Pipeline Safety in Your Community Yuba City Council Presentation

Transcription

1 Pipeline Safety in Your Community Yuba City Council Presentation August 19,

2 Overview Discuss pipeline safety initiatives in your community Introduce Pipeline Pathways Work collaboratively to improve access to the pipeline Review community outreach Discuss replacement and restoration options Review next steps Gather your input and answer questions 2

3 Pipeline Safety Initiatives PG&E s top priority is the safety of our customers, our employees and the communities we live in and serve We have implemented important changes in our gas safety operations including enhancing the testing and inspection of our 6,750-mile natural gas transmission system This includes: Pressure-testing gas transmission pipelines Installing automated gas valves Replacing transmission pipelines Continuing to leak survey all distribution and transmission pipelines 3

4 What is Pipeline Pathways? To further enhance pipeline safety, in 2013 we launched Pipeline Pathways, a multiyear shareholder-funded program aimed at improving access to our high-pressure natural gas transmission pipeline by allowing us to conduct important inspection, operation and maintenance of our pipes The program involves: Conducting a comprehensive GPS survey Installing new pipeline markers and replacing old ones Working with property owners and municipalities to identify and remove certain structures, trees and brush located near and above the pipe that can interfere with our safe operation of the system Restoring the area with compatible landscaping and offering replacement trees 4

5 Why is it important? PG&E, like most utility operators, depends on clear rights-of-way for a number of reasons: Structures and trees located above the pipeline can interfere with our ability to inspect, maintain and safely operate the gas system Structures and trees can prevent our crews and first responders from getting to the pipeline in an emergency Tree roots can damage the underground pipe by impacting the pipeline s protective coating and exposing it to corrosion A clear pathway above the pipeline is an important visual indicator to anyone working near a pipeline of its presence 5

6 Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA) Led and supported by the United States Department of Transportation s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) PIPA issued a landmark report in 2010 detailing best practices for transmission pipeline operators, property owners, local governments and real estate commissions Tree Roots A clear ROW enables the transmission pipeline operator to conduct inspections and testing to verify pipeline integrity and to perform general maintenance and repairs as needed Tree roots have the potential to damage pipeline coatings which may contribute to the loss of integrity of the pipeline. Example of the impact tree roots can have on a pipeline. Partnering to Further Enhance Pipeline Safety in Communities Through Risk- Informed Land Use Planning: Final Report of Recommended Practices (PIPA Report, November 2010, pg 41) 6

7 Tree Root Studies In response to PIPA s report, PG&E conducted a series of tree root studies with California State University Fresno and thirdparty consultants The study found that in the majority of cases (approx. 75%) tree roots increased the risk of corrosion and cracking by causing damage to the pipeline s external coating The studies also found that tree roots can wrap around a pipe and cause stress to it, especially during windstorms that uproot trees and potentially pipes 7

8 Community Partnership and Outreach When a structure or tree needs to be removed for safety reasons, PG&E will reach out to the property owner or municipality to address the incompatible items in a manner that balances the need to keep our communities safe with the goal of preserving the characters of these communities Our outreach typically involves: Working with city staff and officials to review the project data and work cooperatively on the removal and restoration plan Communicating about pipeline safety to all residents within 500-feet of city or county work Partnering with the city to host neighborhood open houses, as needed Conducting direct outreach to private property owners to review the work at their homes and reach agreements on removal and restoration work Door-to-door canvassing in advance of franchise removal work, as needed Pipeline Survey in Your Neighborhood 8

9 Pipeline Survey in Your Neighborhood This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Data is based on approximate relative location and subject to updates. 9

10 Tree Replacement and Restoration We understand how important trees are to residents, the community and the environment When trees or brush need to be removed from private property or franchise areas, PG&E works with the property owner or municipality to: Restore the area disturbed by the removal work with native, droughttolerant landscaping, such as grasses, mulch or bark Offer a minimum of one 15-gallon replacement tree or equivalent reimbursement for every tree removed 10

11 Our Commitment Going Forward Following the completion of the Pipeline Pathways program, PG&E will be performing regular inspections, and will: - Share information with property owners - Provide ongoing education so property owners and municipalities understand our shared responsibility to keep the right-of-way clear - Partner with communities to help build awareness around safe uses near critical infrastructure 11

12 Next Steps Answer all your questions Work with you in a collaborative manner Garner feedback and recommendations Establish open lines of communication Meet with city staff to review project-specific data 12

13 Questions? 13

14 Contact Information For questions regarding Pipeline Pathways, please contact Joe Wilson, your Local Government Relations Specialist at or or visit us at To view an online map of PG&E s natural gas transmission pipelines, please go to To view the complete Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance root study report, visit For independent pipeline safety information, visit Pipeline Safety Trust s web site at 14

15 Thank You 15