Novato Gas Line Ruptured by PG&E Crew

By Bay City News Service:

A PG&E crew ruptured a gas line while working at a residence on Thursday, a Novato Fire Protection District spokeswoman said.

The leak happened around 11:50 a.m. as the utility crew was tapping into the 3-inch line to hook up a 1-inch residential line at 1851 Center Road, spokeswoman Sandy Wargo said.

A resident reported smelling gas and notified the fire district. Firefighters knocked on 11 doors in the neighborhood to alert neighbors, most of whom were not home, Wargo said.

Occupants of one or two residences left the area, she said.

The Lu Sutton Elementary School at 1800 Center Road was advised of the leak but was not evacuated or told to shelter in place.

Center Road was closed at McClay Road during the response to the leak, Wargo said.

PG&E crews responded immediately to the leak by clamping the line shut and starting repairs, according to Wargo.