SoCalGas to begin testing on Palm Springs natural gas transmission line

SoCalGas announced Tuesday afternoon that it will begin safety testing on a natural gas transmission line in Palm Springs.

According to a news release from SoCalGas:

SoCalGas crews will conduct hydrostatic pressure tests, as well as controlled releases of natural gas from pipelines.

These efforts are part of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan (PSEP), a multi-billion-dollar program that tests and updates the natural gas pipeline infrastructure in Southern California.

While natural gas odors are not expected to be particularly noticeable, some residents may occasionally smell natural gas and may also hear some work-related noise. Customers will not experience any service interruptions. No road closures are expected.

As part of the construction work, crews will perform a hydrostatic test, which entails filling the pipe with water, pressurizing it and then monitoring the pipeline for several hours to verify its ability to operate at a safe level of pressure. SoCalGas crews will construct a water tank on Indian Canyon Drive and Garnet Avenue in Palm Springs, while they continue the project.

Local government agencies and the community have been notified of the controlled releases of natural gas. SoCalGas may extend work hours should unforeseen circumstances arise. The work will be conducted at four different locations:

Mihalyo Road west of Palm Drive Mihalyo Road east of Palm Drive Rio Del Sol Road north of Watt Court Landfill Road north of the Coachella Valley Compost facility

Residents with questions may contact SoCalGas’ call center at 1-800-427-2200. The call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week