On Wednesday, PG&E will be hosting an open house in Turlock to discuss and answer questions regarding upcoming hydrostatic pressure testing with residents.
Customers who live near pressure-test locations have received letters with information about the hydrostatic pressure tests.
Experts from PG&E will be on hand to answer questions about the testing. There will also be displays with additional information, such as poster boards, available at the open house.
The Turlock Open House will be held on Wednesday, August 15th, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Crowell Elementary School Cafeteria, located at 118 North Ave.
In 2011 PG&E tested the pressure on about 160 miles of gas transmission pipelines, most of which were in urban areas, otherwise known as high-consequence areas.
PG&E has taken multiple steps to ensure the safety of their operations. As part of their efforts, PG&E is planning to conduct the safety tests known as Hydrostatic Pressure Tests throughout their natural gas pipeline system.
The testing involves pressurizing a section of pipe with water to a much higher level than the pipe will ever operate with natural gas, and the test will validate the safe operating pressure of the pipeline.
Performing a hydrostatic test involves the following steps:
– PG&E obtains all required work permits and coordinates activities with local agencies
– Gas is temporarily provided to customers from an alternate source
– The section of the pipeline to be tested is temporarily removed from service and safely vented of all natural gas.
– The inside is mechanically cleaned prior to testing.
– The section is sealed on both ends and filled completely with water.
– The pipeline is pressurized to a specified pressure greater than normal operating pressure.
– The test pressure is held and monitored for a set period of time, typically 8 hours.
– Any pipe sections that do not meet acceptable standards during the test will be replaced with new pipe that has already passed a pressure test.
– Following a successful test, the section of pipe is emptied of water, dried thoroughly and placed back into service.
Depending on the location of gas venting and weather patterns, customers may smell gas if hydrostatic pressure testing is being conducted in their area. This situation is safe. The pipeline is cleared of gas utilizing a safe and common technique. While gas odors are likely from the work being done nearby, PG&E keeps safety as a top priority and encourages any residents who may have questions of concerns about the smell of gas to call their 24 hour number at 1-800-743-5000.
For more information on PG&E’s hydrostatic pressure testing, visit their website at this link:
http://www.pge.com/myhome/edusafety/systemworks/gas/pipelinesafety/hydrostatictesting/
