San Carlos Hires Outside Experts To Inspect Pipeline Instead Of PG&E
SAN CARLOS (KCBS) - Not satisfied with reassurances from Pacific Gas and Electric, San Carlos has hired its own lawyers and technical experts to do an independent assessment of the natural gas pipeline state regulators ordered shut down this week.
The city's lawyers and technical experts will meet with staff of the California Public Utilities Commission Thursday to start reviewing PG&E's paperwork related to Line 147, said City Manager Jeff Maltbie.
"San Carlos representatives will be going to San Francisco to meet with Safety and Enforcement Division investigators," he said.
San Carlos To Hire Outside Experts To Assess Safety of PG&E Pipeline
The commission ordered the pipeline shut down after an internal PG&E memo surfaced that raised questions about corrosion and cracks on a four-mile section of pipeline that runs under Brittan Avenue.
Maltbie said San Carlos will spend about $250,000 on the assessment because of fears raised by the 2010 San Bruno pipeline explosion and fire that killed 8 and destroyed 38 homes.
PG&E has until Friday to turn over all the documents relevant to the San Carlos pipeline. Jim Hartnett, an attorney for the utility, said the company is anxious to allay all fears.
"There's a real serious effort to make sure that people have a common understanding as to what the purpose of a pipeline is, what its quality and condition is, and so everybody has confidence going forward," Hartnett said.
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