Natural gas pipeline pressure testing

We are strength testing 26 miles of natural gas pipeline in the East Bay to confirm its safe operating pressure and identify any weaknesses. Work occurs Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Restricted hours may be imposed by the cities in which this work is taking place.

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 turn off the flow of gas to the section to be tested.
• Clear the pipeline: Natural gas may be released using safe and controlled methods. The inside of the pipe is mechanically cleaned.
• 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: When testing verifies the pipeline's strength and no leaks are detected, the pipeline is emptied of water, dried and placed back into service.

Once the pipeline passes the test, the water is drained and reused on the next segment. It is then filtered and tested before being properly discharged according to regulatory requirements.

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.  Some customers may experience a gas outage, but we are working with those individual customers to ensure we meet their gas usage needs.

Below is a tentative schedule for the strength testing work. Weather and other factors that affect safe working conditions may impact our schedule.

• This work will not interrupt your gas service; however, we will contact you directly if there are any changes.
• During the test, you may see PG&E or contractor trucks and heavy equipment.
• 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.

Minimizing community impacts

Strength testing activities are coordinated with nearby businesses and residences to minimize impacts to the greatest extent possible. We work closely with utility providers and first responders to ensure there are no disruptions to their services, as well as assist delivery carriers to ensure packages reach their destinations.

Controlled, safe natural gas release

Before testing begins on each segment, 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.

Can you provide details about this work?

PG&E crews are performing strength testing on seven segments of natural gas transmission pipeline from San Leandro to San Pablo. During this 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. Once the pipeline passes the test, the water is drained and reused on the next segment.

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 also 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 the work take place?

Mobilization and testing will take place intermittently over the course of three to four months in each area, with full restoration occurring soon after the completion of work. The work will occur from February to November 2019. Crews will work 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Restricted hours may be imposed by the cities in which this work is taking place. Weather and other factors affecting safe working conditions may impact our schedule.

How long is this work expected to last?

We plan to begin mobilization and testing in February 2019 and continue through November 2019. Approximately six weeks of work will take place intermittently over the course of three to four months. Upon completion of work, we will coordinate with local agencies and property owners to restore any paving, fencing or landscaping that may have been disturbed during the construction.

Where will the testing occur?

We will be testing seven segments of natural gas transmission pipeline in the cities of San Leandro, Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, Albany, Richmond, El Cerrito and San Pablo.

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 test?

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.

Will there be any traffic or parking impacts?

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.

Will there be any impacts to businesses, residences, utility providers or mail carriers?

Strength testing activities are coordinated with nearby businesses and residences to minimize impacts to the greatest extent possible. We also work closely with utility providers and first responders to ensure there are no disruptions to their services, as well as assist delivery carriers to ensure packages reach their destinations.

Will I smell gas during this work?

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. 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 the work area after you're done?

Yes, upon completion of testing, we will coordinate with local agencies and property owners to restore any paving, fencing or landscaping that may have been disturbed during the work.

Why are you returning to the same area where pipeline replacement work was completed last year?

Last year, we replaced sections of our natural gas pipeline to enhance its safety and reliability. That project involved construction work in the Jingletown/Fruitvale, Jack London Square and Oakland Coliseum neighborhoods. This year, we will be performing a strength test on a nearby segment of our natural gas transmission pipeline to confirm its integrity and operating pressure. This routine safety testing work is mandated by the CPUC and is a type of integrity management testing conducted every seven years.

What happens if the testing detects a leak?

If the pipe is unable to maintain its test pressure, we investigate the cause, immediately repair any weaknesses and retest the line.

Where can I get more information?

If you have questions about our strength testing work or wish to schedule a briefing for your organization, please contact Roxanne Cruz, PG&E Representative, at 650-291-9894 or Roxanne.Cruz@pge.com.

Thank you for your patience as we enhance the safety or our natural gas system.