PG&E to Test Newark Natural Gas Pipelines

PG&E will hold two community meetings in Newark this week to explain the electric and gas utility's plans to perform hydrostatic pressure tests on natural gas pipelines that run through the city. 

The safety tests are being held throughout the region in communities with pipelines that have the same characteristics as those involved in the , said Brittany Chord, a communications representative with PG&E.

The meetings will be held between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Both meetings will be at the , 34905 Newark Blvd.

Newark residents will also receive letters explaining PG&E's plans to for the tests.

The tests are part of a "massive undertaking to validate safe operating pressures for our gas transmission pipelines, verify our records and enhance safety of our gas transmission system," Chord said in an email.

The tests are conducted "using safe and proven methods that are used throughout the nation," according to Kirk Johnson, vice president of gas engineering and operations for PG&E.

"These tests will validate that the pipelines are operating safely," Johnson said in a press release.

The local meetings will give residents the opportunity to ask questions about the process.

During testing, PG&E will take pipeline segments out of service for several days. The process takes approximately two weeks, according to a PG&E press release.

Part of the process includes removing all natural gas from a section of pipe, then filling up the section with water under high pressure. The water pressure will be higher than gas pressure would be in normal operations, Chord explained. If the pipe holds, it will be thoroughly dried and placed back. If a leak or defect is detected, the section will be replaced.

Residents may smell natural gas while the pipelines are being tested, Chord added.

PG&E representatives ask that customers with questions or concerns about the smell of gas call the company's 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-743-5000.

Customers may also see temporary traffic safety cones and detours, PG&E field personnel, testing equipment, above-ground pipes and valves, machinery and support equipment while the testing is done.

For more information on the tests, visit the PG&E website here.

Newark Patch will be at Tuesday's meeting and will provide updates Wednesday morning.