Project Description
The project consisted of installing a new fire valve on a 975 psi transmission line upstream from a gas regulation station that serves the Cache Creek Casino and Resort (CCCR) at the request of the fire department. The original construction has shut-off valves located immediately upstream of the regulation station and the other 7 miles away downstream of the connection point to PG&E’s L-400. The new fire valve location is located a quarter mile upstream the regulation station on the CCCR campus.

There were several hurdles of this project that had to be crossed prior to construction. One was the requirement of CCCR to have the fire valve installed while continuing gas service to the CCCR. This involved drafting a line clearance, coordinating a compressed natural gas (CNG) provider to connect and provide gas to the CCCR while the valve was installed, then bringing the casino back on line to the high pressure transmission line after the valve was installed.

The other was developing a welding procedure for CCCR to be in compliance with CFR – Title 49. This involved drafting a welding procedure, contracting with a certified welder and testing facility to complete the qualified welding procedure.

GTS Involvement
GTS’s involvement started at the design stage, continued through construction, and stayed through project completion. GTS created the construction drawings for installing the new fire valve, writing the project specifications, and reviewing all of the project submittals for the client. GTS did the construction management which included, putting the project out to bid, reviewing bids, coordination between client operations and engineering department, the pipeline contractor and the CNG contractor. GTS supervised the blow down and clearance of the 4” transmission line, this included monitoring the drafting down of the line prior to the clearance to reduce blow off duration and natural gas wasted. GTS also conducted the inspection on the welding and valve commissioning.