Under existing requirements, welded joints used to tie in test segments are excepted from pressure testing because of the impracticability of conducting the test. This final rule extends this exception to non-welded tie-in joints because they are equally impracticable to pressure test. However, the final rule requires that all excepted tie-in joints be leak tested at operating pressure. Since RSPA believes current operating and enforcement practices are consistent with the final rule, a minimal economic and safety impact is anticipated.