PG&E Files New Pipeline Safety Plan With State Regulators
SAN BRUNO (CBS SF) - Nearly a year after the deadly blast that devastated a San Bruno neighborhood, Pacific Gas and Electric has announced a new plan to boost safety on its gas transmission lines.
The $2.2 billion plan filed with state regulators on Friday would make PG&E an industry leader for pipeline safety, said PG&E spokesman David Eisenhower.
"We're strength testing and replacing pipeline that hasn't been strength tested. We're expanding use of remote controlled valves and automatic shut-off valves," he said.
Eisenhower said PG&E has also set a schedule for verifying the integrity of all of its pipelines over the next few years.
KCBS' Melissa Culross Reports:
In June, the California Public Utilities Commission began requiring all state utilities to forecast how they would pressure-test or replace the untested segments of transmission lines such as the pipe that exploded on Sept. 9, 2010.
Eight people were killed and dozens injured as the blast sparked a fireball that torched 38 homes.
"That tragic accident is still on our minds. The community of San Bruno is still on our minds," Eisenhower said.
The commission said it would review the plans as the agency sets new safety requirements for utilities in the coming months.
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