In the wake of a pipeline accident in San Bruno that killed eight people and destroyed dozens of homes, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has created a new unit that will be in charge of enhancing pipeline safety procedures around the state and increasing oversight. The additional CPUC staff was hired after an independent review panel looked into the Pacific Gas & Electric accident-which occurred when a transmission line exploded-and determined that the CPUC was understaffed and needed additional manpower to prevent similar accidents.
"The San Bruno explosion has to be a game-changer for pipeline safety in California, including changing how the CPUC does its job," the Commission's Executive Director Paul Clanon told Pipelines International. "The Independent Review Panel gave us a blueprint last month, and now we're building a new CPUC gas safety program to embody the lessons of San Bruno."
In order to underscore these lessons, the CPUC's new Risk Assessment Unit will research and develop best practices for pipeline safety in California and work to ensure that these precautions are implemented. In addition to the nine new employees that will make up the Unit, CPUC will hire five new pipeline inspectors.
California's focus on pipeline safety mirrors is currently happening on a national level. The Obama Administration is lobbying for federal legislation that will upgrade oil and gas pipelines around the country and urges utility companies to inspect their pipeline systems to identify potential safety shortfalls.
"People deserve to know that they can turn on the lights, the heat or the stove without endangering their families and neighbors," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a press conference earlier this year.
California personal injury attorneys are hoping the enhanced pipeline safety procedures will prevent accidents similar to one that occurred in San Bruno from happening again.
