Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) March 16 proposed regulations for natural gas pipeline safety focuses on legacy pipe integrity. Legacy pipe is a type of pipe no longer manufactured and that PHMSA considers to have potential problems related to manufacturing imperfections.  Legacy construction techniques are historic practices no longer used for construction or repair, including non-standard fittings and certain joints and couplings. PHMSA’s March 16 proposal would require enhanced inspection and integrity programs for legacy pipelines, and those in a newly created ‘moderate consequence area.’  PHMSA had already required enhanced programs for ‘high consequence areas’ – those with… Read more