9th July 2026
Pipeline infrastructure contractor Charps LLC (Charps) is now eligible to provide hydrostatic testing services in California after being confirmed as a state-approved service provider.
Verified by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), Charps has been designated as an Approved Hydrostatic Testing Company. To meet state requirements, Charps had to demonstrate that it possesses the in-house expertise and resources for pipeline integrity testing, made possible by its pressure testing service range, which includes hydrostatic test planning and execution.
Supplying construction, maintenance, integrity, and emergency response services across North America, Charps had decades of experience, project records, and customer testimonials to leverage when working with CalFire throughout the application process.
California’s pipeline safety standards are stricter than elsewhere in the country, meaning the list of approved vendors is limited and specialized. With the addition of Charps to this list, pipeline operators in California now have access to turnkey hydrostatic testing services enhanced by real-time monitoring, leak detection, and digital reporting, provided through subsidiary company, PipeSense. Part of the Charps’ family of brands, PipeSense develops, designs, and implements technology-driven pipeline leak detection and monitoring services, including its 360° hydrotesting platform, PipeTest.
Through advanced dynamic pressure pulse technology, PipeTest delivers pressure trending, instant stabilization insights, and real-time AI-driven leak detection data straight to customer dashboards, minimizing downtime, and driving better decision-making. As an approved vendor, Charps’ in-house expertise and solutions, like PipeTest, will be available to the regional market.
Charps and PipeSense are now exploring opportunities to support regional operators by supplying pressure test mobile trailers equipped with safe, efficient, and reliable hydrostatic testing operations. Designed for rapid mobilization, these trailers will serve as operational hubs for on-site testing activities.
Charps’ CEO Joe Van Vynckt commented: “This is a huge development for us here at Charps’, as this new certification creates opportunities to explore the West Coast market with backing from the state. Furthermore, it’s a significant development for the local market and incumbent pipeline operators. California is in the spotlight as local businesses and governing bodies strive for the right balance between energy supply and environmental protection. Ensuring that pipelines operate safely and without leaks or structural damage is critical to achieving both aims.
“As a CalFire vetted and approved supplier, we’re here to provide operators, regulators, and local communities the confidence that they are well looked after and that the flow of key resources can continue without disruption or fear.”
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Photo caption(s): Charps and PipeSense will deliver on-site testing activities through mobile pressure test trailers. | Mobile pressure test trailers will be equipped with safe, efficient, and reliable hydrostatic testing operations.
About Charps: Charps is a leading pipeline and energy infrastructure contractor specializing in construction, maintenance, integrity, and emergency response services across North America. With decades of experience, Charps delivers safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that keep critical energy systems operating at peak performance.
The Charps team is dedicated to quality workmanship, environmental responsibility, and building lasting partnerships with our clients. Supported by subsidiary companies including High-Pressure License and ASME certification carrying NorMinn Industrial and leak detection and monitoring technology specialists PipeSense, Charps has a growing toolbox of expertise and innovative solutions to support the pipeline service playbook. Combining its end-to-end field execution with PipeSense’s real-time leak detection, Charps has created a full-spectrum solution that covers every phase of pipeline reliability. These three companies are united under one mission: Do it right the first time and do it better than anyone else.