RCP is proud to announce our Associate Membership in the Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI). PRCI is the global leader in collaborative energy pipeline research. PRCI develops dynamic research programs devoted to identifying, prioritizing, and implementing the industry’s core research objectives. PRCI brings together leading pipeline companies from around the world to engage in a collaborative process that is truly “of, by and for” the industry. As a result, PRCI has become a critical resource for all energy pipelines regardless of where they operate, how they operate, or the purpose of their operation.

There are only 7 Associate Members in PRCI, worldwide (including RCP). This level of membership gives us access to every PRCI report and study, and allows us to participate on every committee and workgroup. Our clients can be assured that we have access to the best and latest information that the pipeline industry has to offer.

The Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), issued a Final Rule regarding Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) – Revisions to Safety and Environmental Management Systems found in 30 CFR 250.

This final rule will revise and add several new requirements to regulations for Safety and Environmental Management Systems (SEMS). These requirements pertain to developing and implementing stop work authority and ultimate work authority, requiring an employee participation plan, and establishing guidelines for reporting unsafe working conditions. The rule establishes additional requirements for conducting job safety analyses for activities identified in an operator’s SEMS program. In addition, this final rule requires that SEMS programs be audited by an accredited audit service provider. This rulemaking will further support BSEE’s efforts to reduce the occurrence of accidents, injuries and spills during oil and gas activities on the OCS.

Per the Federal Register notice, this is going to apply to operators of “DOI-regulated pipelines” (and presumably not DOT regulated pipelines). The consequence may be that some operators would rather become DOT regulated on the OCS now, as opposed to DOI regulated.

For a copy of the DOI Final Rule, contact Jessica Roger

PHMSA recently published the 153 page enforcement guidance document for Hazardous liquid Pipeline Integrity Management, revised March 18, 2013. The PHMSA enforcement guidance documents are the tool that inspectors use while performing targeted inspections to determine whether an operator is compliant with various regulatory requirements. Each item includes a copy of the applicable regulatory language, any relevant advisory bulletins, other references, guidance material and examples of supporting evidence to demonstrate compliance.

For a copy of the Hazardous Liquid Integrity Management Enforcement Guidance, contact Jessica Roger

PHMSA recently published the enforcement guidance document for Qualification of Pipeline Personnel (Parts 192, 195), revised March 28, 2013. The PHMSA enforcement guidance documents are the tool that inspectors use while performing targeted inspections to determine whether an operator is compliant with various regulatory requirements. Each item includes a copy of the applicable regulatory language, any relevant advisory bulletins, other references, guidance material and examples of supporting evidence to demonstrate compliance.

For a copy of the Qualification of Pipeline Personnel Enforcement Guidance, contact Jessica Roger

Pending Audits?

Has the DOT notified you of a pending audit? RCP can provide confidential internal auditing to help ensure that your facilities are up to the agency’s latest standards. Jessica Roger to request more information.

On March 14, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) sponsored a public forum on state one-call exemptions in West Palm Beach, Fla. which followed the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) conference. The purpose of the forum was to discuss the requirements of the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011 relating to exemptions in state one-call programs and actions taken to date. In addition, damage prevention stakeholders discussed existing data relating to this topic and presented perspectives during panel discussions.

Presentations and panelists from industry representatives included: Colorado 811, the Virginia State Corporation Commission, American Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, Common Ground Alliance (CGA), New York State Department of Public Service, and many others.

There was a recurring theme of the need for better data and examples were given of exemptions directly resulting in 3rd party damages. It was discussed that data analysis may be needed, but it is complex, and that the PHMSA incident report should ask more about One Call tickets and exemptions.

PHMSA has identified 10 states that have the potential for losing eligibility for some grants: One call grants and state damage prevention program grants. It was debated if exemptions should be a state issue because there are different practices in different states. The notion of exemptions contradicts the overall statement that we should always call before we dig.

There was a short overview on CGA best practices which are updated every year. Version 10.0 can be downloaded from the CGA website.

The online webcast, meeting transcript and presentations are available on the PHMSA website.

April 2013 is National Safe Digging Month, the time of year when all Common Ground Alliance (CGA) stakeholders come together to communicate how important it is that professionals and homeowners alike call 811 and follow the safe digging process to help prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages. Visit the 811 website for more information. Marco’s Pizza is promoting 811 and April as National Safe Digging Month by offering a large pizza for $8.11 every Monday in April. Click on the Marco Pizza to take you to their website where you can find a location near you and click on this coupon for the “Call Before you Dig” $8.11 special.

Damage Prevention Plans

RCP can develop or update your Damage Prevention plan. For more information about how RCP can assist you with your Damage Prevention Plan, Jessica Roger

Join us May 14 – 16, 2013 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. It is appropriate for people who are new to pipeline regulations, who could use a refresher, or anyone who needs to know the latest developments in these areas. This workshop will be a combined format (unlike our previous workshops), addressing both gas and liquid pipeline topics in parallel. This will eliminate some redundancy of materials, and will allow more time for in-depth discussions for each topic.

Topics to be addressed in the workshop include:

• An overview of DOT/OPS pipeline compliance requirements
• State and Federal agency roles for pipeline safety
• PHMSA Jurisdiction
• PHMSA Inspections and Enforcement Processes
• Engineering Concepts and Stress – Strain Relationships; %SMYS
• Design Requirements
• Construction Requirements
• Corrosion Control Concepts and Requirements
• Operations and Maintenance Requirements
• Emergency Response Requirements (including spill response planning requirements for liquid pipelines)
• Damage Prevention Programs
• Operator Qualification Programs
• Drug and Alcohol Programs
• Public Awareness Programs
• Integrity Management (gas and liquid) Programs
• Control Room Management Programs

We will also discuss the recently enacted Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 (pipeline reauthorization bill), recent Advisory Bulletins from PHMSA, and new, pending and proposed rulemakings.

Each attendee will receive speaker’s PowerPoint presentation handouts in hard copy, and electronic copies of the applicable regulations and voluminous reference materials including rulemakings, letters of interpretation, and other guidance documents. The workshop will adjourn at 2 p.m. on the third day, for those who need to fly out Thursday evening.

May 20 – 24 / New Orleans, LA

Taught by industry recognized experts in the field of pipeline and facilities engineering, the courses offered in this program utilize interactive applied learning techniques. Participants will be immersed in lectures, group exercises and exams designed to build practical knowledge. Courses include:

• Onshore Pipeline Design and Construction
• Pipeline Defect Assessment
• Overview of Onshore Integrity Management
• Advanced Facility Asset Management
• Reliability Improvement of Rotating Equipment
• Offshore Pipeline Design and Construction

Upon completion of exams, students will be awarded a Certificate of Completion, earning 6.5 Professional Development Hours (PDH’s) per day of classes taken, issued by the Pipeline Systems Division of ASME.

Venue and Preferred Hotel:

Embassy Suites / New Orleans Convention Center

315 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

(504) 525-1993

Visit ASME for registration and hotel information. Additional information can be found on the ASME website. For questions, contact Lydia Serenil (281) 710-9124.

Have you registered and confirmed your reservations for these upcoming conferences? RCP will have representatives and Exhibits at the following Spring conferences. We hope to see you there!

API Pipeline Conference April 16 & 17
April 16 – 17 (San Diego, CA)
RCP is a proud sponsor of this premier pipeline event. The API Pipeline Conference is recognized as the “go-to” event for technical content, networking and the showcasing of new and existing technology and products.

AGA Ops Conference & Biennial Exhibition
May 21 – 23 (Orlando, FL)

RCP is excited to be exhibiting again this year in Booth #809.

The annual AGA Operations Conference is the natural gas industry’s premier gathering of natural gas utility and transmission company operations management from across North America and the world for the sharing of technical knowledge, ideas and practices to promote the safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of natural gas to the end-user. The Operations Conference is AGA’s largest forum with regularly more than 500 operations management in attendance, including 80 speakers, and over 100 technical presentations that run the gamut of topics, such as gas measurement, operations advocacy, safety, environment, storage, engineering, construction and maintenance, gas control, supplemental gas, corrosion control and plastic materials.