Henry Genga

Connecticut’s system of aging gas lines may have become a concern for you, especially after a series of gas line explosions in Lawrence, Mass last month, and recent reports concerning Connecticut's natural gas infrastructure.

In 2017 the Sierra Club Connecticut chapter commissioned a study and found there were enough leaking pipelines under Hartford to power 214 households annually.

In light of this, two Connecticut lawmakers have requested information about the number of leaking pipes, replacement schedule, emergency procedures, and how the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) ensures public safety.

While the number of leaks is concerning, Connecticut’s gas companies have invested in replacing leak-prone pipelines made of cast iron and bare steel, according to the CT Post.

Last year the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration reported 42.6 percent of Connecticut’s gas lines were steel, 41.9 percent plastic and 15.5 percent were iron. In 2010, 45.9 percent of pipelines were made of steel, 33.8 percent were made from plastic and 20.3 percent were made from iron.

The state’s Gas Pipeline Safety Unit Inspection Program requires natural gas providers to develop plans for pipeline construction and maintenance, emergency plans and replacement procedures. The Gas Pipeline Safety Unit also reviews these plans to ensure compliance with state regulation.

States also have mandatory programs minimizing excavation damage.

While Connecticut has worked hard to address leak-prone pipelines, it is important for consumers to know the warning signs of a gas leak so they can report it immediately.

More information is available here.