November 12, 2019 Sheri Baucom will host a webinar on November 12th, to detail how TestOp® can assist with spike tests. Spike testing is now codified in the new regulations for gas pipelines, as part of Phase 1 of the “Mega Rule.” This presentation will outline the spike test requirements, as well as how to…
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CGA Annual DIRT Report
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) released their annual report which provides a summary and analysis of the events submitted into CGA’s Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) which analyzes damage and near-miss events from excavation activities related to buried facilities. The complete report for 2018 is available for download on the CGAWebsite. In addition, CGA is…
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MaxOp® – MAOP Reconfirmation Services RCP is the market leader in providing MAOP Reconfirmation Services, including over 100,000 miles of gas and liquid pipeline analysis and support. Whether you are just getting started, need help finishing, or not sure what to do next, RCP has a wealth of experienced professional engineers and support staff to…
Ohio Public Utilities Commission Seeking Public Comments on Gas Pipeline Safety
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is seeking comments from interested parties and the public on the draft rules, Chapter 4901:1-16 Gas Pipeline Safety, regarding gas pipeline safety. The proposed rules, which are part of the commission’s regular five-year review cycle, incorporate the following: Adoption of the 2019 federal gas pipeline safety regulations Requiring…
Texas Changes Hydrostatic Test Water Discharge Authority
Texas is changing how it will authorize the discharge of hydrostatic test water. It was previously under the permitting authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas. The permitting authority will be moving to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) when the agency is given that delegation by the EPA. The TCEQ will meet September…
PSMS Key Performance Indicators
Pipeline Safety Management System (API RP 1173) has a requirement for establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Developing good KPIs is always difficult. US OSHA has recently published a guidance document for developing leading KPIs, which includes KPIs for safety management systems. The guidance document can be accessed here. RCP has developed a library of leading…
US DOT Funding for State Pipeline UNGS Safety Programs
The US DOT announced that PHMSA is awarding $60.3 million in formula grants to support pipeline and underground natural gas storage (UNGS) safety programs at the state level. Pipeline Safety State Base Grants reimburse up to 80 percent of a state’s annual operating costs based on state estimates and each state’s most recent program performance…
2019 Industry Conference Schedule
API Storage Tank ConferenceOctober 14-17, 2019Westin Denver Downtown, Denver, CO The Annual API Storage Tank Conference provides attendees with new information on tank-related research, latest technologies, and API petroleum standards. Stop by RCP’s exhibit and learn how TaskOp is changing workflow management. APGA Operations ConferenceOctober 27-31, 2019Huntsville Marriott at the Space and Rocket Center in…
Canadian NEB Safety Paper
The Canadian National Energy Board (NEB) has released a paper identifying three emerging issues requiring the investment of effort and resources to demonstrate continual improvement of safety and environmental protection outcomes in the oil and gas industry. The 3 key issues identified are: Corporate leadership and safety culture, Effective management systems, and Performance metrics in…
CGA DIRT Report for 2011 Released September 2012
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) has issued its Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report for 2011, providing a summary and analysis of the pipeline damage, near miss, and downtime events that occurred in 2011. The DIRT Report identifies the importance of calling 811 as most critical to safety. When an excavator notifies a one call…
PHMSA 811 Effectiveness Notice & Request for Comments
[Docket No. PHMSA—PHMSA–2012–0137] PHMSA is seeking comments on a new information collection to help determine the effectiveness of PHMSA’s 811 Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign. A Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on this information collection was published on July 5, 2012 (77 FR 39797). Since no comments were received, the…
Revised PHMSA Reporting Requirements – 2nd Notice & Request for Comments
Docket PHMSA–2012–0024 In April 2012, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a notice in the Federal Register regarding proposed revisions to its (1) gas transmission and gathering annual report form; (2) gas transmission and gathering incident report form; and (3) hazardous liquid accident report form. (See related article in the May Edition…
PHMSA Data Workshop
October 29 & 30 – Washington, DC The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is holding a 2-day workshop in Washington DC on October 29 & 30 to discuss PHMSA’s current and future data collection needs for its pipeline safety program. Government, industry and public representatives will describe how they currently use PHMSA’s data,…
DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop – November 6 – 8, 2012
Join us November 6-8, 2012 in Houston at our new office and dedicated training facility for an informative, lively, and interactive workshop on DOT Pipeline Compliance topics . The workshop provides an overview of the DOT pipeline regulations in 49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195, and 199. It also describes pipeline operations and engineering concepts.…
Pipeline Regulations – New & Emerging
November 5 – Houston, TX For everyone interested in regulatory issues, the topic at the Pipeliners Association of Houston monthly meeting will be “Pipeline Regulations – New & Emerging,” presented by Chairman Barry T. Smitherman, Railroad Commission of Texas. Registration is required to attend this meeting: Date: November 5, 2012 – Monday Time: 5:30 p.m.…
Pipeline Safety Update
Have you seen PHMSA’s new website? The U.S. Department of Transportation has unveiled a new website for Pipeline Safety Awareness. This new website contains information about pipeline regulations, pipeline safety issues, and the role of stakeholders in pipeline safety. The new site was developed because of recent pipeline disasters, which caused Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood…
PHMSA Strategic Plan – 2012-2016
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) released its “Strategic Plan for 2012-2016” outlining their mission and vision for the coming years. The Plan was produced for the public and stakeholders to explain their vision for ensuring the safe transportation of hazardous materials and how they plan to achieve those goals. PHMSA states that…
RCP Input to NFPA 30, 2012 Edition
RCP is proud that Jonathan Barber, Senior Staff Consultant, has made significant contributions to the recent update of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. NFPA 30 is widely used by the Oil, Gasified Liquids, Petrochemicals, Chemicals, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Insurance, and many other industries to ensure the safe storage, handling,…
ASME Pipeline Training – Downey, CA
October 31 – November 4, 2011 The Pipeline Systems Division of ASME is conducting 3 pipeline training courses aimed at early career pipeline engineers. The week of courses will include: Pipeline Design, Construction, and Assessment (October 31 – November 2) Integrity Management (November 3) In-Line Inspection (November 4) Participants will be immersed in lectures and…
AGA White Paper on MAOP Records Review
The American Gas Association (AGA) just released an “Industry Guidance on Records Review for Re-affirming Transmission Pipeline MAOPs.” The intent of the document is to provide general guidance to pipeline operators who are reviewing the MAOP for their existing transmission pipelines in response to recommendations made by the NTSB and PHMSA’s advisory bulletin issued January…