The gas line, which runs from the Arizona border to Milpitas, was being subjected to a pressure test, as the utility giant was preparing to boost pressure in its lines for the winter demand. However, the section of pipe was not up to the test. Just outside the town of Weedpatch in Kern County, a four-foot weld gave way.
Since the deadly San Bruno Blast, PG&E has been testing one-mile sections of pipe at a time, and has conducted 60 such tests. According to a spokesman, they hope to do another 60 miles worth of testing before December.
From the San Francisco Chronicle:
A major Pacific Gas and Electric Co. gas transmission line serving the Bay Area ruptured during a pressure test Monday south of Bakersfield, just as the company was planning to boost gas levels on the pipeline to meet winter demand.
The 34-inch transmission line that runs from the Arizona border to Milpitas failed during a spike test at 9 a.m., blowing a crater in an alfalfa field near the town of Weedpatch (Kern County), PG&E officials said.
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