Project/Technology Description:
The project established guidelines for implementing “pre-regulation” pipeline repair/replace program. Pre-regulation generally refers to pipelines installed prior to November 12, 1970, when federal pipeline safety regulations were first promulgated. The process (see figure for a case example) provides a standardized method for pipeline operators to decide which of their pre-regulation pipelines can be maintained safely or replaced. Guidelines are presented as factors to consider in making repair/replace decisions and mitigative responses to avoid pipe replacement.