CalPortland is facing a second negligence lawsuit in California following allegations that excavation work damaged a natural-gas pipeline at its Redding cement plant.
According to local media, Pacific Gas and Electric Co filed the action in Shasta County Superior Court on 14 August. The utility is seeking more than US$37,000 from CalPortland and tyre-processing company Castle Tire Disposal.
The complaint alleges that excavation work near CalPortland’s facility on Wonderland Boulevard damaged a 10cm steel gas transmission line on 15 January 2024, causing an uncontrolled release of natural gas. PG&E is seeking to recover emergency-response and pipeline-replacement costs. The allegations have not been tested in court.
The action follows a separate US$2.8m lawsuit filed in July by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection against CalPortland and an employee. That complaint alleges that a poorly maintained locomotive operating on CalPortland’s private railway emitted sparks that ignited the 65.6ha Wonder Fire in July 2023.
No injuries or structural damage were reported from the fire. CalPortland has not publicly commented on either claim.
