[Docket No. PHMSA-2026-0166]
PHMSA has issued an advisory bulletin reminding natural gas distribution operators to fully address risks associated with plastic piping and components under existing Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) requirements. The advisory follows a 2023 gas explosion in West Reading, Pennsylvania, linked to degradation of older plastic components exposed to elevated temperatures. PHMSA emphasizes that operators must understand where plastic pipe exists in their systems, recognize how environmental factors can accelerate degradation, and ensure those risks are reflected in their integrity management plans.
PHMSA outlines several actions operators should consider to reduce risk, including:
- Inventorying plastic pipe and components susceptible to degradation
- Identifying environmental conditions such as elevated temperatures or nearby utilities
- Evaluating and ranking risks associated with plastic materials
- Increasing monitoring, inspections, or leak surveys where appropriate
- Repairing, remediating, or replacing problematic components
While the advisory does not introduce new regulatory requirements, it reinforces that operators must use reasonably available information to meet current DIMP obligations and proactively manage threats related to plastic piping to prevent leaks, failures, and potential incidents.
For a copy of this advisory bulletin, please contact Jessica Foley.