Op-Ed: Novato Must Protect Its Citizens From Faulty Pipelines

By Roberta Freeberg

 You may have seen the full-page ads of “apology” from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. in the local newspapers this week. Not to mention the executive summary report released to the public just the other day regarding .

PG&E may be genuinely sorry for its lack of good safety measures, poor pipeline management and record keeping practices. However, its “apology” is required by law in response to Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer’s bill to Congress (112, H.R. 22IH) that passed May 5. Although it is unfortunate that recent gas leaks and explosions throughout the country have occurred; it has, however, initiated federal, state and local government to take action.

Strict rules regarding gas transmission pipelines are in the making as we speak, and more local governments are employing “best management practices” to protect their citizens from property damage and personal injury.

There are several main gas transmission pipelines running through Novato. Most of these were put in the ground more than 50 years ago when Redwood Boulevard was the old Redwood Highway, before 101 was constructed. Back then, the gas operators and regulators never imagined the magnitude of urban sprawl. Gas transmission lines were placed adjacent to busy thoroughfares where the least amount of building would take place; or so they thought more than 50 years ago.

Times have changed. Now we have faulty, corroded gas pipelines throughout Novato in high consequence areas with seismic ratings of 4, with 4 being the worst. A portion of the pipeline along North Redwood Boulevard is rated Nos. 8 and 9 on PG&E’s Worst 100 List. San Bruno wasn’t even among the worst 100!

Since February, PG&E has reduced the pressure on several faulty, corroded pipelines throughout Novato until they can be repaired and/or replaced. This could take years to accomplish, if it happens at all. Pursuant to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, new pipes may be more flexible but not as strong. Local governments need to comply with the new strict safety measures for both old and new pipelines.

The city of Novato must amend its general plan and housing element to incorporate best management practices recommended by PHMSA. This would include changes to land use regulations (larger setback/buffer zone requirements along pipeline easements) and additions to the Safety Chapter to include gas transmission pipeline safety and risk management. Special zoning overlays and the National Pipeline Mapping System showing routes of the pipelines must be included. Emergency responder and evacuation plans need to be initiated for vulnerable neighborhoods. Gas transmission pipelines must be designated as a constraint in Novato’s housing element and general plan. Government Code Section 65302(g) “Safety Element”, Paragraph 2&3 states: The Safety Element, upon the next revision of the housing element ... the planning agency shall review and revise the safety element to identify new information that was not available during the previous revision of the safety element.”

In light of new and disturbing facts regarding the condition of its gas transmission pipelines, the city of Novato has a duty to comply with best management practices recommended by pipeline safety agencies. Novato has a duty to protect its citizens from harm. All eyes are on Novato as it finalizes it general plan and housing element. The city must set a good example by putting safety first before anything else.

No one in Novato should ever have to read a letter of “apology” from the city to its citizens.

Website sources:

http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/PublicViewer/

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/blast-may-change-planning-code

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=13803404

http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/PHMSA/DownloadableFiles/dot4111.pdf

http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/publications/PIPA/PIPA-Report-Final-20101117.pdf#pagemode=bookmarks (page 9)