Pipeline operators must now use a newer standard for steel pipe

US pipeline safety regulators have updated the industry standard for steel pipe that all pipeline operators must use. This means new pipelines and repairs will use a more current specification for materials.

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regularly updates the technical standards that govern pipeline construction and maintenance. These updates often seem small, but they dictate the exact materials and methods used across thousands of miles of critical infrastructure. This particular change means that the steel pipe used in pipelines must now meet a more recent industry specification, which can affect everything from material strength to corrosion resistance.