CPUC orders PG&E to dig up abandoned San Bruno gas pipe

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http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_18564984?source=rss


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The stretch of pipe, laid in 1948 in the neighborhood later ravaged by the Sept. 9, 2010, explosion, has sat inactive in the ground since the mid-1950s, when the line was relocated, according to Pacific Gas & Electric.

As the California Public Utilities Commission investigates the blast that killed eight people and leveled much of a neighborhood, officials with the agency have told PG&E to unearth the decommissioned pipe.

The quality of the pipe and particularly its welds have come under intense scrutiny since it was revealed the section of line that blew up had shoddy welds. Federal investigators have said the pipe tore open along one of its welded seams.

The stretch of line will be turned over to commission investigators, PG&E spokeswoman Brittany Chord said Wednesday night. She said she wasn't sure why they want it.

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they have also left the 72-foot-long, 26-foot-wide crater alone so it can be investigated

[kestrel91316]

1. If the pipe hasn't been used since the 50's, how was it involved in an explosion?

Any why are welds in a pipe not used since the 50's relevant??

Great. Dig it up and recycle the metal, but otherwise who cares about it?? Why are they not concerned about the ACTIVE gas line that exploded???

[AndyTiedye]

2. Because Another Part of it WAS Being Used Until it Blew Up

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3. and it looks like lawyers have entered the picture

nt