A recent study conducted by Stanford University and published by Environmental Science & Technology Letters proves how surprisingly well it works to systematically replace aging natural gas pipes.  

The study conducted by Robert Jackson compared Durham & Cincinnati to Manhattan, Boston, and Washington D.C. Durham and Cincinnati have undergone natural gas pipe replacement programs while the older metropolitan areas farther east had not. The finding Gas Pipe was 0.22 & 0.47 leaks/mi of pipe respectively for Durham and Cincinnati and the others without replacement were 4.3 leaks/mi of pipe. 

Expense and inconvenience to excavate and replace pipelines in very large cities prohibits implementation of widespread pipe replacement programs, but leaks cause loss of profits, methane pollution, and most significantly, injury and loss of life when explosions occur. 

Expense and inconvenience …prohibits …pipe replacement, but leaks cause loss of profits, methane pollution, and most significantly, injury and loss of life when explosions occur. 

Agencies including the Department of Transportation and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration warn that 60+ year old cast and wrought iron pipelines, degrading iron alloys, and pipe joint design pose dangers associated with continued use of these pipes. 

Vista Engineering works with local utility companies to test the quality and integrity of pipes even before they go into the ground, ensuring that the pipes meet their specifications and will perform as expected for years to come.