Pipeline Safety In Your Community - Pacific Gas And .

Pipeline Safetyin Your CommunityPG&E is building a safer,stronger natural gas system

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)has a robust program to improve the safetyof our natural gas system, which servesmore than four million customers in Northernand Central California. These efforts focus onhigh-pressure, large-diameter transmissionpipelines delivering gas across our service area.Here’s what we’re doing:Inspecting andmodernizing pipelinesWe’re testing, studying and upgradingour gas system to ensure that pipelinesnear you are operating safely.Hydrostatic pressure testingWe fill the pipeline with water and increasethe pressure to a level that is much higher thanthe pipeline’s normal operating pressure withnatural gas. These tests verify the pipeline’sstrength and safe operating pressure.Pipeline replacementsWe install pipelines made with new materialsand take the older pipelines out of service.Internal pipeline inspectionsWe use tools with advanced cameras andsensors inside our pipelines to inspect thewelding and pipeline thickness, and identifysigns of corrosion or other weaknesses.Pipeline retrofitsWhen internal inspection tools can’t getthrough a pipeline for some reason, we retrofitthe lines to accommodate these devices.

Modernizing pipeline valvesImproving record keepingWe’re upgrading and installing valvesto allow faster response duringgas emergencies.We’re overhauling our pipeline recordssystem, making sure that all records aretraceable, verifiable and complete.Valve automationGoing electronicIn selected locations, we are automating pipelinevalves so they can be operated remotely from our24-hour gas control center. Some of these valveswill also close automatically if a significant changein pipeline pressure is detected.We are collecting, scanning, and indexing documentsfrom dozens of PG&E field offices, and transitioningaway from paper-based record keeping toward amodern electronic data management system.Taking immediate safety stepsWe’ve already taken action to improvethe safety of our system while ourlong-term projects are being plannedor under construction.Leak surveysWe routinely survey our entire network of gaspipelines for leaks. We will soon increase the frequency of those surveys, and we have addednew technology to improve their effectiveness.Reducing pressureIn selected areas, we have temporarilyreduced the pressure of gas flowing throughour pipelines as an added safety measure.

What to expectSmells and soundsSightsOccasionally during our work, customers maysmell gas or hear a loud, steady noise as naturalgas is safely released from the pipeline. This is anormal occurrence when we are working on ourpipelines. However, we encourage you to call usat 1-800-743-5000 if you have concerns about apotential gas leak.You will see PG&E trucks and heavy equipmentin your neighborhood, and many of theseprojects involve large-scale digging. Traffic willbe routed around work areas. After the work iscomplete, we coordinate with local agencies torestore any paving or landscaping disturbedduring construction.Continuous gas service to customersIn most cases, your gas service will continuewithout interruption. If that changes, a PG&Erepresentative will contact you.

Improving accessto our pipelinesWe’re checking the areas above thepipeline to ensure first responders and oursafety crews are able to access the pipe incase of an emergency or for routinemaintenance work. If a tree or otherstructure is impacting pipeline safety, wewill work together with the customer tofind a shared solution that works foreveryone, preserving the community’sunique character while increasing safety.Pipelines in your communityPipeline mapsVisit us online at www.pge.com/pipelinelocations tosee an interactive map that shows you where pipelinesare located in your community. Or, call our GasSystem Help Line at 1-888-743-7431 to request a map.

Gas safetyGas odorsWhile PG&E is working in your area, you maysmell or hear gas being cleared from the pipeline.This is safe and normal; however, we encourageyou to call us at 1-800-743-5000 if you haveconcerns about a gas odor.Separate from our construction projects,the following signs may indicate a gas leak:Smell: Distinctive “rotten-egg” odorSound: Hissing, whistling or roaring fromappliances or undergroundSight: Dirt spraying into the air, continualbubbling in a pond or creek, dead ordying vegetation in an otherwisemoist areaPlan ahead, stay safeCall 811 before you dig:Even small digging projects can damageunderground utility lines. Call 811 beforedigging to have a representative visit for freeto mark underground utilities nearby. Everyjob requires a call—from planting a tree toinstalling a deck. For more informationabout 811 and safe digging practices, visitwww.call811.com or call 811.Safety starts at home:To schedule a free PG&E safety inspectionof your gas furnace and appliances, call1-800-743-5000.

To learn about PG&E’s natural gassystem, visit www.pge.com/gas For information on pipeline safetyprograms, call our Gas System HelpLine at 1-888-743-7431 For general questions, call ourCustomer Service Line at1-800-743-5000 Para ayuda en español por favor llameal 1-800-660-6789 93-9555 Kung kailangang makipag-usap sanakakasalita ng Tagalog, tumawagsa 1-888-743-7431 Ðể được giúp đỡ bằng tiếng Việt,xin gọi 1-800-298-84382013“PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. 2015 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved.Contact us with questionsor concerns

Internal pipeline inspections We use tools with advanced cameras and sensors inside our pipelines to inspect the welding and pipeline thickness, and identify signs of corrosion or other weaknesses. Pipeline retrofits When internal inspection tools can’t get through a pipeline for some re