PG&E improving safety of natural gas transmission lines in Loomis, Newcastle

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) began work in Newcastle on Monday to improve a gas transmission pipe so it will allow for high-tech inspections of the pipeline. The project was scheduled to start in early July, but crews remain working on a similar project on Taylor Road in Loomis across from Del Oro High School that was delayed due to several extremely hot days and the large amount of granite crews encountered while excavating. Work should finish by the end of September for both projects. Having started Aug. 5, crews will work seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in downtown Newcastle along the post office on Old State Highway to replace a section of pipe. The work requires a complete closure of a short block of Old State Highway between Kellogg and Howell streets. During work hours, pedestrians will be allowed to access the post office from Orange Street as the main driveway will be blocked. Streets will be fully open after work hours. PG&E is replacing bends along the pipeline with sweeping turns to better accommodate an in-line inspection tool known as a pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) that travels through the pipeline looking for potential issues that can occur over time, such as dents and corrosion. Once the two projects are completed, PG&E will be able to run a PIG through the pipeline between Loomis and Auburn. A PIG is a preferred inspection method because it does not require any digging and minimizes impacts to traffic while avoiding interruptions in service to gas customers. These in-line inspections are done throughout PG&E's natural gas system to support the ongoing safe and reliable delivery of natural gas. "PG&E is working to further enhance gas pipeline safety throughout our service area, including communities in Placer County," said Joe Wilson, vice president of PG&E's North Valley & Sierra Region. "This work to allow for gas pipeline in-line inspections will result in an even more reliable and resilient natural gas system that will benefit thousands of customers in this region." Since 2011, PG&E has been rigorously inspecting, replacing and modernizing pipelines to proactively ensure the safety and reliability of its gas system. Some of the newer technologies applied to the gas system include remote-control and automatic shut-off valves that can stop the flow of gas faster in an emergency, and highly sensitive methane detection sensors that can track microscopic emissions.