Draft: Plastic Pipe Data Collection Initiative
Plastic Pipe Data Collection Initiative
The Plastic Pipe Database Committee (PPDC) serves as a resource for gas utilities, offering valuable insights into industry-wide plastic pipe material failures. By tracking and analyzing trends, the committee enables AGA members to better understand safety trends and make strategic decisions around replacing aging plastic infrastructure.
AGA encourages operators in the submission of data in three key categories:
- Plastic Piping Material Defects: Data includes details on the material, manufacturer, year installed, cause of failure, and the specific type of appurtenance. This could be during the installation process or after gas has been introduced.
- Delayed Failure from Impact: Data on plastic material was previously struck or disturbed causing internal damage that went unnoticed until it eventually led to a leak over time. This could help to identify and mitigate risks associated with excavation activities. Immediate excavation damage and failure should be reported to the Common Ground Alliance and not be included with PPDC submissions.
- Document Success: Showcase periods with no failures, highlighting effective management and maintenance of the infrastructure quickly.
Representatives from federal and state regulatory agencies and the natural gas and plastic pipe industries are members of The Plastic Pipe Database Committee. Their goal has been to create a national database of information related to the in-service performance of plastic piping materials. Members include:
- American Gas Association (AGA
- American Public Gas Association (APGA)
- Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI)
- National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)
- National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR)
- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS)
The resources listed below offer valuable insights that utilities can use to strengthen their Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP). By leveraging this information, operators can better identify trends, target areas for improvement, and enhance overall system performance and safety.
If Additional information is needed, please contact ppdc@aga.org, Corey Rollins at crollins@aga.org, or Noel Chisaka nchisaka@aga.org To submit data and find out more information be sure to login