Atmospheric Corrosion
What is Atmospheric Corrosion?
Atmospheric Corrosion is the steady and gradual deterioration of the exposed surface of steel material by oxidation or chemical reaction with elements of the atmosphere or environment.
Atmospheric Corrosion Inspections
In accordance with federal requirements for natural gas utilities, “Each operator must inspect each pipeline or portion of pipeline that is exposed to the atmosphere for evidence of atmospheric corrosion.” Historically, Avista has rotated these inspections on a 3-year cycle per state – Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The following Atmospheric Only inspection types are conducted on Avista’s system:
- Corroded meter
- Buried meter
- Buried service valve
The following Continuing Surveillance Inspection types are conducted on Avista’s system:
- Overgrown meter
- Settled meter
- Meter Barricade
- Check regular vent
- Overbuilt meter
- Riser in concrete
- Meter touching metal
- Damaged riser
- Damaged meter
- Riser needs wrap
- Meter protection needed
- Foreign wire
Heath Consultants, Inc., a trusted Avista contractor, currently performs our atmospheric corrosion inspections. Heath maintains an experienced staff of Cathodic Protection Specialists, registered Professional Engineers in the field of Corrosion Engineering and certified Corrosion Technicians. Their state-of-the-art cathodic protection systems, leak survey and corrosion control products are relied upon to provide lasting protection in the world’s harshest environments. For more information, visit www.heathus.com.
What to expect
Prior to inspection
Prior to our contractor’s arrival, you will receive either an automated phone call or a Prior Notification email from Avista. While we do not typically schedule these inspections by appointment, we will provide 5-7 working days’ notice of the inspection.
Requesting additional notification/contact: If for any reason you need to have notification within 24 hours of this inspection taking place, you can contact 1-888-355-0118. Our Customer Experience team will share this information with our Gas Programs group to work with our contractor and facilitate your request.
Confirm your contact information: Help Avista notify you ahead of time by keeping your email, phone number, and mailing address current in your online account.
Day of Inspection
A contractor technician may knock on your door and inform you that they will be performing an inspection on your gas meter. If you are not present, or are unavailable upon our arrival, we will leave a door hanger on either your front door or your gate if the front door is behind a locked gate. This door hanger will provide you with a technician’s name and phone number to call and schedule a more convenient time to return and perform the inspection.