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Sewer Line Investigation Project
Sewer Line Investigation Project
We're inspecting sewer lines and correcting problems with gas lines
Overview
In 2010, we began a multi-year project to identify and correct any situations where a natural gas line has been inadvertently installed through a sewer line (lateral). As long as a natural gas line intersecting a sewer line is not penetrated, it poses no safety hazard. However, the equipment used to unclog sewer lines can penetrate the natural gas line and lead to the dangerous release of natural gas.
We are reviewing maps and records to identify and correct any conflicts between our underground natural gas distribution system and sewer lines. Based on the results of this review, some areas require additional in-sewer camera inspections. Through December 2010, Xcel Energy has inspected approximately 24,000 sewer lines.
If an in-sewer camera inspection of an area is necessary, we contact customers by phone or letter that contract crews will be working in their area. In most cases, camera investigations take place through the main sewer line and contract crews will not need access to homes or businesses. Following completion, customers will be contacted by phone or letter that we have completed our inspection and determined that no additional work is needed at this time.
If our camera inspection reveals a conflict, we will notify the customer and state regulators. If the conflict is with our natural gas or electric system, we will repair it within 14 days. Repairs and site restoration will be provided at no cost to customers. If conflicts exist with other underground utilities, such as telephone, cable or other electric utilities, we will notify the customer and make every effort to contact the other companies. Customers will need to coordinate any repairs of non-Xcel Energy conflicts directly with those companies.
We use underground “horizontal directional digging” to install natural gas lines underground beneath streets, driveways, and mature trees to minimize damage. This approach is commonly used in the utility industry because it involves significantly less environmental effects and customer disruption than open digging. However, because many vintage sewer lines are not “locatable” (identified above ground) because they are made of clay and contain no tracer wire, we may have come in contact with them without knowing. Construction practices using horizontal directional digging have changed and we now use techniques during digging to detect contacts with sewer lines.
Sewer Line Illustration
