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In This Issue

  1. Pipeline Safety Regulation Workshops – Federal, Texas, and Louisiana
  2. RCP Partners with Paradigm and Celeritas for Complete Turnkey Public Awareness Support
  3. Need to update your Public Awareness Program?
  4. Pipeline & Gas Journal features RCP Integrity Management Success Guide
  5. OCS Inspections for Damage Caused by Hurricane Ivan (Part 3)
  6. Texas Coastal Coordination Council proposes amendments to 31 TAC 501.26
  7. Acquiring a pipeline?
  8. 49 CFR 40 – Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs Modified – Interim Final Rule
  9. Need A Security Plan or Audit?
  10. Coast Guard Requests Comments for Marine Liquefied Natural Gas Spills; Thermal and Vapor Dispersion Exclusion Zones
  11. EPA Publishes Report on Effectiveness of Dispersants
  12. Proposed Arizona Intrastate Pipeline Amendments
  13. O&M Manual Up-To-Date?
  14. Congress Creates New Office – Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
  15. The Texas Railroad Commission Modifies Pipeline Integrity Regulations
  16. Integrity Management Plan Up-to-Date?
  17. DOT/OPS Issues Advisory Bulletin Regarding Operator Qualification
  18. Pending Audits?
  19. Railroad Commission of Texas Adopts New Rules and Amendments
  20. Air Permit Needs?
  21. RSPA Decides Immediate and Written Incident/Accident Notification Requirements for Louisiana
  22. Are Your Response Plans Current?
  23. Army Corps of Engineers Proposes Amendments to Nationwide Permit Regulations
  24. RCP’s Fantastic 1-Page Version of New SPCC Regulation
  25. RCP Services Spotlight – Security Regulatory Assistance

DOT/OPS Issues Advisory Bulletin Regarding Operator Qualification

RSPA’s Office of Pipeline Safety (RSPA/OPS) has issued an advisory bulletin to owners and operators of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline systems concerning the minimum requirements for operator qualification (OQ) programs for personnel performing covered tasks on a pipeline facility. The bulletin reminds system owners and operators that the deadline for modifying their OQ programs to comply with the additional statutory requirements in Section 13 of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 is December 17, 2004. The bulletin also advises system owners and operators that reviews of OQ programs conducted by RSPA/OPS inspectors after December 17, 2004, will consider whether the programs are in compliance with these additional statutory requirements, even if the relevant provisions of the pipeline safety regulations are not amended by that date.

The following is a brief summary of the bulletin:

  • Operators must have periodic requalification intervals which take in consideration the complexity, criticality, and frequency of performance.
  • A training program must be provided to ensure qualified individuals have the necessary knowledge and skills to be qualified
  • If the operator of a pipeline facility significantly modifies a program that has been reviewed for compliance by RSPA/OPS, the operator must notify RSPA/OPS of the modifications.

For a copy of the bulletin or more information contact Jessica Roger or call (713) 655-8080.