Stress corrosion cracking is a known integrity threat to the safe and clean operation of the Nation's critical pipeline infrastructure. This threat has been studied and examined in the past, but clearly the phenomenon is not generally well understood. As part of its many efforts to foster safe pipeline operations, the OPS commissioned a study of SCC issues relating to pipeline integrity for both gas and liquid lines and conducted a public workshop to inform the study (see: detailed information from that meeting ). The SCC study has been designed to synthesize what is known regarding the history of SCC, level of risk, indicators of potential for SCC, detection methods, mitigation measures, assessment procedure, and regulatory procedures for evaluation of industry assessments. The study is intended to be comprehensive in scope and will hopefully provide a common basis for improving avoidance, detection, and management of this integrity threat.
This study was extensively coordinated with pipeline regulators - both U.S. and Canadian, major pipeline industry trade organizations, selected pipeline operators with SCC expertise, and well known technical experts. Known information on the subject of SCC has been assembled or identified, and any gaps in the efforts to understand, identify, assess, manage, mitigate, and regulate enforcement of SCC effects and efforts were identified.
The OPS is, at this time, opening the draft copy of this report for broader public comment. Active involvement in the study by all stakeholders continues to be crucial to the credibility and utility of the final study report. During this public comment period, stakeholders are asked to provide high level comments to OPS on the topics presented in this report. Reviewers - please note: this study attempts to synthesize and portray the current state of knowledge of SCC. We would particularly appreciate comments on whether the report adequately and appropriately achieves this goal, and ask that you note and provide, when appropriate, additional information you would suggest for consideration in preparing the final report. (See below for instructions on submitting comments.)
This report is still in draft format! A final report will be issued approximatelly one month after the public comment period.
The full SCC report (over 3 MB) can be viewed by selecting the following link:
For those with lower-speed connections, the report can be viewed one chapter at a time:
Comments on the draft report can be submitted online. To submit comments you are also requested to provide sufficient contact information to enable follow-up on any specific comments, if needed. This information includes:
Use our: Online Comment Submittal Form