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There are a number of key issues that are facing the natural gas industry.

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Especially natural gas utilities that operate distribution systems.

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The number one concern is corrosion and

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the need to upgrade the aging gas delivery system.

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That means eliminating cast iron and

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unprotected steel pipes from millions of miles of natural gas distribution systems.

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They have also been calls to reduce

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methane emissions and implement better leak detection at facilities.

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The latter is especially important since

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the Aliso Canyon natural gas facility methane leak in California,

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that made many people ill. Congress has passed new laws and PHMSA is developing

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new regulations and 24-hour monitoring of some natural gas facilities like Aliso Canyon.

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The industry is also being asked to use better tools

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to mitigate the risks of incidences and fatalities.

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All of these request and challenges are growing,

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as the abundance of low cost natural gas produces economic benefits across the country.

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Many states especially those shown on the map,

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have accelerated infrastructure replacement programs for

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natural gas utilities to replace their cast iron pipes.

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Corrosion is the major factor involved,

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and can occur on the exterior of a pipe due to the loss of its protective coating,

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manufacturing defects, and the lowest of cathodic protection.

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It can also occur as pitting corrosion or

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general corrosion which can cause the pipeline to fail over time.

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Internal corrosion occurs when corrosive substances are transported through pipelines.

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Externally, corrosion occurs from moist soil or groundwater.

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About 8,000 families had to be evacuated from the suburban,

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Los Angeles when the Aliso Canyon gas storage facility leak methane.

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Because methane cannot be seen with the naked eye or smelled,

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the facility leaked for months.

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Faulty weld repairs by pacific gas and electric on

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a natural gas distribution line killed

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eight people and injured 60 in San Bruno, California.

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An investigation found that the company

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had actually appropriated the money for the repairs,

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but instead compensated top management.

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In 2015, New York City's east village experienced a gas explosion.

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The explosion was caused by an illegal tap into a gas main,

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which caused an explosion that killed two people and injured 19.

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The fire completely destroyed three adjacent buildings.