5. Pipeline History

PG&E constructed the pipeline and Hercules Pump Station in 1975 as part of a 42-mile long pipeline extending from the Chevron Refinery in Richmond to the Pittsburg and Contra Costa Power Plants. From 1976 to 1982, PG&E used the pipeline to transport low sulfur fuel oil from the refinery to the power plants. Beginning in 1982, PG&E reduced its use of fuel oil due to increased expenses and regulatory requirements, and thus ceased its permanent use of the pipeline. Since 1982, PG&E has maintained the pipeline to provide stand-by capability in case of natural gas supply interruptions or similar circumstances. After regular operations ceased, oil has moved through the pipeline as necessary to maintain the integrity of the pipeline; however, the last major movement of oil through the pipeline was in 1991.

In 1998, at the request of Union Pacific Rail Road (UPRR), PG&E abandoned in place a 4,000-foot long section of the pipeline in the city of Martinez to allow for installation of two additional railroad tracks and relocation of the Martinez Intermodal Rail Station. The isolated section is capped and filled with a cement slurry mix. To reconnect the pipeline, a 5,500-foot long section extending around the train station is necessary.

In 1999, PG&E sold its Pittsburg and Contra Costa Power Plants, including a 7-mile portion of pipeline between these two plants and associated pumping stations located at the plant sites to Mirant. Since the sale of these power plants, PG&E has not used the remaining 35 miles of pipeline and pump station in its daily operations.