Utility: No leaks found in California gas line that exploded

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — A gas pipeline that exploded at a sheriff's gun range in Central California, injuring 11 people, had been inspected twice in April for gas leaks, and no leaks were found, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. said Sunday.

PG&E said its crews did a ground survey of the pipe on April 1 and an aerial survey on April 16.

Authorities say Friday's explosion at the Fresno County Sheriff's gun range occurred while a county employee was using a front-loader to build a dirt berm to confine gunfire to the range. The California Public Utilities Commission is investigating the explosion in cooperation with the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, but PG&E says it appears a vehicle damaged the 12-inch pipeline.

The utility detected a drop in pressure in the line seven minutes before it received a report of the explosion, it said.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/c932a2ac791d400b89fc13121fd01314/official-not-sure-why-employee-was-near-california-gas-line

[AtheistCrusader]

1. Well, it's leaking NOW

[NutmegYankee]

2. Depending on the pipeline size, there are restrictions in vehicle weight above them.

A front end loader certainly couldn't have helped.

[Wellstone ruled]

3. Some one is going to be recieving a written repremand me thinks.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

4. So a militarized police force wasn't a factor....

No need to blame the armor piercing teflon tracer rounds.

[NutmegYankee]

5. If the gas concentration is right, a running engine can cause an explosion.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

7. So can lighting a cigar with a zippo....

[Archae]

6. I saw this happen to brand-new copper water pipe.

No leaks, no problem, right?

But suddenly, it split and sprayed water all over.

I think this is what happened to that gas pipe.

[Historic NY]

8. Who puts a gun range over or near a gas pipeline????