The PG&E Dalton Crossover Station in Livermore, California serves a pivotal role, ensuring that natural gas can be transferred, from one pipeline to another safely, and ensuring reliability on this one-way feed system.
Left to right- Utility Worker David Munoz, Senior Construction Operator Ryan Adams, Working Foreman A Aaron Lewis, Apprentice Welder Michael Beltran, Utility Worker Emmanuel Castillo, Welder Frank Soria, Senior Construction Operator Michael Zavala and Construction Operator Servando Sanchez.
IBEW 1245 members at PG&E, including Equipment Operators, Welders, and Fire Watch employees, work together on this project, to safeguard the station’s long-term functionality.
“The basis of the job is external and internal inspections.” said Aaron Lewis, a GTGC Working Foreman A. “Risk assessment is why we’re here. There is minimal data on pipelines that have been in the ground for twelve years or longer. After we’re done with our work, PG&E will have a picture in time of this pipeline.”
PG&E GC Gas Crew weld a valve onto a 22” line in Livermore, Calif. on May 30, 2024
PG&E GC Gas Crew weld a valve onto a 22” line in Livermore, Calif. on May 30, 2024
PG&E GC Gas Crew weld a valve onto a 22” line in Livermore, Calif. on May 30, 2024
The crew’s GTGC Welders, Austin Nakagawa, Frank Soria and GTGC Apprentice Welder Mike Beltran, installed multiple SAVE-A-Valves, among other tasks.
In an operation of this nature, safety, including fire mitigation, is paramount. Jose Figueroa, a PG&E Safety and Infrastructure Protection Technician (SIPT), worked along with the Livermore SIPT crew, as a fire watch employee to minimize any risk of fire catching on surrounding dry brush at the site.
Left to right; S.I.P.T. Lead Steven Promes, S.I.P.T. Tech Jose Figueroa and S.I.P.T. Lead Troy Ravera. PG&E GC Gas Crew weld a valve onto a 22” line in Livermore, Calif. on May 30, 2024
“Having us as fire watch on a site like this is vital for safety. Welding produces sparks that have resulted in fires in the past. Sparks tend to be carried by wind, and this area had heavy dried vegetation prone to ignition.” Figueroa said.
Safety is paramount at every work site and is a foundational principle for IBEW 1245 – a sentiment Lewis recognizes.
“I’m a second-generation member of IBEW 1245, and very proud. The bottom line is that the union works to protect us. Our Industry is constantly evolving, and our safety must constantly evolve as well. The Union is on top of that,” Lewis stated.
Figueroa considers himself fortunate to be a member of IBEW Local 1245.
“IBEW 1245 has given guys like me a voice where I didn’t previously have one in my career. It empowers us to voice our concerns in the workplace for the collective good of our union brothers and sisters. Every member is represented equally.”
Also working on this project: GTGC Austin Nakagawa Welder, Ryan Adams Senior Construction Operator, Mike Zavala Senior Construction Operator, Servando Sanchez Construction Operator, Benito Ceja Construction Operator, Emmanuel Castillo Utility Worker Roberto Torres Working Leader B, Tony Fox Sr. Construction Operator, Enrique Ramirez Utility Worker, Jason Temres Jr Utility Worker.