SDG&E Extends Apology for Disruption Caused by Gas Maintenance Work

SDG&E Extends Apology for Disruption Caused by Gas Maintenance Work

As part of ongoing maintenance, SDG&E crews purged gas this morning from a gas line in National City in order to safely make upgrades to the pipeline. Unfortunately, the smell of gas emanating from this work – while it posed no danger – led two nearby elementary schools to evacuate as a precaution.

We apologize for the confusion and disruption the gas odor caused the students, faculty, and parents of El Toyon and Rancho de la Nación schools.

On Friday, April 20, businesses and residences located within a 600-foot radius of our construction site were notified of the work. However, El Toyon and Rancho de la Nación fell outside the notification zone. As a result of what happened today, we are re-examining our notification process to improve our communication with schools.

Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan

The purging of gas from the line was part of our Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan. SDG&E maintains our pipeline system to meet or exceed federal and state regulations. We routinely perform various pipeline safety and maintenance tasks, including patrolling, inspecting, testing, repairing and replacing pipelines.

The maintenance work in National City will continue through Wednesday when gas will once again be purged from the pipeline. The area will be safe but you may smell gas in the air.

Again, we regret that this work has caused disruption in the community. We are committed to ensuring everyone’s safety.