Palo Alto Safety Officials Warn Of Rare Gas Pipeline Danger
PALO ALTO (KCBS) _ The city of Palo Alto has launched a pipeline safety campaign designed to warn residents about the dangers of "cross bores."
KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:
A cross bore occurs when a drilling machine used to install a gas pipe inadvertently cuts through a sewer line leaving the gas line running through the middle of the sewer pipe. This could create a problem if there is a sewer blockage that crews have to attend to. They could accidentally sever the pipe, causing it to rupture.
Mary Cody with Palo Alto Utilities said her agency is asking residents to give them a call first so they can check for cross bores.
"We'll have trained staff available to respond 24/7 and we will send them out promptly," said Cody.
The city has set aside $3.8 million to cover the cost of cross bore inspections, which will run through 2013. The situation is very rare, with Cody saying that one hasn't yet been discovered.
For more information on the Gas Pipeline and Sewer Inspection Program click here.
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