PG&E releasing natural gas along Hwy 101 in So. San Francisco

BURLINGAME, Calif. (KGO) -- In order to prepare for a scheduled inspection starting September 7, PG&E crews will safely release natural gas in order to lower pressure on a transmission pipeline along Highway 101 in South San Francisco Saturday, officials say.

The work is expected to begin at 10 a.m.

PG&E is working closely with CalTrans in preparation for this inspection and does not expect Saturday's work to have any impact on traffic.

Following standard safety practices, crews say they will vent natural gas from a pipeline. As PG&E vents the pipe, the smell of natural gas and the sound of venting may be noticeable to nearby homes and businesses.

Officials say the natural gas will quickly dissipate and will not be harmful.

However, PG&E encourages anyone who has concerns about natural gas odors in or around their home to call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

This inspection is not related to the incident involving a third-party contractor striking PG&E's electric lines in Burlingame last weekend.