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Keeping the area above the pipeline safe for our communities
The safety of our customers is PG&E’s most important responsibility. That's why we’re working closely with communities across our service area to keep the areas above gas transmission pipelines clear of vegetation and structures.
Our safety experts regularly inspect the area above and around a pipeline. They identify new structures or vegetation that could pose a threat or obstruct access. Certain trees and structures pose safety concerns because they can block an emergency response or critical maintenance work. They can also damage and corrode the pipe, which can lead to leaks.
If we identify a structure, tree or brush that poses a safety concern, we work closely with the property owner to remove or relocate the item further away from the pipeline. This will help ensure that the gas system continues to operate safely for years to come.
To keep the pipeline and community safe, we follow recommendations from the United States Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA), as well as the Public Awareness for Pipeline Operator’s American Petroleum Institute.
These recommendations include:
- Managing trees to allow safe access to the pipeline
- Avoiding planting trees and vegetation with roots that can reach down and impact the pipeline
For more information about best practices, visit the following sites:
- Learn about Partnering to Further Enhance Pipeline Safety in Communities
- Receive guidance on the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) regulations
- Explore PHMSA's best practices for public outreach
- Read the recommended practices for public awareness at Pipeline Operator's American Petroleum Institute
- Read a Landowner's Guide to Pipelines by Pipeline Safety Trust
We must work together to reduce safety risks and help prevent accidents and damage to the pipeline.
To help keep the community and pipeline safe, community members should:
Call 811 at least two days before starting a digging of landscaping project so crews can visit the property and mark any underground utilities. This service is free.
Monitor and report any suspicious activity near pipelines by calling 1-800-743-5000.
Keep the area above and around a pipeline free of structures and vegetation that could block emergency access or damage the pipe. Please follow our guide to safe landscaping when planning new landscaping projects.
Guide to safe landscaping
Picking the right tree for the right location is an important way to help keep the area above the pipeline safe. If possible, choose low-growing plants and shrubs. Also, most trees should be planted at least 10 to 14 feet from the pipeline. Download our "Guide to Safe Landscaping" for more information on pipeline-friendly landscaping.
Need assistance or have a question?
For requests or questions on this safety work and keeping the area above the pipeline safe, please contact us at gasveg@pge.com.
Downloadable resources
Guide to safe landscaping (PDF, 6.0 MB)
Program brochure (PDF, 4.3 MB)
Program fact sheet (PDF, 6.1 MB)
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about our gas transmission vegetation management programs? Click on a question below to learn more. You can also call us at 1-800-743-5000 with any additional questions.
WHY ARE STRUCTURES AND TREES LOCATED NEAR THE PIPELINE A SAFETY CONCERN?
Certain trees and structures can block access to a pipeline during an emergency response or critical maintenance work. Items located too close to a pipeline can also damage the pipe and potentially cause corrosion, which can lead to leaks. If you are concerned that a structure or tree is located over the pipeline in your community, please call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
WHY CAN’T YOU JUST MOVE THE PIPELINE?
Rerouting a pipeline is very disruptive to the community and environment. It can also take several years to complete. By working together, we can ensure the area above and around the pipeline remains clear and continues to provide safe and reliable service for years to come.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU INSPECT THE AREA ABOVE THE PIPELINE?
We regularly inspect our gas pipelines and electric lines for anything that may pose a safety concern. PG&E may also conduct additional patrols throughout the year to ensure the system is operating safely.
HOW DO TREES BLOCK ACCESS TO A PIPELINE?
The same way a car parked in front of a fire hydrant can block a firefighter's access to water. While fire engines don't need to regularly access the fire hydrant, when they do, they need immediate and unblocked access. In an emergency or natural disaster, structures or trees located over or around an underground pipe can delay access by safety crews and slow response times. Every second counts in an emergency.