In response to a cluster of gas leaks in Stonegate, PG&E has elected to replace more than 2,000 feet of the main natural gas distribution pipeline that runs under the streets of this West Davis neighborhood.

Since 2006, about 50 leaks have been reported, including five new leaks in recent weeks. PG&E crews have been conducting surveys every other week to check for new leaks in Stonegate.

The exact location of the pipe that will be replaced is along Marina Circle between Biscayne Bay Place and Secret Bay Place. PG&E also will replace segments of main line pipe along Magellan Street, Secret Bay Place and Chesapeake Bay Avenue.

“We looked at the leak survey history that we had and we determined that these areas where we’re going to replace (the pipe) had a higher concentration of leaks,” PG&E spokeswoman Brittany McKannay said. “By looking at that they were able to determine the scope where the certain main distribution line needed to be replaced.”

Along with the segments of main line, PG&E also will replace any of the service lines — the lines that supply the gas to customers’ homes — that branch off from the replaced main lines.

“We had a combination of leaks both on the main line and the service tees,” McKannay said. “The area where we’re replacing pipe is where we saw a concentration of those leaks.”

PG&E has not finalized the plans yet, but according to McKannay, the utility company hopes to begin work on the project in early 2012.

Also, before the pipe is put into use, PG&E will pressure-test the pipes to ensure the integrity of the new pipe that will run under the Stonegate subdivision.

As the gas lines run along the side of the streets and up to residential houses, construction likely will tear up some of the roads and landscaping around the neighborhood.

“We go section by section and dig up the main (line), and then we dig up where the service line is up to the meter,” McKannay said. “We will be excavating the service line up to the meter, which means we’ll be excavating on customers’ properties.

“We’re going to work with each of the customers to make sure they know what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, how long it will take, how it will affect them. And we always restore that area to its previous condition.”

According to Davis Fire Chief Bill Weisgerber, PG&E has held up its end of the bargain by going through with the replacement.

“I think this seems to be a reasonable amount of pro-activity on their part,” Weisgerber said. “Two thousand linear feet is a significant project. They’ve been doing a very concerted effort in that neighborhood and we’re hopeful that, in conjunction with the ongoing monitoring surveys, this will keep a good eye on that neighborhood.”

Bob Bowen, president of the Stonegate Homeowners Association, is glad that PG&E has plans to replace the pipe as well.

“From my standpoint, I’m happy to hear that they’re following through on their promise and their commitment to the neighborhood,” Bowen said.

“I think it’s exciting, and not only for community’s safety, but also for (PG&E’s) willingness to follow up on their promises.”

Bowen believes the inconvenience the work might cause, however, is worth the trouble.

“Whenever you do anything like that, someone will have a concern about it,” Bowen said. “But I think PG&E has a good track record of notifying people of the work that’s going to be done. I think for a small amount of time there might be some inconveniences, but the bigger picture is that those things that are under the street that we can’t see are going to be upgraded.

“I’m hoping that they’ll do everything they can do minimize the impact of the neighborhood and do things in a manner that won’t slow people down.”

— Reach Tom Sakash at [email protected] or (530) 747-8057. Follow him on Twitter @TomSakash.

PGEjuanHFIw

PG&E fieldman Juan Avina demonstrates the use of a hydroflame ionization unit to look for gas leaks. Crews have been checking the Stonegate area for leaks every other week. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

Comments

comments