Gas In-Line-Inspection stations

Important gas safety project

At PG&E, our primary responsibility is the safety of our customers and the communities we serve. As part of that responsibility, we will be installing new facilities throughout our service area. These facilities will help us more efficiently perform mandated safety testing on our natural gas pipelines. In-Line-Inspection (ILI) technology is PG&E’s preferred method of inspecting our natural gas pipelines. It helps us locate defects such as cracks and corrosion. Identifying these issues quickly and efficiently helps keep our customers safe.

What we are doing

We are building new facilities with above-ground pipes. These pipes allow special inspection tools to enter or exit the natural gas pipeline. The tools are used to perform an internal assessment of the pipeline’s condition. Federal regulations (CFR 49, 192 subpart O) require us to perform this regular testing. The testing helps confirm the safety and integrity of the natural gas pipelines that serve our customers. We will also install gravel and build a new fence/wall to provide security.

What is a gas In-Line-Inspection – and why does it need to be done?

In-Line-Inspection technology (ILI) is PG&E's safe and preferred method of inspecting our natural gas pipelines, providing the least intrusive method of inspection to our customers. Watch this video to better understand the best practice process.

Play

PG&E Inspecting Peninsula Pipeline with 'Smart Pig' Built for the Job

Audio description and transcript are available for this video:

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Download a transcript (PDF, 90 KB)

Play Video

PG&E Inspecting Peninsula Pipeline with 'Smart Pig' Built for the Job

1OF1

Audio description and transcript are available for this video:

Access an audio descriptive version
Download a transcript (PDF, 90 KB)

What you can expect

During project construction

We expect construction of each facility to occur over approximately six to nine months.
Weather and other factors that affect safe working conditions may change our schedule.
We will notify you in advance of our construction schedule and other details.
After construction is complete, you may see workers conducting monthly maintenance.

During mandated safety testing

You may see crews, trucks and other equipment during gas pipeline safety inspections.
We expect work will take place from the early morning hours through the early evening hours.
Inspections will occur over two months every five to seven years, or more frequently if necessary.
Equipment and materials will be temporarily installed at the site during our inspections.
During the inspections, you may hear a loud steady noise. You may also notice the smell of gas.

Frequently asked questions

Why are these new facilities needed?

Federal regulations (CFR 49, 192 subpart O) require us to perform regular testing. This testing helps confirm the safety and integrity of our natural gas pipelines. To complete the inspections, we use special equipment to perform an internal assessment of the pipeline's condition. The new facilities are needed to allow this equipment to enter and exit the pipeline.

What will be constructed as part of these projects?

As part of these projects, we will install gravel and above-ground pipes. The pipes allow our special inspection tools to enter or exit the natural gas pipeline. We will also build a new fence/wall to provide security and screen views. In some cases, projects may require removal of existing structures on the site.

How will these projects benefit my community?

Federal regulations (CFR 49, 192 subpart O) require us to perform regular testing. This testing helps confirm the safety and integrity of the natural gas pipelines that serve our customers. The project includes new above-ground pipes that allow special inspection tools to exit the natural gas pipeline. These tools are used to perform an internal assessment of the pipeline's condition using a method called In-Line Inspection (ILI). ILI technology is PG&E's preferred method of inspecting our natural gas pipelines. It helps us locate defects such as cracks and corrosion. Identifying these issues quickly and efficiently helps keep our customers safe.

How did you select the project locations?

Each site was selected based on its ideal location near the natural gas transmission pipeline requiring testing. As a result, these locations allow us to test the longest pipeline segment possible. In-Line-Inspection technology (ILI) is PG&E's preferred method of inspecting our natural gas pipelines. It helps us locate defects such as cracks and corrosion. Identifying these issues quickly and efficiently helps keep our customers safe. In-Line-Inspection technology (ILI) is PG&E's preferred method of inspecting our natural gas pipelines, providing the least intrusive method of inspection to our customers.

What will the new facilities look like?

We will build a new wall/fence at each location to screen views of the facility. Our goal is to select a design and materials that ensure safety and security while complementing the surrounding neighborhood.