SMUD Gas Pipeline Anomaly Inspection and Repair Project

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is proposing to perform gas pipeline inspections at three separate locations within the Line 700A Gas Pipeline right-of-way (ROW). All three of the proposed excavation sites fall within the section of ROW encompassed by the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. The work proposed includes excavations to expose the pipeline, inspect for anomalies, and make necessary repairs. Two of the work areas would include 8-by10-foot excavation sites, soil stockpiles, equipment parking, and staging. Additionally, one location will include work to safely remove a section of idle pipeline which has been inactive since 2000. This site will require four, 12-by-16-foot excavations and one, narrow, 15-by-2-foot excavation to exhume, cap off, and remove the idle facilities. Wetland protective matting would be utilized within the work areas to minimize ground disturbance. SMUD would access the pipeline ROW using existing roads. The excavations will be performed using a combination of mechanical excavation, hydro-excavation, and soft-dig methods, and will include shoring, air monitoring, and compliance with all applicable codes and industry standards. Equipment anticipated for this work includes pickup trucks, backhoe or excavator, equipment trailers, hydro-vac truck, haul truck, and water truck. Upon completion of the necessary maintenance work, the excavations would be backfilled with sand and native soils and revegetated at the surface. Activities would be performed during daytime hours. Work is expected to take approximately 14 days at each location. Construction is expected to be completed by August 2026 or soon thereafter.