St. Helena to Calistoga natural gas pipeline testing and upgrades
Project overview
The safety of our customers and the communities we serve is our most important responsibility. As part of that responsibility, we will be upgrading pipe fittings and testing our underground natural gas transmission pipeline from Calistoga from November 2021 through June 2023. This routine safety testing is mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and will confirm the pipeline’s integrity and operating pressure.
During the safety test, we empty the pipeline of gas, fill it with water and pressurize it to a level higher than normal operating pressure. We then repair or replace any section of the pipeline that does not meet safety standards. You may see PG&E and contractor trucks and other heavy equipment as part of our work. This project may require large-scale digging to access the pipeline and traffic will be redirected as needed. You may also hear a loud steady noise and notice the smell of gas.
Our crews continue to perform critical maintenance and essential safety work during the COVID-19 pandemic. While doing this work, our crews will maintain our social distance and wear protective equipment to help safeguard the health and safety of our workers and the general public.
Contact us
If you have questions about our natural gas safety work, please contact your local PG&E representative, Arif Khalik, at 628-234-5824 or Arif.Khalik@pge.com.
For more information on pipeline safety programs, call our Gas System Help Line at 1-888-743-7431. For general questions, call Customer Service at 1-800-743-5000.
Project details
From November 2021 through June 2023, we are performing strength testing and upgrading segments of our underground natural gas pipeline in the North Bay from St. Helena to Calistoga to enhance the safety and reliability of our system. These important upgrades will further enhance the safety and reliability of our system and provide the capacity needed to serve our customers in Napa Valley.
This routine safety testing work is mandated by the CPUC and will confirm the gas pipeline's integrity and operating pressure. The work will take place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Saturday and occasionally on Sundays. Cities within the county may restrict work hours based on work location. Weather and other factors affecting safe working conditions may also impact our schedule.
The following steps are being taken as part of the work:
- Engage the community: We coordinate with local agencies and conduct outreach to nearby customers to inform them about construction.
- Isolate the pipeline: Crews will excavate and isolate the pipeline location that needs to be tested before filling it with water.
- Test the pipeline strength: The pipeline is filled completely with water. The water is then pressurized to a level much higher than normal operating pressure. The test pressure is held and monitored for a minimum of eight hours.
- Reconnect the gas system: We immediately repair any weaknesses identified in the testing and reconnect the gas system after our strength testing has verified the pipeline's safe operating condition. Once testing and upgrades are complete, the pipeline will be placed back in service.
When the safety testing is complete, we will coordinate with local agencies and property owners to restore any paving, fencing or landscaping disturbed during the work. Our crews continue to perform critical maintenance and essential safety work during the COVID-19 pandemic. While doing this work, our crews will maintain our social distance and wear protective equipment to help safeguard the health and safety of our workers and the general public.
Project schedule
| Location and Timeline | Details | |
|---|---|---|
|
Pipeline replacement
|
St. Helena: October 2021 – June 2023 |
To minimize inconvenience, we expect most work will occur during the evening hours. However, some daytime work may also be necessary. |
|
Pipeline testing
|
St. Helena: June 2022 – June 2023 |
Work will occur during the hours of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Saturday and occasionally on Sundays. Cities within the county may restrict work hours based on work location. |
Project presentations
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Construction hours
9 p.m. – 6 a.m., Monday through Saturday and occasionally on Sunday.
Restricted hours may be imposed by the cities based on work location.
What you can expect to see
- During construction, you may see PG&E crews, contractors, trucks and other heavy equipment. There will be dust, tree trimming and removal, and construction-related noises as these projects require large-scale excavation work to install the new natural gas pipeline.
- This work may affect traffic, including potential lane closures. We will clearly mark all work areas and will help to safely direct traffic around construction work. Please plan for minor delays when driving through this area.
Community protection measures
Safety is our highest priority at PG&E. Work will be conducted under a project-specific Health and Safety Plan. Measures to protect both workers and the public will be implemented including traffic, noise and dust control measures.
Minimizing impacts
Natural gas pipeline activities will be coordinated with nearby businesses and residences to minimize impacts to the greatest extent possible, including providing alternate parking when needed. We will also work closely with utility providers to ensure there are no disruptions to their services and work with delivery carriers so that they can continue to deliver packages in an efficient manner.
Gas service
Our work should not interrupt your gas service, but we will contact you in advance if there are any changes that cause a temporary gas interruption.
Natural gas release
On the day the retired pipeline is taken out of service, there will be a controlled and safe release of a small amount of natural gas. You may hear a loud steady noise and notice the smell of gas. While gas odors are likely from this work, we encourage anyone with concerns to call us at 1-800-743-5000. We will notify nearby community members in advance of releasing gas.
Frequently asked questions
Can you provide details about this work?
From November 2021 through June 2023, we are performing strength testing and upgrading segments of our underground natural gas pipeline in the North Bay from St. Helena to Calistoga to enhance the safety and reliability of our system. These important upgrades will further enhance the safety and reliability of our system and provide the capacity needed to serve our customers in Napa Valley.
During the strength test, we empty the pipeline of gas, fill it with water and pressurize it to a level higher than normal operating pressure. We immediately repair any weaknesses identified in the testing and reconnect the gas system after our strength testing has verified the pipeline's safe operating condition. Once testing and upgrades are complete, the pipeline will be placed back in service.
Before the testing begins, there may be a controlled and safe release of a small amount of natural gas. You may hear a loud steady noise and notice the smell of gas. This is normal when crews are working, but we encourage you to call us at 1-800-743-5000 if you have any concerns.
You may see PG&E and contractor trucks and other heavy equipment as part of our work. All PG&E personnel are required to carry valid photo identification cards and will be happy to provide them upon request. There may be road closures and minor delays when driving through the project area. To minimize impacts, we will clearly mark all work areas and provide additional information in advance of the work.
When will construction and testing take place?
During construction of the pipeline replacement in St. Helena, we expect most work will occur during the evening hours to minimize inconvenience. However, some daytime work may also be necessary. Strength testing and pipe fittings upgrade work will take place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and occasionally on Sundays. Cities within the county may restrict work hours based on work location. Weather and other factors affecting safe working conditions may also impact our schedule.
How long is this work expected to last?
Work will continue until end of June 2023.
Where will the testing and upgrades occur?
In 2021, we will be strength testing our natural gas transmission pipeline in St. Helena and Calistoga. Pipeline replacement work will also occur in St. Helena.
Why is strength testing needed?
This routine safety testing work is mandated by the CPUC and is a type of integrity management testing conducted every seven years. The strength test will confirm the gas pipeline's integrity and operating pressure, helping to ensure the safety of our customers and the communities we serve.
Will you shut off my gas during the testing and upgrades work?
We planned ahead to avoid gas service interruption during this work. However, if a temporary service interruption is necessary, we will contact you in advance and have personnel standing by to relight pilot lights.
Will there be any traffic or parking impacts?
Lane closures and traffic control will be necessary in some locations, and traffic delays may occur. Parking will be limited within work zones. To minimize impacts, we will clearly mark all work areas and provide additional information in advance of the work.
Will I smell gas during this work?
Before the work begins, there may be a controlled and safe release of a small amount of natural gas. You may hear a loud steady noise and notice the smell of gas. While gas odors are expected from this work, we encourage anyone with concerns to call us at 1-800-743-5000. We will notify nearby community members in advance of releasing gas.
Will you restore work areas after you're done?
Yes, upon completion of this natural gas safety project, we will coordinate with local agencies and property owners to restore any paving, fencing or landscaping that may have been disturbed during testing or pipeline upgrade work.
What happens if the testing detects a leak?
We immediately repair any weaknesses identified in the testing and reconnect the gas system after our strength testing has verified the pipeline's safe operating condition. Once testing and upgrades are complete, the pipeline will be placed back in service.
Where can I get more information?
If you have questions about our natural gas safety work, please contact your local PG&E representative, Arif Khalik, at 628-234-5824 or Arif.Khalik@pge.com.
Thank you for your patience as we enhance the safety and reliability of our natural gas system.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN PG&E STOPS WORK OCTOBER 2022 TO FEBRUARY 2023
Will PG&E clear equipment from Wells Fargo parking lot?
Work will be off-and-on at this location. During non-working periods, (longer than 1 week), all equipment and fencing will be removed from the site.
Will the PG&E yard remain fenced with Olive Trees or removed?
You will see equipment, fencing and Olive trees until June 2023.
Will all work stop in downtown St. Helena area from October to March?
Due to increased demand on the gas system during colder winter months work will not occur October through March.
