PG&E Using Helicopters To Inspect Marin County Gas Lines

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Pacific Gas and Electric Company is conducting routine low-level helicopter patrols this week over Marin County.

The purpose of the patrols, which were scheduled to begin Monday and continue through Thursday, is to inspect gas transmission and distribution lines for possible leaks and any other issues that may be observed.

The patrols are part of PG&E's six-month leak survey and maintenance program. Weather permitting, flights are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. in a contracted helicopter, likely a Bell 206B3 Long Ranger shown in the above photo provided by PG&E.

"Pilots will fly between 300 and 500 feet when conducting inspections," PG&E North Bay Spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said.

"A helicopter will fly over parts of Wolfback Ridge and San Rafael through April 30," Contreras said. "Flights will be coming and going from the Hayward Executive Airport, the Napa County Airport and the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport.

PG&E patrols remote gas lines, which are often located in rural areas, by helicopter as part of its continuing effort to ensure the safety and reliability of its natural gas system, Contreras said. If issues or obstructions are identified, Contreras said it is possible helicopters may need to fly at a lower altitude for additional inspections.

PG&E crews can find and fix gas leaks faster than ever before by using LIDAR-based equipment for leak detection along with a streamlined repair process, Contreras said.

Seated in a helicopter, a PG&E "spotter" uses a GPS-enabled tablet with mapping data to navigate pipelines and document excavation and construction activity, or other observations that warrant follow-up, according to Contreras.

"Where appropriate, PG&E ground personnel are sent to construction areas to verify that safe digging practices are being followed," she said. "This includes confirming the use of a valid 811 ticket for proper marking of underground utility lines that help prevent the gas line from being hit."

PG&E reminded customers to call 811 or visit usanorth811.org before starting outdoor projects where dirt is moved. California law requires contractors on projects of all sizes to mark underground lines before digging, including contractors hired by a homeowner.

"This prevents strikes on underground lines," Contreras said. "Strikes to underground lines is a public safety risk, causing damage and possibly injury."

So far this year, there have been nine strikes on gas lines in Marin, she added.

Patch editors Kristina Houck and Maggie Fusek contributed to this report.