Shelter-in-place ordered after Lafayette backhoe mishap

  • 2015-06-30
As a result of digging that resulted in a ruptured natural gas line, an order was sent out to local resident to shelter in place.

PG&E crews responded to a report of gas leak at 9:40 am on Monday, June 8 in the Woodview Drive and St. Mary’s Road area. A third-party contractor or construction crew, while digging with a backhoe, reportedly struck a half-inch gas line causing a gas leak.

According to Tamar Sarkissian, a spokesperson for PG&E, within 30 minutes a gas-service representative was on site. By 11:00am crews had stopped the gas leak and PG&E workers then began work to repair the gas line and restore service to the one customer the leak impacted.

Sarkissian took this opportunity to remind the public that PG&E officials ask them to call before doing any digging to ensure they do not hit a gas line. Calling 811 before digging a hole large or small is an important safe guard.

Those in a line of work where digging is part of the job are required to make the call and homeowners are advised to do so as well. PG&E periodically uses brochure printers to remind the public that even something as minor as the installation of a mailbox or the planting of a bush or tree should be preceded by a call to 811.