In This Issue

Public Webinars on Implementation of Distribution Integrity Management Programs

[Docket ID PHMSA-2011-0084]

PHMSA will conduct two webinars to discuss recent findings and general observations from the pilot DIMP inspections; expectations for operators in implementing their plan; DIMP inspection forms; and a question and answer session. The Preliminary Agenda for each Webinar is listed below. The webinars will be held on:

May 10, 2011, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT

  • Welcome, Introductions, and Overview
  • DIMP Pilot Inspection Findings
  • DIMP Web Site Navigation & Contents
  • Presentation of the Inspection Form
  • Question & Answer Session

June 8, 2011, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT

  • Welcome, Introductions, and Overview
  • Industry Perspective
  • Performance Data From CY 2010 DIMP Annual Reports
  • DIMP Implementation Topics
  • Question & Answer Session

Note: These are not duplicates of each other – interested parties may want to participate in both.

Members of the state and Federal Distribution Integrity Management Program Implementation Team (Team) recently completed a series of pilot inspections of gas distribution operators’ distribution integrity management programs (DIMP). The DIMP Team is a collaboration of state and Federal regulators to support improvements in the integrity of the Nation’s gas distribution pipeline systems through development of inspection methods and guidance for the evaluation of an operator’s DIMP. The Team recognizes the individual characteristics of each state’s oversight program and operating conditions as well as the evolutionary process that distribution system operators will go through in building an integrity management culture from a prescriptive, compliance-based culture. Due to the high level, risk-based, performance oriented nature of the regulations contained in 49 CFR 192.1001-1015, the Team recognizes that operators are seeking guidance in implementing their programs. The two webinars will provide operators with additional information and direct operators to additional resource material.

The materials to be presented at this webinar have been created by the Team through a consensus process. States will implement the DIMP rule under their individual state statutory authority in accordance with the applicable certification under 49 U.S.C. 60105 or agreement under section 60106. States may establish their own procedures, inspection forms, and guidance in implementing the DIMP rule. Since regulatory structures differ among states, operators should contact the state authority regulating their distribution pipeline system for more information.

Members of the public may attend these free webinars, and may also submit written comments, either before, during, or after the webinar, via the DIMP Website. Comments should reference Docket ID PHMSA-2011-0084.

To help assure that adequate space is provided, all attendees are required to register for the webinars. Upon registration, the webinar information will be distributed. Due to the limited capacity, PHMSA requests that parties at the same location share a webinar link. The Webinars will use the internet link for the visual and audio capabilities and not a standard phone line.

For further information contact: Chris Mclaren by e-mail or by phone at 281-216-4455. Refer to the DIMP Website for additional information. Copies of the presentations will be available on the DIMP website within 30 days following the webinar.