Calif. utility stops pipeline pressure spikes

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – A California utility said it will no longer do planned pipeline pressure spikes, which reportedly might have contributed to a fatal explosion.

Pacific Gas & Electric made the announcement Monday, a day after the San Francisco Chronicle reported pressure increases to the legal limit may have weakened the San Bruno pipeline before it ruptured on Sept. 9.

Eight people were killed and 38 homes were destroyed in the explosion and fire.

PG&E has acknowledged that it briefly raised the pressure on the pipeline two years before the pipeline explosion.

Experts told the Chronicle that the pressure spikes could have placed a strain on the pipeline and made it vulnerable to failure.

___

Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle