HomeMy WebLinkAboutPG&E Pipeline Safety Work PPTCommunity Pipeline Safety Initiative San Rafael City Council April 4, 2016 F I 8,11 • PG&E's top priority is the safety of our customers and communities — we are testing, studying and upgrading our gas system, including: - Hydrostatic pressure testing which verifies the pipeline's strength and safe operating pressure - Internal pipe inspection robots to check for signs of corrosion - Valve automation to allow faster response during gas emergencies - Leak survey of our entire gas pipeline system more frequently - Aerial and ground patrols to identify any excavations, signs of construction and other potential safety concerns Checking the area above the gas transmission pipeline for trees and structures that pose an emergency access or safety concern Helping to ensure immediate access for safety crews, and preventing potential damage to the pipe Working with our customers and communities where a safety risk has been identified to develop shared solutions Planting new trees at a safe distance from the pipeline and restoring the area to preserve the natural beauty of our communities on "The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District's top priority is keeping our community safe. The gas safety work PG&E is undertaking across the East Bay is critical and will make our communities safer for first responders and the public." Paige Meyer, Fire Chief, San Ramon Valley Fire District Making sure the right plants and trees are located in the right location adds to the safety and natural beauty of your community Outer Zone Border Zone Pipe Safety Zone Border Zone Outer Zone typrcaliy 10' to 14' typealty 5' to 10' typically 5' on either side of the pipe typically 5' to 10' typcgj;y 10' to 14' from the edge of pi from the edge of pipe from the edge of pipe from the edge of pipe Lawns, flowers, low -profile grasses and low -growing herbaceous plants work well within the Pipe Safety Zone. Small to medium shrubs with a trunk or main branch less than 8" in diameter at full maturity work well within the Border Zone. Diameter is measured 4.5 feet above the ground. Outer Large shrubs and small trees with a trunk or main branch less than 36" in diameter at full maturity work well within the Outer Zone. Diameter is measured 4.5 feet above the ground. Please mote easement widths can vary and the above represents hest practices and guidance for safe landscaping near gas pipelines. 5 • We understand how important trees are to your community and the environment • To ensure we are only replacing trees that pose an emergency access or safety concern, we conduct a review of all trees near the gas pipelines • The review is completed by gas safety experts and involves analyzing factors such as tree height, species and distance from the pipe We share the results with the city or property owner and, together, work to develop a path forward • If a tree poses a safety concern and needs to be replaced, PG&E works together with the property owner to offer replacement trees and restore the area 0 • It is important to us that our customers and communities fully understand and support this safety work • Our outreach includes: - Meeting with city leaders to discuss the safety risks and work together to plan for gas safety work in public areas - Communicating about gas pipeline safety and the planned work to nearby residents prior to any work taking place - Contacting private property owners regarding any safety work proposed for their property • We will not move forward with any planned work until we have a signed agreement in place with the customer *T-55- PipeLine Safety in Your Community PGBE is hulltling a safer, stronger netuml gas system ,TC 7 Answer all of your questions Gather feedback and recommendations Reach agreement on a plan forward Begin outreach to private property owners For questions regarding the upcoming pipeline safety work, please contact Greg Gillis, your Local Customer Outreach Specialist, at 1-415-815-7286 or by email at greg.gillis@pge.com For more information, visit us at pge.com/GasSafety Thank You