Feb 1, 2022

PG&E will upgrade natural gas lines in Blue Lake in phases




Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is enhancing the safety and reliability of its natural gas system in Humboldt County. As part of PG&E’s Pipeline Replacement Program, the company is replacing gas distribution lines and main services lines that run throughout the downtown areas of Blue Lake.  The work will be done in phases and in small areas at a time.

PG&E will be replacing a total of 31,315 feet of Aldyl-A plastic gas distribution lines with high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic.  In total, 428 service lines to residents and businesses will also be replaced.

The first phase will begin on February 7 in which PG&E and contract gas crews with Teichert will be working within the area of Blue Lake that is west of G. Street and south of Powers Creek.

For the safety of the public and workers, there will be condensed lanes throughout the duration of the project, but no road closures are expected.  To aid drivers through the construction zone, there will be signage and PG&E has hired contractors for traffic management in the form of flaggers.

Traffic control crews will start setting up Monday, February 7 at 6:30 a.m. and all workers will be cleared out of the road by 6:30 p.m.  Construction will take place Monday through Friday. If there is a need, some work may take place on Saturdays in coordination with the City of Blue Lake.

Residents and businesses in the area received letters and automated phone calls about the work last year and will be notified again. If the need to shut off gas service arises, customers will be notified. 

Throughout the process, PG&E may need to release natural gas from the pipeline and will follow all necessary safety requirements. This is also called venting the line. As PG&E purges gas from the line, the smell of natural gas and the sound of venting may be noticeable. The natural gas released during venting will quickly dissipate into the atmosphere and will not be harmful. However, PG&E encourages anyone who has concerns about natural gas odors in or around their home or business to call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

The second phase of work will begin in April and includes the areas of Blue Lake east of G. Street and south of Power Creek.  Both phases of the project are expected to be complete by June 2023, barring unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather.

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