The pipeline safety agency is working to stanch ERW-related incidents, requiring more rigorous testing of pipes in populated and environmentally sensitive areas. In addition, it has asked pipeline operators to avoid increasing pressure on older ERW pipes. Replacing ERW pipelines would stem the problem, but at a price tag of $1 million per mile, it’s unlikely that will happen. Ever.
So potentially dangerous pipelines will continue to grow older, aging beyond what could reasonably be expected to be a useful life. And with each new candle on the cake, the chances that it will spark a disaster only increase.
