The city’s plan to truck excess methane gas through Peninsula neighborhoods as soon as next fall may be making a detour. At a neighborhood meeting Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the Hervey/Point Loma Branch Library, District 2 Councilmember Kevin Faulconer presented an alternative to trucking the potentially explosive gas from the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant to a private energy firm. “I’ve been a proponent of this project because of its environmental benefits and I’ve always believed there was a better way to transport the gas,” Faulconer said. “I’m obviously very pleased to be leading the evaluation of a mutually beneficial solution, one that’s good for the environment and the city without impacting Point Loma residents.” Faulconer said he has been working with the city, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E), BioFuels Energy and the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant to potentially transport the gas through SDG&E fuel lines to bypass the trucking option. Homeowners for a Green and Safe Point Loma, a citizens group that has been vocal in opposing the city’s gas-hauling option, brought its concerns to Faulconer’s attention. The group is spearheaded by Catalina Boulevard resident John Pedersen. The alternative Faulconer is pitching takes the trucks out of the equation by taking advantage of SDG&E’s underground fuel lines. According to Faulconer’s office, SDG&E has preliminarily determined that its fuel line can handle the anticipated quantity of excess methane produced at the wastewater plant. SDG&E’s analysis should take about three weeks, according to Faulconer’s office. Once completed, a proposal will be sent to the city. “I’m committed to finding something that works for our residents, the environment and the city,” Faulconer said. Pedersen said the citizens group that has established a high profile the last couple of weeks in opposition to the use of trucks to transport the gas is cautiously optimistic about the new development. Pedersen said he hopes the emerging alternative is not just a delay tactic. “Hopefully they go in this direction,” Pedersen said. “In the back of my mind, I’m thrilled if, in fact, it goes in this direction.”