Taking Responsibility
At PG&E, we have a responsibility to be accountable for all of our actions, including protecting the environment. Our environmental commitment includes thoroughly evaluating sites throughout our service area that may have been impacted by our historical utility operations. We will work collaboratively with our neighbors and the surrounding communities to address these sites in a manner that respects the individual needs of the community and minimizes disruptions to people who live, work or play in the area. Project details are shared with the community and we strive to respond to questions and concerns as quickly as possible.
Addressing Historic Gas Plant Sites
Working closely with state and local regulatory agencies, PG&E has a voluntary program to investigate and, where necessary, remediate former manufactured gas plant sites that the company historically owned or operated. In the mid 1800s and early 1900s, before natural gas was available, utility companies nationwide operated these plants to convert coal and oil into gas for lighting, heating and cooking for local communities. Many of them closed 100 years ago, yet residues from the historical gas-making process may still remain at some sites. Today, PG&E is taking action to address these sites. It is important to note that there is no indication that any of PG&E’s sites pose any health concerns to the public, based on our testing, experience, and extensive review of medical literature.
Protecting Vital Resources
Our investigation and cleanup efforts continue to make progress at the company’s Topock and Hinkley natural gas compressor stations, where historical operations resulted in chromium affecting soil and groundwater. Temporary measures were put in place at Topock in 2003 to ensure that no contamination could reach the Colorado River. Today, the groundwater investigation at Topock is nearing completion and a final decision on a groundwater cleanup plan is anticipated in 2010. At Hinkley, PG&E has taken action to stop any migration of contaminated groundwater and has installed remediation facilities to treat the chromium contaminated water.
Transforming Former Utility Facilities
PG&E also has reached important milestones in efforts to redevelop former utility facilities for reuse, which includes converting a geothermal waste facility into wetlands, wildlife and tree plantations, and transforming a former electrical substation into a location for new state-of-the art green housing.
News Releases
Pacific Gas and Electric Company Settles Chromium Claims, February 3, 2006
