Gas Company to replace two miles of transmission pipelines in City of Lemoore

SoCalGas will be replacing approximately two miles of one of our natural gas transmission pipelines in the City of Lemoore. The work being performed is part of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan, which was filed to comply with the California Public Utilities Commission’s directives to enhance public and pipeline safety.

The replacement operation is slated to start in the City of Lemoore on Monday, June 1, 2015 and is expected to take 13 to 14 weeks to complete, although weather and other factors affecting safe working conditions could change the schedule. Construction activity is taking place on Hanford Armona Road, from Highway 41 to the Kings County line at 17th Street. Crews are scheduled to work Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Traffic flow on Hanford Armona Road will be reduced to one lane in and around the construction area during work hours as crew members work along the street. Flagmen and very visible traffic control signage will be on hand to assist in mitigating traffic congestion. Please drive carefully past the work sites and observe all traffic control signs.

People passing by the work sites may see an excavated section of pipeline with construction equipment and traffic control signage as well as trucks and other vehicles. The community may also hear some work-related noise and notice an occasional natural gas odor.

“Safety is, and has always been the most important part of our work. Our Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan will continue to improve our system and further protect our customers and employees,” said Rick Phillips, senior director of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan.

In addition to improving system safety, the Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan also has significant economic benefits.  A report released by SoCalGas has determined that the work associated with its Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan will generate an economic infusion of more than $2.4 billion. Nationally, more than 2,400 jobs will be directly created or retained, with more than 1,800 of those positions located in Southern California.

In Southern California, the plan is expected to generate more than $1.9 billion in economic activity based on direct, indirect and supporting services. State and local governments are expected to see a $9 million boost in tax benefits from Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan activities in the SoCalGas service territory. The federal tax benefit is estimated to be $23 million.

SoCalGas strived to provide continuous natural gas service for customers while pipeline work is being performed.  Any customers who will experience a temporary natural gas service interruption will be notified by SoCalGas directly. If customers have any questions or concerns about the testing, please call SoCalGas’ Customer Contact Center at 800-427-2200.

For more information, visit socalgas.com – Search “Safety”