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In This Issue

  1. DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop – December 8, 2006
  2. California: Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Excavation Bill Signed into Law
  3. ASME B31Q-2006 Pipeline Personnel Qualification Standard
  4. Need to Update Your Current Operator Qualification Program?
  5. Alaska to Create Artic Pipeline Technology Team
  6. Common Ground Alliance Meeting
  7. PHMSA Gas Gathering Workshops
  8. Has the new Gas Gathering definition affected your pipelines?
  9. PHMSA Issues Revised Liquid IMP Protocols
  10. Integrity Management Services
  11. Gas IMP Revised FAQ-174: Considering GIS accuracy in locating HCAs Back to Top
  12. New Oil Spill Response Guidance From The MMS

California: Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Excavation Bill Signed into Law

On Sept. 29, a bill was signed into law that establishes tougher safety procedures for excavation work that is conducted near high-risk pipelines carrying flammable fuels such as gasoline and natural gas. The legislation was inspired by the Nov. 9, 2004, pipeline excavation accident at a construction site in Walnut Creek, Calif., that killed five workers.

Among the bill’s requirements:

  • If an excavation is within 10 feet of a “high-priority subsurface installation,” the operator of the pipeline installation must notify the excavator of the installation and hold an onsite meeting to verify the location of the installation.
  • Only a “qualified person” – one who has completed a safety training program that meets the requirements of California law – is allowed to conduct “subsurface installation locating activities.”
  • A regional notification center must provide the excavator with the pipeline operator’s contact information, and the excavator must notify the pipeline operator – or call 9-1-1 – when the excavator discovers or causes damage to the pipeline installation.