Gas leak repaired in Noe Valley
By: John Upton
Examiner Staff Writer
May 7, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO — A contractor caused an outdoor gas leak in the Noe Valley neighborhood by digging through a plastic 2-inch gas line Thursday afternoon with a backhoe, according to Pacific Gas & Electric Corp.
Fire and PG&E crews responded and cleared the area around the leak, at 22nd and Sanchez streets, but they did not evacuate any nearby residents or businesses, according to PG&E spokesman Joe Molica.
Gas started leaking at 2:45 p.m. and stopped leaking at 4:20 p.m., according to Molica. PG&E planned Thursday evening to replace four feet of damaged pipe, he said.
Four homes temporarily lost gas service as a result of the accident, according to Molica.
The fire and PG&E crews worked around the backhoe, rather than switching it on and moving it, because they didn’t want to spark an explosion, according to Molica.
jupton@sfexaminer.com
