Following the Sept. 9 San Bruno pipeline explosion, utility company PG&E released on Monday a list of the 100 top pipeline segments that “warrant further evaluation, monitoring or other further action.” One of those top projects includes four sections of pipeline along Junipero Serra Boulevard, which runs through campus.
A Stanford spokesperson told locals not to be alarmed, but said the University has questions PG&E needs to answer.
PG&E “adjusted” the cathodic system in the Stanford-area pipelines preventing pipeline corrosion and said in 2009 the system “showed marked improvement.” It still appears on the list because of the threat of potential corrosion and its status is listed as “monitoring.”
The company says in the report it does not plan “further action” at Stanford, but spokesman Denny Boyles said at least one more follow-up on the pipeline segments would be conducted within a year.
Boyles on Monday discussed the list and its implications, calling the list “a long-range forecast for engineers. The areas are not in need of immediate help, but engineers will continue to survey and monitor the segments found on the list, Boyles said.
He said the segments near Stanford’s campus were on the list “probably because of the location of that line, especially its population density and proximity to the campus.”
The report says pipeline segments are evaluated by potential for third-party damage, potential for corrosion, potential for ground movement, physical design or a combination of those factors. Stanford’s four listed pipeline segments are ranked at #56, 60, 61 and 62.
Stanford University spokeswomen Lisa Lapin called the information released Monday “sketchy” and said Stanford utility officials have asked PG&E to have a follow-up meeting “very soon.” The University does not know the nature of the pipelines’ problems, how PG&E improved them, why Stanford remains on the list or what the concern is now, Lapin said.
“We’re grateful that PG&E has identified it and shared this information,” Lapin added. “We don’t want anybody to be alarmed.”
Concern following the San Bruno pipeline explosion has led to various efforts on the part of PG&E to better implement and communicate pipeline safety efforts. A request from the California Public Utilities Commission led to the publication of Monday’s report. In addition, a hotline has been set up for residents to call with inquiries about their proximity to pipelines. Its number is 1-888-743-7431.
— Caity Monroe