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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Stouts fire burns 15,000 acres and counting ... 'Mitigation banking' ... The El Niño effect ... Stouts fire burns 15,000 acres and counting ... 'Mitigation banking' ... The El Niño effect ... SINCE YOU ASKED Since You Asked: East Medford's gas pipes getting updates Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Apr. 1, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted Apr. 1, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News How safe are the old gas pipes running under the streets in East Medford? Are there any plans on replacing them? — David B.   To your first question, David: They're safe. That's according to Brian Taylor, Avista's manager of gas operations for Medford. He says inspectors are on the lookout for leaks constantly, using highly sensitive equipment that can detect them. If leaks are found, it's documented, and repairs are made almost immediately, Taylor says. Taylor adds that most of the pipes in the Medford area were installed after the 1950s. "Our system's fairly new compared to some of the systems you'd see on the East Coast," he says. "We don't have any cast iron in our system, which is what a lot of the industry is replacing." Additionally, the biggest risk for damages to pipes stems from third parties, re-emphasizing the importance of calling 811 before commencing any digging projects on your property. That said, some lengths of pipe installed in the 1960s, called "Aldyl-A" are nearing the end of their life. Newer pipe, which Taylor says is more resistant to rocks and stress fractures, will take its place. "We specifically have about 7 1/2 miles that we're doing in East Medford," Taylor says, adding the company is expected to begin on that section this month. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected]. We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Apr. 1, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501