The Gas Company is pleased to announce it is completing the first phase of it’s planned work in Sullivan Canyon by Friday, November 6, 2009.  The maintenance road has been re-established and 10 pipeline exposures have been covered with protective revetment mats.  The maintenance road now has the articulated concrete mats (revetment mats) in a few areas of the roadway to provide protection and covering for the pipelines.  The public should exercise caution when crossing these areas with the revetment mats.  By November 6th, the construction equipment and vehicles will be removed as well as ending the guard service.Minor work to hydro-seed vegetation in certain areas will start the week of November 16th and last for approximately 2 weeks.  This work will be during weekdays only from 8am – 5pm.  The canyon will remain open to the public while this work is proceeding as cones will be placed and signage will be posted as a safety precaution due to the presence of vehicles and to protect the newly seeded areas.  Occasionally a water truck may be used to water these areas to help the growth of the new plantings.

We want to thank the public for its patience and courtesy while we worked to ensure the safe operation of our pipelines.  The second phase of our project will start next year approximately in the spring to cover the remaining pipeline exposure areas and to finish the planting of vegetation and the sycamore seedlings.

We also wanted to share with you that our security guard, stationed at the northern end of the canyon, observed a small brush fire off of dirt road Mulholland on Friday, Oct. 31st at approximately 11 p.m.  The fire was caused by a mylar balloon (silver metallic balloon) that was loose and touched the power line, creating sparks that set off a small brush fire.  Our guard called 9-1-1 to report the fire which brought an immediate response from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s air and land crews.  The fire was limited to 1/2 acre. We are thankful that this guard was diligent, alert and responded quickly by calling in the Fire Department.