Using a medical analogy, the tool provides an MRI for a pipeline segment and helps increase the effectiveness of how the utility assess its pipeline segments. According to PG&E, this is the most advanced way to determine the overall condition of the pipeline.

Smart pigs rely on GPS mapping data, magnetic sensors and other technology to record detailed information from inside the pipeline. They can find defects as well as measure the thickness of pipeline walls. And, if corrosion or any other signs of weakness are found, repair crews are able to reach the part of the pipeline that needs work with precision.

Smart pigs are free-swimming, meaning that the pressure of the gas moves them through the pipeline, ideally at 5 or 10 mph. The massive tool can be used to test pipelines measuring 24- to 30-inches in diameter. The multi-diameter flexibility makes it especially useful.

As of September 30, 2013, PG&E has completed strength testing for 577 miles of transmission pipeline, including 460 miles that have been validated through hydrostatic pressure testing; automated 98 valves on large-diameter, high-pressure pipelines located in heavily populated areas; replaced 77 miles of transmission pipeline; and inspected 78 miles of transmission pipeline using in-line inspection tools such as “smart pigs.”

How can you play a role in protecting the community where you live and work? Please remember three simple numbers – 811.

When planning a project that involves any type of dig, PG&E asks contractors and homeowners to call 811 two business days before the work begins. Someone will come to your site and mark all gas and electric lines. That makes your job safer and eliminates the chances of an accident. And this is a free service.

Sounds easy right? Well, year-to-date, within PG&E’s service area, there have been more than 1,400 cases where someone has dug into the ground and struck a natural gas or electric utility line. These dig-ins stop projects, impact traffic to nearby homes and business and can lead to injuries.

A call to 811 connects homeowners and contractors to Underground Service Alert (USA). The hotline is a free service that notifies utility companies about any type of excavation project and then allows utilities to dispatch professional locators to the location to mark underground lines.

PG&E has also partnered with the Contractor State License Board and CAL OSHA to educate contractors who have a history with dig-ins. Calling 811 is not only a safety prevention measure, it’s also the law. Repeat offenders are subject to disciplinary action being taken against their license.

When a call is made to 811 before a dig, 99 percent of the time no damages will occur. A trained locator, using special tools that identify where utility lines are located, will come to your site and clearly mark areas where digging should not occur.

No project is too small. In fact, 38 percent of unreported dig-ins come from residential homeowners doing routine projects around the house such as planting a tree or installing a fence post. Calling 811 is a shared responsibility.