Program Name Improving Natural Gas Safety in
Earthquakes
Administering Agency California Seismic Safety Commission
Contact Richard McCarthy, Executive Director
Address 1775 Creekside Oaks Drive #100, Sacramento, CA 95833
Telephone Number 916-263-5506
Fax Number 916-263-0594
E-mail DMcCarth@quiknet.com
Fires following earthquakes are serious
threats in most western states. However, information and advice on how to
reduce and manage that risk was lacking. While the State of California
already regulates the safety of natural gas systems and certifies
earthquake-actuated shutoff and excess flow valves, the State did not have
a clear policy on conditions when such valves are warranted and
appropriate for use. A few pioneering cities have already passed
ordinances requiring the installation of such valves. Policymakers and
valve advocates asked that California consider mandating their use
statewide.
The California Seismic Safety Commission, in cooperation with the American
Society of Civil Engineers, formed a Committee on Natural Gas Safety with
21 volunteers from various disciplines and government agencies to develop
a consensus on information about the risks, potential benefits, and
drawbacks associated with ways to limit post-earthquake fire ignitions
related to natural gas. The Commission refined and adopted the Committee’s
recommendations, presented copies to the State Legislature, and made
copies available to other state and local government agencies and the
general public. The State Legislature enacted a law requiring the
Department of Housing and Community Development to consider changes to the
California Building Standards Code. The Commission also updated its
Homeowner’s Guide to Earthquake Safety and, with the cooperation of
the real estate industry, is disseminating the new gas safety advice to
homebuyers in California.
The Committee developed a draft report titled, Improving Natural Gas
Safety in Earthquakes and a two-page insert for the Homeowner’s
Guide to Earthquake Safety. The report is written for local and state
government agencies that might be considering ways to improve natural gas
safety in their jurisdictions. The two-page addition to the homeowner’s
guide is a brief non-technical summary of the larger report’s key
findings. Both are available to the public for free downloads at
www.seismic.ca.gov or in
hardcopy.
