This year marks the 15th anniversary of the San Bruno pipeline tragedy, a devastating event that claimed eight lives, injured 66, and destroyed 38 homes.

The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation found that the PG&E pipeline failed due to a poorly welded pipe section and an inadequate integrity management program that did not detect or repair the faulty pipe.

According to the NTSB, contributing to the incident were the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) exemptions of existing pipelines from the regulatory requirement for pressure testing, which likely would have detected installation defects.

The severity of the disaster was compounded by the absence of automatic and remote-controlled shutoff valves, which could have limited the spread of fire and damage.

On October 6th, the Pipeline Safety Trust (PST) will host a webinar. Please register at: 15 Years Since the San Bruno Pipeline Tragedy – Has Safety Improved?

As we reflect on this anniversary and the state of pipeline safety today, we honor those who were lost and reaffirm the urgent need for safer pipelines and stronger protections for communities.