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In This Issue

  1. DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop – August 17-18, 2005
  2. Need to update your Public Awareness Program?
  3. New Rule for Pipeline Operator Public Awareness Programs
  4. Integrity Management Services
  5. Public Meeting on Use of Excess Flow Valves in Gas Distribution Service Lines, June 17, 2005
  6. Need help with the new Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) deadline?
  7. Misc. Texas Pipeline Safety Rule Changes
  8. RCP Services Spotlight – Underwater Inspection Procedures and Interval Risk Modeling
  9. O&M Manual Up-To-Date?
  10. Meetings of the Pipeline Safety Advisory Committees, June 15-16, 2005
  11. Need to Update Your Current Operator Qualification Program?
  12. Advisory Bulletin ADB-05-03, Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Facilities in the Vicinity of Electric and other Utilities
  13. Integrity Management Plan Up-to-Date?
  14. Coast Guard Releases OPA 90 Report
  15. Are Your Response Plans Current?
  16. DOT/PHMSA Permit Streamlining for Pipeline Repairs Public Meeting Notes
  17. Notes from the Public Meeting to Discuss Technical Issues Associated with the NPDES Stormwater Permit Coverage for Small Oil and Gas Construction Activities

Meetings of the Pipeline Safety Advisory Committees, June 15-16, 2005

The Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (TPSSC) and Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (THLPSSC) will meet in joint sessions on June 15 and 16 to discuss future challenges facing the pipeline industry and options for direction on key projects. The discussion will focus on three topical areas:

  • Managing Risk and Integrity
  • Sharing Responsibility and Building Alliances for Safety
  • Improving Our Stewardship of the Environment, Security

Issues that will be addressed under each discussion topic include:

Managing Risk and Integrity

  1. Inspection Technology and Quality Assurance
    • How do we ensure that technology is applied to get credible results?
    • Are the national consensus standards sufficient for tool selection and qualification of pig log interpreters?
    • Is there a need for additional industry standards?
    • Will these consensus standards solve problems in the future in other subject areas?
  2. Pilot Operator Relief Valve Advisory Notice
    • Is the process outlined in the advisory an appropriate approach to address the inspection of relief valves?
  3. Human Factors
    • What have we learned from the experience of other modes about human factors?
    • How do human factors affect the performance of pipeline operators?
    • What evidence do we have that human factors may contribute to incidents?
    • Is the advice from other modes generally applicable?
  4. Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP)
    • Does the current plan draw data from all key areas?
    • What are your views on including the decision to install and maintain excess flow valves in DIMP?
    • Should OPS give special consideration to the small operators in DIMP implementation, master meter operators and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operators?
  5. Liquid Gathering Lines
    • Is the “integrity” approach of protecting pipelines that could affect unusually sensitive areas (USA’s) appropriate?
    • What safety functions are appropriate or needed?

Sharing Responsibility and Building Alliances for Safety

  1. Common Ground Alliance (CGA)-Virginia Experience
    • Do you believe enforcement will be necessary for damage prevention?
    • How do we improve effectiveness of the one-call system and what is the role of technology?
    • How can we apply the Virginia experience in other areas (i.e., distribution integrity management)?
  2. High Consequence Area (CCA) Pilots
    • Is there a way of using partnerships to expand damage prevention, emergency preparedness and response?
    • Are there key partners missing? If so, how do we enlist them, such as in the areas of emergency preparedness, encroachment, etc.?
    • Should this best practice model be introduced to all States?
  3. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
    • Is PHMSA/OPS doing all it should to educate communities about LNG?
    • Show Video Clip-Liquefied Natural Gas
    • Pipeline Information Planning Alliance (PIPPA)
    • How do we approach home builders and insurers?

Improving Our Stewardship in Environmental and Energy Projects

  1. Permit Streamlining
    • How do we introduce our concepts to State and local agencies?
    • What is the most efficient way to develop best practices?
    • How could we effectively use and improve on developing best practices during implementation of the second pilot program?
  2. Alaska
    • Are OPS’s current pipeline safety regulations aligned and applicable for the new technologies and materials being proposed for the Alaska North Slope gas transmission pipeline?
    • What changes need to be made to ensure the optimum delivery rate from Alaska, through Canada, and into the lower 48 States?
  3. Security
    • How can OPS ensure continuing pipeline security in the current environment?
    • What is OPS doing for pipeline security?

The meetings will occur from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel (Pentagon City), 1250 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202, www.@ritzcarlton.com. The phone number for reservations at the Ritz Carlton is 1-800-241-3333 or (703) 415-5000. Attendees staying at the hotel must make reservations by Tuesday, May 31.