Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. announced that it was selected by Southern California Gas Co. to provide project management services for the Pipeline Safety Enhancement Program. Officials did not disclose the contract value, but noted that it is a five-year contract with a provision for five one-year extensions.

Phase 1A of the Pipeline Safety Enhancement Program consists of pressure testing approximately 360 miles of existing pipelines; replacing approximately 246 miles of the 3,750 mile pipeline system; and upgrading or replacing 173 mainline valves. SoCalGas is awaiting approval of the Pipeline Safety Enhancement Program from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which is expected in mid-2013. The scope of the pipeline testing and replacement plan is subject to change by the CPUC.

In alignment with SoCalGas' ongoing focus on safety as a top priority, the Pipeline Safety Enhancement Program was developed to comply with state regulations that require natural gas transmission pipeline operators to submit plans for replacing or pressure testing all natural gas transmission pipelines that have not been pressure tested.