Kiefner Leads the Way for the Evaluation of High-Risk Pipeline Systems
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recognizes cast and ductile iron pipes as among the highest risk pipeline materials. To address these aging systems, PHSMA issued “A Call to Action” to federal, state, and local regulators to implement utility programs that accelerate their replacement.
In response to these integrity challenges, Kiefner and Associates, Inc. (Kiefner) conducted an extensive, 13-month independent engineering study evaluating the cast-iron and ductile-iron pipeline system operated by Peoples Gas Light and Coke Company (PGL) in the City of Chicago. Supplying much of the city, the PGL system is one of the oldest and most prominent in the United States, with some segments dating back to the 1860s. Classified as the first empirical study conducted on PGL’s cast and ductile iron assets, the project represented one of Kiefner’s most complex engineering efforts to date.
To determine the system’s integrity and remaining service life, Kiefner’s experts applied advanced data analytics, structural analysis, and risk management through three parallel assessments: corrosion, structural mechanics, and risk modeling.
Following nine months of staff review, public testimony, and input from customer advocates and environmental groups, Kiefner presented its findings before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). As summarized in Pipeline & Gas Journal, the study determined that more than 80% of the iron pipes in the delivery system had an average remaining life of less than 15 years, confirming that PGL’s replacement program is critical to public and customer safety.
The completion of this project established the first known empirical evaluation model for aging iron distribution systems, methodologies that can now be applied to similar infrastructure challenges faced by utilities nationwide. By sharing these nonconfidential insights, Kiefner continues to go Beyond Standards to advance public safety and lead global engineering assessments for high-risk pipeline systems. The full report is available for download on the Illinois Commerce Commission website.
