SoCalGas Briefs First Responders on Potential Dangers

With natural gas pipelines running beneath neighborhoods and through cities comes the risk of leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning and fires, sometimes caused by human error or even terrorist attacks.

To help reduce the magnitude of these potential situations, Murrieta police and fire along with at least 75 first responders from throughout western Riverside County attended a natural gas safety awareness briefing Wednesday at the Murrieta Base of Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) on Jefferson Avenue.

SoCalGas is the largest natural gas distribution utility in the nation, and provides the briefings periodically in order to strengthen its ties with those who are often first on the scene of natural gas accidents.

"The idea behind this is not to teach them something they don't already know; it is about continuing that relationship with our already educated police and fire so that when they are out on a scene they know we will be there, too," said Murrieta Mayor Randon Lane, who works as a public affairs manager for SoCalGas and helped organize the workshop.

The three-hour session walked first responders through various types of natural gas-related situations. Attendees watched SoCalGas emergency equipment in action performing pressure controls on damaged natural gas pipelines; observed rescue equipment used in hazardous situations; and were provided SoCalGas’ emergency response protocol during natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires and floods.  

First responders also learned about SoCalGas’ latest technology in robotic pipeline safety and integrity. It is important for emergency personnel to know which direction the gas is traveling in, organizers said.

According to a video shown, natural gas pipelines are inherently vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Attendees learned about the methods of attack, such as a planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in pipeline facilities or placing IEDs in a vehicle near a facility.

Raul Gurdillo, a spokesperson for SoCalGas, added that human error is the largest cause of natural gas accidents. Contractors and residents are advised to call 811 two days before digging, "even if using a shovel to dig in the backyard."

The company will come out and mark where the lines are, free of charge, Gurdillo said.

Murrieta Fire Chief Matt Shobert said the briefing was "a good refresher."

"The uniqueness of this is that we have police and fire here from neighboring agencies; just getting them all together is good in itself," Shobert said.

Cooperating agencies included the Pechanga Fire Department, Morongo Fire Department, Corona police and fire, California Highway Patrol, Riverside County sheriff and fire, and Ramona Fire Department. An official from the Murrieta Valley Unified School District was also in attendance.

Lane said the Pipeline Safety Act of 2002, signed by George W. Bush, set the standard for cooperating with local agencies.

"Everything we do is about the safety of our employees, our emergency personnel and our residents," Lane said.