Oversight Implementation and Inspection Protocol Workshop - Atlanta

Links to replay the webcast are available through March 31, 2005 at:

• http://www.onlinevideoservice.com/dot/atlanta_01_05/150.html [Broadband]
• http://www.onlinevideoservice.com/dot/atlanta_01_05/34.html [Dial-Up]

The Research and Special Programs Administration’s (RSPA) Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) and the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) will cosponsor a workshop to discuss the oversight implementation of the Gas Integrity Management program and the Inspection Protocols. The workshop will provide a detailed review and discussion of Gas Pipeline Integrity Management Inspection Protocols as posted on the Gas Integrity Management Public Web Site at http://primis.rspa.dot.gov/gasimp/. The RSPA/OPS and NAPSR will gather issues presented at the workshop needing additional clarification or guidance material development for the implementation of the rule oversight program.

The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2003 required RSPA/OPS to issue regulations, not later than December 17, 2003, prescribing standards to direct an operator's conduct of a risk analysis and adoption and implementation of an integrity management program. On December 15, 2003, OPS/RSPA issued a Final Gas Integrity Management Rule (Federal Register/Vol. 68, No. 240) meeting the Congressional requirements for a risk analysis and implementation of an integrity management program. As in the earlier rule for integrity management of hazardous liquid pipelines, OPS had four fundamental objectives for the Gas Integrity Management Rule: 1) to increase the level of integrity assessments (i.e., in-line inspection, pressure testing or direct assessment) for pipelines that can affect high consequence areas; 2) to improve operator integrity management systems; 3) to improve government oversight of operator integrity management programs; and 4) to improve public assurance in pipeline safety.

The OPS held an Integrity Management Workshop May 11-12, 2004, providing an in-depth discussion of The Gas Integrity Management Rule requirements. The January 19-20, 2005, workshop will provide insight into the Gas Integrity Management Inspection Protocols and implementation of our oversight program. The Gas Integrity Management Rule provides the foundation for OPS to move beyond an assessment of the current metallurgical condition of the pipe to also assess the overall management and analytical processes and systems used by an operator to implement effective and timely remedies before conditions deteriorate to become threats to public safety. Specific requirements of the rule, as well as a wide variety of information concerning its implementation and enforcement, can be found at: http://primis.rspa.dot.gov/gasimp