The Coastal and Marine Operators (CAMO) group launched the world’s first pipeline safety effort and successfully completed the first step in rolling out a major initiative to protect the safety of mariners, the environment and pipelines from being damaged. In August, 2015, CAMO began transmitting Automatic Information System (AIS) safety messages directly to mariners in…
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API PSMS Workshop – Save the Date!
Houston – February 16, 2016 The American Petroleum Institute (API) will be hosting a Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) workshop regarding API’s Recommended Practice (RP) 1173 requirements. The Workshop will be held at the Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria (2626 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056) on February 16, 2016. Additional details will be available soon.
America’s Energy Link
[Docket No. BOEM-2012-0076] The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) and the INGAA Foundation have launched a strategic communications campaign called America’s Energy Link designed to educate everyday Americans about the benefits of natural gas and natural gas pipelines. It provides materials that companies and individuals can use to demonstrate to the public how…
TRRC Pipeline Damage Prevention Program
16 TAC Chapter 18 16 TAC Chapter 18 The Railroad Commission of Texas (TRRC) recently took part in the Central Texas Damage Prevention Council’s Live Dig Demo to educate excavators, contractors and homeowners to call 811 before digging. The primary cause of pipeline incidents in Texas comes from digging or excavation and in 29 percent…
TRRC Year in Review
The Railroad Commission of Texas (TRRC) released the agency’s 2015 Year in Review highlighting the accomplishments, milestones and improvements achieved at the agency over the past year. For the first time the Commission is releasing its Year in Review in digital format. The interactive 2015 Year in Review includes video, photos, infographics and links to…
Ohio Underground Damage Prevention Enforcement
In December 2014, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed Senate Bill 378 updating Ohio’s underground damage prevention laws in Section 3781 of the Ohio Revised Code, which will take effect January 1, 2016. These updates placed enforcement of the state damage prevention laws with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)and created the Underground Technical Committee (UTC) to assist…
API RP1173 Assessment Services
API recently published a new Recommended Practice (RP) concerning safety management systems for pipelines. API RP 1173 provides pipeline operators with a comprehensive way to make safe operations and continuous safety improvement a constant focus of their operations. The first step for most pipeline operators will be to assess their current safety management system maturity…
API Pipeline Safety Management System Workshop
HOUSTON GALLERIA – FEBRUARY 16, 2016 The American Petroleum Institute (API) will be hosting a Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) workshop regarding API’s Recommended Practice (RP) 1173 requirements. The Workshop will be held at the Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria on February 16, 2016. Click here for a link to the API RP 1173 Workshop which includes a preliminary program, online registration…
New Recommended Practice for Hazardous Liquids Emergency Response
FIRST EDITION, DECEMBER 2015 API has recently published RP 1174, Recommended Practice for Onshore Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Emergency Preparedness and Response. This RP was developed as part of the pipeline industry’s initiatives to proactively address emergency response in an ongoing and systematic manner. The document provides operators with an enhanced framework to enable continual improvement…
Report on the Spills of Diluted Bitumen from Pipelines Published
In 2012, Congress tasked the Secretary of Transportation to “determine whether any increase in the risk of release exists for pipelines transporting diluted bitumen.” The US Department of Transportation turned to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which recently published its report on its study. In addition to discussing the chemical properties, physical…
Drug and Alcohol Programs – Notice
PHMSA has determined that the minimum random drug testing rate for covered employees will remain at 25 percent during calendar year 2016. Operators are reminded that drug and alcohol testing information must be submitted for contractors performing or ready to perform covered functions. For calendar year 2015 reporting, PHMSA will not attempt to mail the…
Pipeline Pressure Testing Workshop: February 23-24, 2016
RCP is now offering a 2-day Pipeline Pressure Testing Workshop at its facilities in downtown Houston. The workshop will begin by outlining the objectives for performing a pressure test and how those relate to DOT requirements. The workshop will then build upon these foundations to answer many specific pressure testing questions including: What are the…
“Significant” Pipeline Rule Updates
At the start of 2016, there are 4 “Significant” pipeline rulemakings currently underway at PHMSA. Under Executive Order 12866, Significant regulatory actions are defined as those that: Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition,…
PHMSA Incident and Annual Data Analysis
RCP can provide detailed and timely analysis of PHMSA historical incident and annual data for clients needing to compare their performance against the industry averages, respond to press inquiries, or analyze trends. Contact Jessica Foley for more information.
2016 Pipeline Conference Schedule
Have you registered and confirmed your reservations for these upcoming conferences? RCP will be attending. We hope to see you there! Pipeline Pigging & Integrity Management ConferenceFebruary 8 – 11, 2016Marriott Westchase Hotel / Houston, TexasRCP Booth #512 Click Here for a Free Exhibition Pass. The industry’s only forum devoted exclusively to pigging for maintenance…
API RP1173 Assessment Services
API recently published a new Recommended Practice (RP) concerning safety management systems for pipelines. API RP 1173 provides pipeline operators with a comprehensive way to make safe operations and continuous safety improvement a constant focus of their operations. The first step for most pipeline operators will be to assess their current safety management system maturity…
Pipeline Pressure Testing Workshop: February 23-24, 2016
RCP is now offering a 2-day Pipeline Pressure Testing Workshop at its facilities in downtown Houston. The workshop will begin by outlining the objectives for performing a pressure test and how those relate to DOT requirements. The workshop will then build upon these foundations to answer many specific pressure testing questions including: What are the…
Connecticut Proposes Changes to Call Before You Dig Procedures
[DOCKET NO. 14- 10-02] Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) recently proposed amendments to the state’s “Call Before You Dig” procedures. These updated regulations seek to address proper techniques and protocols for the excavation and demolition of underground utility facilities. The proposed amendments also incorporate technical drafting changes adopted by the Legislative Regulation Review Committee…
Advisory Committee Meeting re: Liquid NPRM
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for Hazardous Liquids pipelines met on Monday, February 1, 2016, to discuss comments received and the path forward regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published on October 13, 2015 (see related article in the October edition of the “DOT Pipeline Compliance News”). It was by all accounts a productive, working meeting, resulting…
RCP Underground Storage Services & Gas Storage Facility Procedures
RCP is well known for DOT/PHMSA expertise, but did you know that we also focus on related assets? We have developed integrity management programs and operating procedures for both reservoir and salt dome gas storage facilities across the US. RCP can develop, review, update or verify your gas storage facility procedures as recommended in API…