PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
2001-10-29

 
For further information contact:
Jim Keech, President, Utilities Kingston, 546-1181 ext. 2226

UTILITIES KINGSTON COMPLETES
15-YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT:
60 KILOMETRES OF PLASTIC GAS PIPE REPLACES AGING CAST IRON

Utilities Kingston announced today that a massive infrastructure improvement project, started in 1986, has been completed. Utilities Kingston crews and contractors have replaced all cast iron natural gas pipes in the former City of Kingston, approximately 60 kilometers of new plastic pipe in total. It is estimated that the 15 year infrastructure project, initially commissioned by the former Public Utilities Commission, cost 20 million dollars.

According to Jim Keech, President and CEO of Utilities Kingston, the project completion marks a significant safety improvement to an aging infrastructure.

"The replacement of the cast iron pipes with plastic pipe reduces our operating costs while at the same time improves the consistency of our service delivery, and greatly enhances the safety of residents", says Jim Keech, CEO of Utilities Kingston. According to Keech, the cast iron pipes were installed over 100 years ago and could only withstand low pressure. They also required expensive maintenance to repair leaks and other service problems. "Not only did we lose revenue as a result of lost gas, we also paid higher insurance premiums due to the cast iron pipes. By replacing the pipes with new technology we are assuring that consistent pressure levels are maintained, and more importantly the safety of the community is improved", he added.

BACKGROUNDER:
CAST IRON GAS MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Cast Iron pipe has been used for the construction of gas mains for approximately 100 years. During this time it was virtually the only material available that would withstand the effects of a below ground installation. Although it has a long service life, there are two major drawbacks using cast iron.

1. It is extremely brittle and breaks easily when subjected to certain forces such as frost or construction disturbance.
2. Because of its heavy weight, cast iron pipes were manufactured in short lengths and have a joint every twelve feet. These joints which are sealed with lead start to leak after many years of service. Repairing leaks are costly and time consuming.

Since the early 1960's, cast iron pipe has been replaced by coated steel and plastic pipes. These pipes do not exhibit the same weaknesses as cast iron and can withstand high operating pressures. Historically, cast iron pipes are a safety concern because they have a tendency to crack. Every winter Utilities Kingston has to repair main breaks due to frost. And during the summer, construction and traffic causes gas joints to leak. Completing the replacement of all cast iron gas mains greatly increases the safety of Kingston residents.

- 30 -