Politics & Government

Could a San Bruno-type Disaster Happen in El Cerrito?

City officials say they're not aware of any large gas mains in El Cerrito like the one that ruptured in San Bruno but have had trouble getting information from PG&E.

El Cerrito city officials say they're not aware of any large gas mains in the city like the 30-inch line that ruptured in San Bruno, triggering a large explosion and fire that killed several people and wiped out a neighbhorhood Sept. 9.

City of El Cerrito officials say they encountered resistance from PG&E, owner of the gas lines, when the city sought to learn detailed information about the nature and location of gas lines in the city in the wake of the San Bruno disaster that killed at least four people and destroyed more than three dozen homes.

"PG&E is pretty tight-lipped with this information," Jerry Bradshaw, the city's public works director, said Wednesday in response to a question at an El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Find out what's happening in El Cerritofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"We're not aware of of any large gas mains in the city," he said during a question period following a presentation he gave. City Manager Scott Hanin, also present at the luncheon, said city officials have been seeking information from PG&E since the San Bruno disaster.

"Especially since 9/11," Bradshaw said, "they (PG&E) have become tight-lipped about that." Utility companies fear that terrorists could sabotage gas lines.

Find out what's happening in El Cerritofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

A call Thursday morning to PG&E requesting a response was not returned.

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