Last segment of cast iron pipe removed in May – interviews for media on Wed.
June 29, 2009
Colorado Springs Utilities recently accomplished something few other natural gas utilities have done by removing the final portion of cast iron pipe – installed in 1907 – from its natural gas system in late May. The elimination of cast iron pipe is the culmination of a major effort that began in 1982, following an explosion that severely injured three people. The replacement program has yielded significant benefits for customers and employees who work on the system – namely safety, cost and reliability.
Cast iron pipe became the chief material used in the natural gas system in the late 1800s and remained as the preferred pipe material for new installations until it was discontinued in 1958. Over time, cast iron pipe for natural gas service can pose several safety and maintenance challenges, including increased risk for catastrophic failure due to breaks, oxidation, leakage at joint locations, and an inability to handle pressures over 15 pounds per square inch.
Despite the fact that the natural gas system doubled in size from 1982 to 2008, the removal of cast iron pipe from the system produced significant results, dropping hazardous gas leaks from 314 in 1982 to 83 in 2008.
During the first 18 years of the replacement program more than 16 miles of pipe and 1,500 customer service lines were replaced annually.
To put the effort into context, and based on a 2007 Department of Transportation report, many major utilities in the central and eastern United States still have cast iron pipe making up extensive portions of their natural gas systems. For example, Public Service of New Jersey reported 4,438 miles of cast iron pipe, Michigan Consolidated with 2,728 miles, Boston Gas with 2,272 miles and Philadelphia Gas with 1,607. In Colorado, Xcel Energy reported 111 miles of cast iron pipe.
NOTE TO MEDIA: A spokesperson will be available for interviews from 10:30 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1 at the site of a gas main project, located near the intersection of Jet Wing and Academy (project site on Boychuck, a frontage road off of Jet Wing).
Media contact: 719-668-3848
