Gas Leak at La Tercera Elementary Prompts District to Call Emergency Meeting

A gas leak at La Tercera Elementary and extensive pipe damage has prompted the Old Adobe School District to schedule an emergency board meeting Friday afternoon to approve funds for repairs on the site.

The leak was discovered by PG&E March 12 after school employees complained about the smell of gas, said Old Adobe board president Marlene Abel. The gas was leaking from a corroded gas line and had been seeping through the sidewalk in the front of the school, Abel said.

“Fortunately, it was spring break and no kids were on campus,” she said, adding that work began right away. Since then, pipes have been dug up at the Eastside school and major re-piping done, already costing the district $75,000. But because the damage is extensive, an additional $150,000 may be needed, Abel said.

About 500 students attend La Tercera, which was built in 1970. PG&E crews had come out to the school on three earlier occasions following complaints of a gas smell, but were unable to detect any problems.

The San Bruno explosion, in which eight people died and more than 30 homes were destroyed, in September underscored the danger of leaking gas pipes. According to reports, the problem in San Bruno was caused by too much pressure in the valve as well as defective welds of the pipes. 

But Pete Tillett, director of facilities and transportation at Old Adobe District said there was no risk of an explosion at La Tercera because the pressure in the pipes was much lower. Still he said, "Natural gas anywhere on campus is obviously a  big issue."