
PG&E is committed to replacing the line, but not until 2013. Utility spokesman Brian Swanson said that pressure on the line has been reduced on the line while the repairs are pending.
KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:
"It normally operates somewhere on, or below 375 pounds," said Swanson. "It's currently operating at a reduced pressure of 300 pounds, which is the equivalent of doing a strength test on that line."
Swanson said there is a two year delay because other pipeline projects are more urgent.
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