PHMSA Issues Safety Advisory on Heat-Related Risks in Older Plastic Gas Piping Following Deadly Pennsylvania Explosion

Contact: PHMSA Public Affairs [email protected]

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) today issued a safety advisory to natural gas distribution pipeline operators highlighting Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) requirements and calling on operators to address safety risks associated with the use of plastic assets made of Aldyl A polyethylene.

A 2023 chocolate factory explosion in West Reading, Pennsylvania, was caused by natural gas leaking from a degraded Aldyl A pipeline and worsened by a damaged steam pipe and other environmental factors. The explosion killed seven people and injured 10 others.

The subsequent investigation conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board determined that pipe materials constructed from the dated Aldyl A were at risk of degrading more quickly and failing when exposed to elevated ground temperatures and recommended that any in-service Aldyl A components be replaced or remediated. Pipeline operators were also advised to complete a one-time inventory of all plastic assets located in environments with elevated temperatures and to monitor on a continuous basis during new construction and maintenance projects.

Advisory bulletins are guidance documents and do not impose new regulatory obligations. The advisory bulletin has been published in the Federal Register.

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The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's mission is to protect people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy and other hazardous materials that are essential to our daily lives. Please visit https://www.phmsa.dot.gov for more information.