Pipeline Study: Suisun Lines Are Safe, But Need More Study

During PG&E’s work on natural gas pipelines near Highway 12 and Emperor Drive in 2010, resident Anthony Moscarelli got a good look at the state of the pipe coming out of the ground for replacement.

“Those pipelines looked damned good,” he said Monday.

For the past three years, Moscarelli has been investigating the state of natural gas and liquid fuel transmission lines that run near his home along Highway 12 in eastern Suisun City. In PG&E’s case, they practically run through his backyard.

Now, Moscarelli and a former UC Berkelely Professor, Robert Curry, have released a pipeline safety report on behalf of community action group Healthy Communities Research of Suisun City. The group is not new to Suisun City, it’s actively opposing the construction of a Walmart Supercenter at Highway 12 and Walters Road.

According to the report, the group recently found a pair of decades-old natural gas transmission lines are safe, but recommends PG&E investigate further to be absolutely sure.

The group also recommends a jet fuel transmission line to Travis Air Force Base be decommissioned, as the base already plans to do.

“We conclude that PG&E must continue its gas transmission system upgrades to

allow more comprehensive and thorough routine inspections of pipeline integrity,” the report said. “Aging steel pipelines do not last forever and those over 50 years old need to be carefully and frequently monitored.”

Check out the full report by clicking on the PDF attached to this story, and tell us what you think about page 25.