Minutes

2005 National NAPSR Meeting

Embassy Suites Cleveland – Rockside

Cleveland, OH

 

Tuesday September 27, 2005

 

Board Members

 

Chairman

Ed Steel (Ohio)

 

Vice Chairman

Don Martin (Arkansas)

 

Secretary

Philip Sher (Connecticut)

 

Treasurer

Hans Mertens (Vermont)

 

Past Chairman

Jim Anderson (North Carolina)

 

Eastern Region Chairman

Paul Metro

 

Eastern Region Vice Chairman

Massoud Tahamtani

 

Central Region Chairman

Rex Evans (Illinois)

 

Central Region Vice Chairman

Paul Proudfoot (MI) Absent – represented by Annmarie Robertson (IN)

 

Southern Region Chairman

Glynn Blanton (Tennessee)

 

Southern Region Vice Chairman

Mark Carver (Mississippi)

 

Southwest Region Chairman

Mary McDaniel (Texas) Absent

 

Southwest Region Vice Chairman

Alan Bohnenkamp (Arizona)

 

Western Region Chairman

Kent Evans UT)

 

Western Region Vice Chairman

Ron Law (ID)

 

I         GENERAL

            The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ed Steele (Ohio).

 

            Donald L. Mason, Esq., Commissioner, Ohio Public Utilities Commission, welcomed NAPSR to Cleveland and expressed his best wishes for a successful meting.  Commissioner Mason is the Chairman of the NARUC Gas Committee and a member of the Distribution IMP Executive Steering Group. He stated that he has been active in the field of gas and has worked on determining state positions on EFVs.

 

            It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved to accept the minutes of the 2004 NAPSR National Meeting.

 

            Chairman Steel appointed a nominating committee to seek candidates for the position of NAPSR Secretary:  Massoud Tahamtami (Chair) (VA), Jim Anderson (NC) and Annmarie Robertson (IN).

 

II        OPS REPORT – Stacey Gerard/Ted Wilke

            Stacey Gerard – Associate Administrator, Office of Pipeline Safety, was unable to attend the meeting.  Ted Wilke Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Pipeline Safety addressed the group.

1)                 He stated that he was here to present information to NAPSR and to listen to NAPSR’s concerns.

2)                 He recognized Ed Steele for his efforts as NAPSR Chairman.  Ed has played a critical role in supporting OPS in Ohio plus as head of NAPSR and in Distribution IMP effort.  He presented a plaque for his outstanding service.

3)                 Main areas to be covered

a)                 Lessons from Hurricane Katrina

i)                    PHMSA Pipeline Safety was actively involved in recovery activities.  This is a new program responsibility for OPS.

ii)                  PHMSA Acting Administrator and Deputy Administrator Brigham McCown was sent to Mississippi as the on-site representative of Transportation Secretary Minetta.

iii)                A key crude oil pipeline, Capline, which runs from the Gulf Coast to Midwest refineries, was shutdown.  Also, two major product pipelines from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast, Plantation and Colonial were also shutdown.  The pipelines lacked electrical power to operate their pumps.  PHMSA worked on restoring power to Colonial Pipeline Pump Stations.  The OPS Regional Directors put people in field to find what it took to get pipelines running.  Arrangements were made to move 24 truck-mounted generators to get power back.

iv)                 OPS granted emergency permits and regulatory relief (OQ, inspections).

v)                   PHMSA had 20 people in crisis management center at DOT.

vi)                 The National Pipeline Mapping System was used by DOT in dealing with the emergency

vii)               Supply (deliverability) issues are connected to the OPS safety role.  Supply to communities is a safety issue.

b)                 Strategic focus of PHMSA Pipeline Safety Program

i)                    Reorganization

(1)              Stacey Acting Chief Safety Officer, as well as Acting Administrator

(2)              Little direct impact on pipeline safety program

ii)                  Priorities for States

(1)              Commitment to the State programs and the relationship with states

(2)              Recognition of added responsibilities of states with respect to integrity management and OQ

(3)              Special challenges of State programs related to gas distribution systems and small operators

iii)                Need public confidence in pipeline safety in order to build new pipelines

(1)              Average citizen is becoming more risk averse

(2)              Local groups and grass roots groups are insisting on greater role on siting and operations

(3)              Rebuilding public confidence after Bellingham and Carlsbad – OPS viewed as unresponsive and too close to industry

(4)              Constant oversight by GAO, NTSB, DOT IG

(5)              Growing stakeholder community

iv)                 In order to address the trust issue OPS has:

(1)              Established safety standards for OQ and liquid and transmission IMP

(2)              Strengthening state partnerships

(3)              Demonstrate will to enforce

(4)              Improve data quality

(5)              Focus on damage prevention

(6)              Build an R&D program

(7)              Find the resources

v)                   Measures of pipeline safety

(1)              Pipeline incidents

(a)               Incidents have been climbing overt the last three years, especially incidents involving distribution systems.

(2)              Incidents caused by excavation damage

(a)               These incidents are down

(3)              Major incidents

(a)               Highly visible, seemingly random, catastrophic incidents

(b)               Examples: Bellingham, WA and Carlsbad, NM or any natural gas explosion in a building.

vi)                 Three Pillars of OPS Strategy

(1)              Pipeline Safety Regulation

(a)               Inspection and Enforcement

(b)               Analysis of Incidents

(c)                Integrity Management Programs

(d)               Operator Qualifications

(e)               Research & Development

(f)                  National Pipeline Mapping System

(2)              Shared knowledge and responsibility

(a)               Stakeholder Communications

(b)               Pipeline Safety Partnerships

(c)                State Commissions/Pipeline Safety Programs

(d)               Fire Service

(i)                 NASFM – Pipeline emergency response program (complete) and LNG education

(e)               FERC and U.S.C.G. (LNG)

(f)                  Public Awareness Programs

(g)               Permit Streamlining (Repairs)

(h)                Common Ground Alliance (CGA)

(3)              Improving our stewardship in a changing world – energy, environment and security\

(a)               Energy

(i)                 Land Use Guidelines Around Pipelines

(ii)               LNG Safety

(iii)             Community Outreach

(iv)              Alaska Gas Pipeline

(b)               Security

(i)                 Working with Homeland Security

(c)                Environment

(i)                 Oil Spill Response Planning

c)                  The Regulatory Agenda

i)                    Administration Guidance to Minimize New Regulatory Initiatives

(1)              More advisories and working with state and operators rather than rule making

ii)                  Resolution of Issues

(1)              Operator Qualifications (NTSB)

(2)              Gathering Lines Definition

(3)              A Dozen Audits (OIG, GAO)

(4)              Statutory Mandates

iii)                Focus

(1)              Distribution Integrity Management (EFVs)

(2)              Satisfaction of NTSB on Operator Qualifications

iv)                 Challenges for States

(1)              Responsibilities Growing Faster Than Budgets

(2)              Keeping Pace with New Knowledge and Training

(3)              Growing Reporting Requirements

(4)              Expectations for Greater Consultation with PHMSA

(5)              Q from NAPSR: Is there any plan to address these issues?  A: Grant to APWA to address small operator issues, working to increase budget for state programs

(6)              Comment from NAPSR: States have been partners since 1968, other partners are fine, but we are the key partner

v)                   Challenges for Small Operators

(1)              Tough Budget Choices

(a)               Small Budgets

(b)               Few Employees

(c)                Pipeline Requirements  or Other City Improvements

(2)              Having the Right Information to Address Real Risks, e.g. EFVs

(a)               Lacking the Specialized Employees of Large Companies

(3)              Appropriate Approaches to Damage Prevention?

(a)               Regional CGAs?  (Common Ground Alliance)

(b)               Municipal Exemptions from One-Call?

(c)                Using Qualified Excavators?

(4)              Prescriptive Versus Performance-Based Regulations

vi)                 Impetus for a Distribution Integrity Management Program

(1)              Concern about Trends in Distribution Incidents

(2)              Visibility of Major Incidents

(3)              Pressures for Solutions, e.g. EFVs

(4)              Guidance from the DOT Inspector General

(5)              Stakeholder Confidence in Integrity Management

vii)               Integrity Management Programs--Transmission

(1)              Pipeline Assessment in high consequence areas (Pigging)

(2)              Data Integration

(3)              Allocate resources--highest risks

(4)              Performance measurement

(5)              Continuous improvement

viii)             Direction for Distribution Integrity Management

(1)              Simple, Flexible Federal Regulation

(a)               Recognition of State Regulatory Oversight

(b)               Supplemental Consensus Standards

(c)                Public Awareness and R&D Programs

(2)              Recognition of Differences

(a)               Regional Variations

(b)               Vintage/Type of Infrastructure

(c)                Small Versus Large Operators

ix)                 Distribution Integrity Management Risk Mitigation Options

(1)              Damage Prevention Programs

(2)              Leak Management Programs

(3)              Pipe Management Programs

(a)               Replacement Programs

(b)               Remediation Programs 

(4)              Risk Assessment/Prioritization

(a)               Risk Modeling

(b)               Risk Prioritization

(5)              Excess Flow Valves

(a)               Strong Advocates for Mandating EFVs

(i)                 NTSB (Past and Present Members)

(ii)               2001 Incident, South Riding, VA

(iii)             Some in Congress

(iv)              Representatives of the Fire Service

(b)               Opposition to EFV Mandate

(i)                 Industry

(ii)               Some States

(c)                PHMSA Preference for Embedding in Distribution Integrity Management

(6)              Find defects and fix them before they become problems

x)                   Operator Qualifications

(1)              Need to Resolve NTSB Recommendations Before Reauthorization

(a)               Training

(b)               Requalification Intervals

(2)              ASME B31Q Making Progress Toward Standard

(3)              May Incorporate Key Provisions of Standard in Rulemaking

xi)                 OQ Challenges

(1)              Difficulties of Small Operators in Meeting the Requirements, especially municipals and master meter operations

(2)              Need for Guidance for LPG Systems

(3)              Report to Congress Due December 17, 2005

(a)               Opportunity to Express Views

(4)              Must get this off the table by end of 2006 or will be reauthorization issue

xii)               Reauthorization

(1)              Likely in 2006

(a)               Mandates from PSIA 2002

(b)               Remaining Issues from NTSB, OIG & GAO

(2)              No Hot Issues – No Accidents!

(3)              Heard on the Street

(a)               Possible Pipeline Safety Role in Emergency Response? 

(b)               Role of Pipeline Safety in Security? 

(c)                Excess Flow Valves? 

xiii)             The Future “Raising the Bar on Safety”

(1)              Build on Integrity Management

(2)              Strengthen Inspection & Enforcement

(3)              Focus on Safety Issues

(a)               Problems (e.g. seam failures)

(b)               Poor Performing Operators

(c)                Performance Measurement (and Data)

(4)              Partner with Stakeholders

xiv)             Questions and comments

(1)              Q from NAPSR: How far do we go on OQ to satisfy NTSB? A: Trying to get NTSB to close its recommendations.  May need to add a little more in a mini rule to resolve the problem.

(2)              Q from NAPSR: States were not alerted to OPS actions re Katrina.  Would not it have been better if they were? A: Good comment

(3)              Q from NAPSR: Sometimes it is hard to get fire personnel to attend training, because off lack of funding.  Is it possible to get some funds for training? A; Issue of funds is problematic.  The NASFM program is self-directed training.  OPS is urging operators to use this as a vehicle

(4)              NAPSR Comment: Glad to see that supply is a safety issue.

(5)              Q from NAPSR:  Should we send state inspector personnel to a disaster to help out?  A: Gas distribution mutual aid programs have been effective.  The dilemma is that regulators are not always seen as people who can help the problem, but as people looking over shoulders and passing judgment.  We should establish mutual aid for the states.  It was noted that after the hurricane, Florida recovered quickly and was willing to staff a center in Mississippi.  There is a need to pre-plan.  There are things we know that other people may not realize.

(6)              Q from NAPSR: Why give more money to 1st responder rather than states, why address response rather than prevention?  No clear response was given.

(7)              Q from NAPSR: Should a response team be formed of immediately adjacent states to work together and coordinate with OPS for emergencies such as hurricanes.  They are considering the situation.

d)                  The Regulatory Agenda II

i)                    Improve the nation’s pipelines by developing performance-based regulations

ii)                  Open mandates

(1)              GAO    4

(2)              OIG      5

(3)              NTSB  9

(4)              Congress        10

iii)                Reference standards

(1)              Incorporate by reference 70 technical standards

(2)              Participate in 24 committees

(3)              Law require OPS to maximize use technical standards

iv)                 Current rule initiatives

(1)              Gas Gathering SNPRM

(2)              Direct Assessment Final Rule

(3)              Internal Corrosion NPRM

(4)              Integrity Management Modifications and Clarifications NPRM

(5)              Public Awareness Petition for Reconsideration

(6)              Hazardous Liquid Gathering NPRM

v)                   Future Regulatory Initiatives

(1)              Operator Qualification

(2)              Distribution Integrity Management/EFVs

(3)              Miscellaneous Amendments

(4)              SCADA Recommendations

(5)              Valve Spacing

(6)              Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure

(7)              Safety Orders – special provision that would not require declaring a facility as a hazardous facility

vi)                 Q from NAPSR: There is an issue of valve spacing when there is a change in class location.  Should operators have to drop in an additional valve? A: Industry objected.

vii)               Q from NAPSR: There has been an issue of temporarily exceeding the MAOP when it is necessary to maintain service in cold weather and the need for temporary waivers of regulations.  Would this be included in OPS’ list of emergency powers it feels necessary as a result of dealing with the issues of hurricane Katrina.  A: I would like to know what emergency powers may be needed.  Email ideas to him/

 

III       OPS REPORT DISTRIBUTION INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS – Mike Israni – Senior Technical Advisor, Office of Pipeline Safety

1)                 Last week there was a public meeting on distribution IMP in Dallas.

2)                 The driver behind the IMP activity is the Bellingham and Carlsbad incidents.

3)                 He stated that he was here to present information to NAPSR and to listen to NAPSR’s concerns.

4)                 Transmission and liquid IMP have been developed.

5)                 We need to apply the principles to distribution.

6)                 Distribution incidents are similar to transmission on a per mile basis.

7)                 Congress wants action.

8)                 Action means new burdens on operators.

9)                 Reducing incidents justifies new costs.

10)             Cost recovery is a state issue

11)             DOT Inspector General has addressed 3 elements:

a)                 Know system infrastructure

b)                Identify the threats

c)                 Reduce the risks

12)             He described the organization of group working on distribution IMP

a)                 Executive steering committee

b)                Coordinating committee

c)                 Work Groups

i)                    Strategic Options

ii)                  Excavation Damage

iii)                Data

iv)                 Risk Control Practices

13)             The path seems to be a risk-based, flexible, performance-oriented federal regulation, establishing high-level principles that must be included in integrity management programs.  The regulations would establish elements required in such a program,

14)             In his presentation, Mike referred to protocols.  This led to a significant discussion among NAPSR members, all indicating that State do not wish to have protocols for distribution IMP.

 

IV      OPS REPORT – Tom Fortner – Director, State Programs

1)                 Congressman Barton proposed a bill that FERC would have jurisdiction over all liquid lines rather than OPS.

2)                 Jeff Wiese has been very instrumental in working with NASFM.  Their grant is for $2.4 million.  If there are any questions on this, they should be addressed to Jeff.

3)                 One of the outcomes of the LDC RAFT was to identify the need for emergency waivers.  Also, some years ago there was a NAPSR resolution on this matter.

4)                 The States as a whole are extremely involved in OPS projects.  However, some States are not involved.  There is a need for other states to step up.

5)                 Regarding FedStar, OPS is open to improvements.

a)                 There was an Eastern Region resolution that if OPS adds state performance and other data to add federal data, that data on the federal regional offices also be provided.

b)                 The OPS website contains State profiles.  States should check them for errors.

6)                 OPS asked for an additional $2 million for base program and $ 0.5 million for 1-call.  The DOT budget contains an additional $1 million for 2007 without identification of the increase (base vs. 1-call).

7)                 Regarding the OQ database, OPS will email to all states.

8)                 Regarding the NAPSR Executive Director, things are moving forward.  The purpose is to assist in day-to-day operations and committees.  NAPSR to submit a proposal for a 2 year time frame.  The proposal must include all travel costs related to that position.

9)                 Standards now on web except GPTC (which is in progress) and NFPA (will be added soon).

 

V       NAPSR UPDATE ON DISTRIBUTION INTEGRITY – Glynn Blanton

1)                 There is a strong opinion against protocols for distribution IMP.

2)                 Cost recovery is a state issue

3)                 Reviewed makeup of committee and its structure, and its timeline and actions.

a)                 Agreement on options to pursue

i)                    Nationwide damage prevention education

ii)                  Guidance to operators

iii)                High-level, flexible federal rule

iv)                 Continued R&D

b)                 Agreement on what not to pursue

i)                    Model State legislation

ii)                  Guidance for State adoption

iii)                Prescriptive federal regulation

4)                 Coordinating Group report to Steering Group 12/6/05.

5)                 Public meeting (tentative) January 2006.

6)                 Concern about Master Meter and LP operators’ ability to comply with the regulation.  Don’t set them or us up to failure!

7)                 Encourage States to have a Damage Prevention Law that includes:

8)                 Mandatory Membership

9)                 Enforcement Procedures

10)             Penalties for failure to comply

11)             Promote 811 (for information see www.state.tn.us/tra/ Activity Docket Index (Docket 05-00161)

 

VI      NAPSR COMMITTEE REPORTS

1)         Electronic Communications Committee – Todd DelVecchio (OPS) for Steve Pott (CO)

a)                 NAPSR interactive web site is being established.

b)                 Question were raised about the need for program managers to be “invited” to certain “closed” areas of the NAPSR web site as apposed to having automatic access to all areas.

2)         Liaison Committee – Don Martin

a)        Revision to articles was a major project.  He thanked Don Stursma for his efforts in this area.

b)        Developed a mission statement for Liaison Committee.

c)        In the future, Liaison will work with Legislative to prepare testimony as appropriate and develop a new “Tell Our Story.”

3)         Grant Allocation & Strategic Planning - Glynn Blanton

a)        A meeting in January 2006 to address 1-call grants.  Minutes were sent to NAPSR membership.

i)          $2.2 million requested, but only $1.0 million available

ii)         Decided to eliminate requests for mapping and decided this was not a priority.

iii)        Used FedStar to review the applications.

iv)        There were no calls to program managers for clarification.

v)         Committee made its recommendations to OPS.

vi)        Final allocation made by OPS.

b)        Had a telephone conversation with Stacey re EFVs.

4)        Legislative      - Massoud Tahamtani

a)        Prepared issue paper to staffers to keep our name in front of the right people.

b)         Will save “Tell Our Story” for reauthorization hearings.

c)         Working with Liaison.

 

VII      NAPSR REGION REPORTS

1)         Eastern Region - Paul Metro (PA)

a)        4 new program managers this year, 6 new program managers in the last 2 years.  We are looking to our elder statesmen for guidance.

b)        Concentrating on damage prevention.  10 of 14 states have enforcement of 1-call law.

c)        Several states have completed reliability studies and have performance measures.

2)         Central Region – Rex Evans (IL)

a)                 Minutes of central region meeting are in handout.

b)                 Minnesota is completing a program to replace 37,000 couplings on service lines.

c)                 Minnesota requires mark out of municipal water and sewer

3)         Southern Region – Glynn Blanton (TN)

a)                 State by state activities in package.

b)                 SC – reorganized program

4)         Southwest Region - No report

5)         Western Region – Kent Evans (UT)

a)        He will no longer be program manager.

b)        Report in book

 

VIII     NAPSR TASK FORCE REPORTS (see below for membership)

1)         AGF DIGIT Study – Don Martin (AR)

a)         Task completed

b)         Voted to disband committee.

2)         API 1104

a)         No report.

3)         B31Q

a)         No report.  Action pending.

4)         Broad Based Agency Announcements

a)        No report.  Working on latest group of projects.

5)         CGA Committee

a)        Best Practices

i)          Meeting 2-3 times a year

b)        Board Member – Glynn Blanton (TN)

i)          Still active, at end of 2007, term ends.  Membership fee ends December, possible increase from $10k to $20k

c)        Data Collection – Annmarie Robertson (IN)

i)          DIRT Committee meeting, 26,000 plus records from 80 companies, report to be completed by December. Still active.

d)        Education – Charles Kenow (MN)

i)          Still active. Key items are reevaluating the effectiveness of the agriculture campaign; Marketing is now merged into Education

e)        R&D

i)          No report.  Member Gary Finnel (AZ) has resigned.  Need a new member.

f)         Marketing, Membership & Communications – Ron Law (ID)

i)          Merged with Education committee. Delete this committee from NAPSR roster.

g)        Tom Fortner noted a concern about CGA 1-day meetings that take 2 days of travel and cost considerable amount of money.

6)         Gas IMP/Direct Assessment – Philip Sher (CT)

a)        Committee inactive.  Recommended and decided to disband.

7)         Gas IMP/Protocol - Jill Henry (OH)

a)        Participated in public meeting earlier this year.  There may be a reset meeting.  Do not know if committee will need to continue.

8)         Gas IMP/Small Operator Committee          Dana Arabie (LA)     Jill Henry reporting –

a)        What product is coming from group to states?  Liquid form developed and given to States.  Hope to be available to states end of year

9)         GPTC, Philip Sher (CT)

a)        35th anniversary meeting in July.

b)        Working on materials for a distribution IMP appendix.

10)      Gathering/Gas & Liquid       Leo Haynos (KS)

a)        Have not met in over a year, but with new actions pending, need to continue.

11)      OQ Federal/Sate Inspection Task Group   Rex Evans

a)        Can close committee. B31Q group can handle any tasks.

12)      OQ Small Operators/Gas     Don Stursma

a)        Can close committee, B31Q group can handle any tasks.

13)      OQ Standards/Liquid, Gas  Rex Evans

a)        Inactive and can close, B31Q group can handle any tasks.

14)       Plastic Pipe Database Committee            Vernon Gainey (SC)

a)        Meeting scheduled.  Annual report issued early this year and is available on AGA web site.

15)      Public Awareness/Proposed Rulemaking - Gavin Nicoletta report

a)        Jim Wiese plans on using this committee.

16)      Security Committee - Bob Leonberger

a)        Has not hand anything for over a year. Will close this group.

17)      Small Operator Liquid IMP – Jill Henry

a)        Disbanded when small operator’s committee formed, closed.

18)      Small Operators Guide - Danny McGraff

a)        Closed it last year.

19)      Standards Development Organization Coordinating Council - Bob Leonberger

a)        Function is to monitor.

20)      SIRCC - Don Stursma (IA)

a)        Made inactive earlier in the year, kept in case a new assignment is given, Recommended to hold committee until OPS acts on SIRCC 2.  Counter proposal, close and allow Liaison to handle.  Accepted closing

21)      IOCS - Alan Washbun (WA)

a)        Only impacts interstate agents.  Should be addressed at next interstate agent meeting.  Anne Marie Joseph is waiting to hear from states if they have a desire for the meeting

22)      TPSSC - Glynn Blanton (TN)

a)        This is not a part of the NAPSR organization and should not be included in directory.

Central

Eastern

Southern

Southwestern

Western

1 American Gas Foundation (AGF) Distribution Study - DISBANDED

Brad Ardner MN

Phil Sher CT

Don Martin AR (Chair)

Ted Tyger OK

Michael Thompson OR

2 American Petroleum Institute API 1104 Standard

 

 

 

Robert Hippe AZ

 

3 B31Q

Rex Evans IL

Leon Haynos KS

Don Ledversis RI

Danny McGriff GA

Corky Hanson AZ

 

4 Broadbase Agency Announcement

Tom Stemrich WI

 

 

 

 

 

 

5a Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Best Practices

Michael McGrath MN

 

 

 

 

5b Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Board Member

 

 

Glynn Blanton TN

 

 

5c Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Data Collection

Annmarie Robertson IN

 

 

 

 

5d Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Education

Charles Kenow MN

 

 

 

 

5e Common Ground Alliance (CGA) R&D

 

 

 

 

Gary Finnell AZ

5f Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Marketing, Membership & Communications DISBANDED

 

 

 

 

Ron Law ID

6 Gas IMP/Direct Assessment – DISBANDED

Don Stursma IA

Phil Sher CT (Chair)

John Hall NC

 

Alan Rathbun WA

7 Gas Integrity Management/Protocols

 

Carlos Ortiz NY

Jill Henry OH

Dana Arabie LA, Danny Nichols TX

 

8 Gas IMP/Small Operators

Jill Henry OH

Carlos Ortiz NY

 

Dana Arabie LA, Danny Nichols TX

Scott Ruffe WA

9 Gas Piping Technology Committee

Jill Henry OH

Phil Sher CT (Chair), Jim Hotinger VA

 

 

 

10 Gathering/Gas & Liquid

Leo Haynos KS (Chair)

Darrel McKown WV

Clint Stephens AR

Mary McDaniel TX, Dana Arabie LA

Steve Pott CO, Bob Gorham CASFM

11 Operator Qualification (OQ) Federal/State Inspection – DISBANDED

Rex Evan IL, Ron Wiest MN

Ron Passmore NY

Danny McGriff GA

Corky Hanson AZ, Mary McDaniel TX, Danny Nichols TX

 

12 OQ Small Operators/Gas – DISBANDED

Don Stursma IA

 

 

 

Darren Gilbert CAPUC

13 OQ Standards/Liquid Gas – DISBANDED

Rex Evans IL

 

 

 

 

14 Plastic Pipe Database Committee

 

 

Vernon Gainey SC, Steve Wood NC

 

 

15 Public Awareness/Proposed Rule Making

 

Pat Rachel NY

 

Ted Tyger OK

 

16 Security Committee – DISBANDED

Bob Leonberger MO, Tom Stemrich WI

Phil Sher CT

Edward Mills FL, Vicki O’Neil FLFM

Dennis Fathergill OK, James Margist LA

Kent Evans UT, Zee Wong CASFM

17 Small Operators Liquid Integrity Management Program – DISBANDED

 

Pat Rachel NY

Tommy Lancaster AL

Dana Arabie LA, Danny Nichols TX

Chuck MacDonald CASFM

18 Small Operates Guide – DISBANDED

 

 

Danny McGriff GA

 

 

19 Standards Development Organization Coordinating Committee

Robert Leonberger MO

 

 

 

 

20 State Industry Regulatory Review Committee – DISBANDED

Don Stursma IA

 

Don Martin AR

James Margist LA

Steve Pott CO

21 IOCS

Daren Lemmeman MN

Bruce Kain VA

No interstate Agents

Vacancy

Alan Rathbun (Chair) WA

 

 

IX      OPS REPORT – TRAINING - Richard Sanders – Division Manager

Handed out a CD

1)                 Mandatory training (on CD)

a)                  PL250 is prerequisite

b)                  9 courses have CBT prerequisite

c)                  Prefer 4-6 months minimum experience before attending TSI

d)                  Q  Why don’t we have 250 class in the regions? A: Will consider it.

e)                  Q  Will there be 2 250 courses each year?  A: At this time, yes.

2)                 Training requests (on CD)

a)                  2-3 years ago, TSI was meeting needs.

b)                  Last year, TSI had trouble meeting needs.

3)                 CEUs (on CD)

a)                 Not cost effective to implement

b)                  New program eLMS, to determine training needs

4)                 Assessment guidelines for IMP (on CD)

a)                 When development done (Jeff Wiese, Bruce Hanson, Zach Barrett) on training, pass on to TSI personnel

b)                  CBT training going from CBT to WBT (web based training)

c)                  Can go on line and access any of the CDs and DVDs on-line

d)                  Only IMP course at TSI was liquid IMP

e)                  Complaint – final exam not available until 6 weeks after course given

f)                    Q Do people get a certificate for IMP training, development group has to develop

5)                 CBT prerequisite – MUST be passed to take the course

a)                 More material than can be covered in 5 days – history and fundamental information handled through CBT.

b)                  Try to establish a baseline of knowledge coming into the course to balance the students taking the courses.

6)                 Future Learning Management System (eLMS).

a)                 Perform a Job Task Analysis (JTA).

b)                  Included accreditation fro CPE/CEU.

c)                  Critical Pipeline Employee Requirements.

7)                 FY 06 Schedule (thru 2nd Quarter) (on CD).

a)                 Uncertain budget situation.

b)                  Projection – will not meet requirements in the future.

8)                 General Pipeline Safety Awareness Course

a)                 Have held it in the regions if facilities are available.

b)                  Athens Utility Leak City Test Site

9)                 OQ Mini rule

a)                 3/3/05 FR, Direct Final Rule

b)                  Developed database

c)                  Expected B31Q to address issues

d)                  Slowed down because of B31Q

e)                  Mini Rule to address specific requirements of law and NTSB issues

                                                 i.                   Training – if training necessary, it should be in the OQ program

                                               ii.                   Provide notice of SIGNIFICANT program changes

1.                  Example: Current reevaluate every year, change to 5 years

                                             iii.                   Government review and verification

                                              iv.                   Observation of OJT performance as the sole method of evaluating qualifications not longer allowed.

f)                    OQ Inspection Protocols

                                                 i.                   Revision 4 (on CD and Web site)

                                               ii.                   Q Can you use Revision 3 if that was the revision in effect when the inspection was performed?  Yes, but have to contact Randy to be able to.

                                             iii.                   Fines

1.                  <10 miles - $54-10K

2.                  about 100 - $50-60

3.                  Over 250 miles - $100

4.                  in database:  http://primis.rspa.dot.gov/oqdb/home.oq

10)             B31Q

a)         Negative votes, some found persuasive.

b)         1 was technical in nature.

                                                   i.                 Standard on hold.

                                                 ii.                 Second voting cycle of B31– no negatives at this point.

                                               iii.                 Q Government agreed, but industry voted negative at B31.  Should government use consensus standard process again?

c)         Federal OQ folks where need to fix rule regarding the 13 issues – done.

i.          looks at safety and integrity, not 4 part test.

11)             Class Location (on CD)

a)                 PowerPoint presentation on TSI understanding of Class location vs. operator understanding

12)             Gathering Line Definition

a)                 DeWitt will do presentation

13)             PPDC

a)                 Large amount of effort to promote this

b)                  Trends are developing

c)                  160 companies

d)                  62% of main

e)                  72% plastic services

f)                    6700 data points collected

g)                  Listed known types of failure, including pipe and appurtenances

h)                  Christina Sames – AGA

14)             Plastic Issues

a)                 IDF – design formula to change .32 to .4

                                                 i.                   If repeated static discharge, plastic breaks down

                                               ii.                   Will be a report issued.

b)                  Regrind

                                                 i.                   ½” cts, but also some up to 1”

                                               ii.                   Some companies will not allow regrind – Keyspan, Southwest Gas

c)                  ASTM testing protocols

d)                  PA-11 – nylon, water soluble

e)                  PA-12

f)                    Q What about P100?

                                                 i.                   Resin manufacturers from Europe

                                               ii.                   US manufacturers do not now make it

                                             iii.                   Drisco 8100 could pass test as P100

                                              iv.                   ASTM – do we want to allow ISO or do we set our own requirements, P100 would be a 4710?

                                                v.                   When OPS adopts latest edition, P100 will become a ASTM D2513 as 4710 material.

 

X       OPS REPORT - Linda Dougherty

1)         Guidance manuals used by regions.

2)         Part 192 and 195 guide for O&M and corrosion

3)         Will be available on FedStar

 

XI      OPS REPORT – FedStar - Todd DelVecchio, VOLPE

1)                FedStar is available 24/7

2)                2004 Equipment

a)                  Planning for new purchase in 1 ½ years

3)                Archival

a)                  Adding old materials back many years

4)                Due dates calendar

5)                Change in security setup

a)                  Can control your employees’ access to FedStar

b)                  When program manager logs in, he can adjust the individual’s access

6)                New FedStar status

a)                  White        I have met the minimum requirement

b)                  Red           I need help with this step

c)                  Yellow       I met the requirements but I need to return here

d)                  Green       I have completed this step, but the data can be changed if it needs to be until the due date

7)                Standards

a)                  All standards in  WinDOT and standards

b)                  Not taking away WinDOT

c)                  Under new system, up to 10 people can use the standard at the same time

d)                  Standards are printable and are downloadable

i)                    AGA will be another month

ii)                  NFPA coming in October

e)                  Help

i)                    Carrie                         617-494-3318

ii)                  Kelly (thru Dec)          617-494-2129

iii)                Todd                           617-494-2122

8)                NAPSR Interactive Web Site (NIWS)

a)                  Off the shelf software which has been modified for NAPSR's use

b)                  Calendars

c)                  Can store documents

d)                  To-dos

e)                  Steve Potts (CO) will be first line of support

f)                    Everyone who has access to FedStar can get in

9)                If you have Word vs. Adobe problem, do in word, scan it as a PDF, copy back into Adobe

10)            Standards

a)                  Can print

b)                  Can download

c)                  When in standard, can do word search - searches entire set of standards

d)                  When in downloaded PDF, word search will search only that standard

 

XII      OPS REPORT - ONSHORE GAS GATHERING LINES - Dewitt Burdeaux

1)                 Groups

a)                NAPSR Gathering Committee

b)                IPAA Gathering task force

c)                 GPA Gathering task force

2)                 What is a production facility

3)                 What about commingling

4)                 Types of pipelines

a)                Type A

i)                    => 20% SMYS, or

ii)                  Above 125 psig for non-metallic

b)                Type B

i)                    <20% SMYS

ii)                  At or below 125 psig or non-metallic

5)                 Regulate

a)                Type A

i)                    Class 3 & 4

ii)                  Class 1 & 2 by one of the following methods

(1)               PIR

(2)               220 yards of the line – 25 dwelling units per mile provided areas containing 5 dwelling units per 1000 linear feet of pipeline are captured

b)                Type B

i)                    Class 3 & 4

ii)                  Class 1 & 2

(1)               An area within class 1 or class 2 locations that extents 150 feet on each side of the centerline of any continuous 1000 feet of pipeline and includes 5 or more dwellings per 1000 feet

6)                 Requirements

a)                Type A

i)                    All 192 except IM and ILI and passage capability

b)                Type B

i)                    If a line is new, replaced, relocated or otherwise changed the design, installation, construction, initial inspection, and initial test must be in accordance with this part

ii)                  All

(1)               Metallic – control corrosion according to Subpart I

(2)               Damage prevention program under 192.614

(3)               Establish MAOP under 192.619

(4)               Install and maintain line markers under 192.707

(5)               Public education program under 192.616

(6)               No emergency response

(7)               No leak survey

7)                 Compliance deadlines will be covered

8)                 MAOP – will use highest in last 5 years – prove it

9)                 Modification of corrosion control requirements

10)             Reporting requirements – still being developed

11)             Sour gas issue

a)                No comments received

b)                Would get a lot of push back from industry and State boards

12)             Question – what about OQ for Type B – No

13)             Questions – what about drug and alcohol – Yes

14)             Questions – What about liquid gathering – some time in the future

 

XIII     OPS REPORT – Jeff Wiese, Director, Program Development

[State & Regulators Only]

1)                 For more than 5 years, 1 objective is to improve relationship with States

2)                 Budget

a)                 Payroll, travel, invitational travel and contracts - cannot freely move money between the 3 areas

3)                 Hope for no new initiatives

4)                 Congressman Barton, Texas – certification for all pipelines, new and existing – gave to FERC

5)                 Pressures on federal budget – better way to prioritize – not likely to get more

6)                 CGA

a)                 In-kind contributions dwarf federal funding

b)                 Helpful in closing recommendations from NTSB

c)                 Funding goes to help funding the meetings

7)                 Performance = Regulations + Standards + Compliance Oversight + Beyond Regulations (damage prevention, encroachment, communications); P = R+S+CO+BR

8)                 Projects

a)                 National Mapping System

                                                 i)                   post 911 – based on need to know, not right to know

                                               ii)                   Working with FERC, etc.

                                             iii)                   classified as sensitive security information (SSI) – below secret

b)                 R&D

                                                 i)                   Congress increased R&D funding for integrity

                                               ii)                   Was surcharge on pipelines for R&D, now gone

                                             iii)                   DOE money gone

                                             iv)                   Pipeline investment in R&D very low

                                               v)                   Broad Agency Announcement #5

1.                  Damage Prevention

2.                  DA

3.                  Inspection

4.                  Leak detection

5.                  Design

6.                  Mechanical damage

c)                 Public awareness

                                                 i)                   Damage Prevention Program for Excavators 192.614 , 195.442

                                               ii)                   Emergency Plans for Emergency Officials 192.615, 195.402

                                             iii)                   Public Education for General Public 192.616, 195.440

                                             iv)                   Operators must submit for review plans

                                               v)                   1162 Appendices are not mandatory

                                             vi)                   Congress earmarked $750,000 for centralized review of public education programs

                                           vii)                   Early draft of criteria was worked on with NAPSR

                                         viii)                   Needs to be revised to meet final rule

                                             ix)                   Need set of criteria we agree to by next spring

1.                  Is the program complete – does it address all the items in 1162?

2.                  Is it minimally adequate?

3.                  Q from NAPSR: How will that information be shared with states? A: Unfunded mandate.

4.                  Q from NAPSR: $750,000 was earmarked from other money? A: Will use that money to establish a clearinghouse, setout process, submit programs.  Will have a website with all plans filed, clearinghouse will review, all correspondence goes to state, all enforcement by state

5.                  Q from NAPSR: If you have a set of requirements, why not send out a “wizard” to operators to fill in the blanks to comply?  A:  Cannot ignore Congressional direction.  They have included specific requirements in law plus language in reauthorization giving direction.  2 workshops – Baltimore for distribution and Houston for transmission.

6.                  NAPSR Comment: Large company could use it as a check.

7.                  Q from NAPSR: Can a state opt out and do its own review? A: We can talk about it.

8.                  http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/PublicEducation.htm

9.                  Q from NAPSR: Have you sat down with small operators and talked with them? A: No.

d)                 Transmission Pipelines and Land Use, A Risk-Informed Approach

                                                 i)                   Required to report to Congress

1.                  will talk to federal partners

2.                  Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA) (like a CGA)

3.                  Start up Q1 Q2 2006, looking for NAPSR involvement

e)                 Performance Measures

                                                 i)                   Need performance measures to demonstrate the value of what we do

                                               ii)                   Reliability – no measures, but system is up and running over 98%.

                                             iii)                   Data team currently in place, could address this

                                             iv)                   Barrels lost per ton shipped

                                               v)                   Comment from NAPSR: You should factor in cost per customer.

f)                   NASFM

                                                 i)                   Funded out of contract budget

                                               ii)                   3 on-going projects

1.                  Pipeline Emergencies (Jeff)

2.                  LNG Support to Fire Service (Jeff)

a.      White Paper

b.      DVD

3.                  Improved Pipeline Operator – Fire Service Communications (Stacey took lead)

a.                 Work to find identified sites for IMP

b.                 Morphed into addressing 1162 in coordinating with firefighters

                                             iii)                   Potential additional support – Energy Pipeline Repair Permitting

                                             iv)                   Q from NAPSR: Could there be NAPSR representation and involvement? A: Have not had a committee meeting in over a year.

                                               v)                   Q from NAPSR: Had $500,000 grant, increased to $1.8 million?  Yes

                                             vi)                   Q from NAPSR: If we spend more on prevention, would not that reduce the need for emergency response? A: Cannot get more money for states, but can get this.

                                           vii)                   Pipeline emergency project is largely done.  LNG support is largely done.

                                         viii)                   Q from NAPSR: There is a performance contract and progress reports required.  Concern that this information would be left on shelf.

                                             ix)                   Q from NAPSR: Limited LNG in country, would it be better to target those states that have LNG? A: Pilot tested at actual sites where LNG is to be built.

                                               x)                   Q from NAPSR: Do 1-call grants come out of the contract bucket? A: Yes.

9)                 Enforcement of damage prevention programs will be an issue in Congress.  Need to be prepared to address this issue.  Some do not have delegated authority, others do.  Some with enforcement authority use it, some do not.

 

XIV    OPS REPORT – STATE PROGRAMS – Anne Marie Joseph, NAPSR National Liaison

1)                 Resolution Report

a)                 Types

                                                              i.      Regulatory (definitions, standards, corrosion, welding, leak surveys, EFVs, OQ)

                                                            ii.      Inspection programs (guidelines, policies, certification, interstate)

                                                          iii.      Training (IMP, OQ, corrosion, TSI staffing)

                                                           iv.      Funding (base programs, one-call grants, invitational travel)

                                                             v.      Administrative (Website, expenses)

b)                 Number

                                              vi.                   77 resolutions

                                            vii.                   3 self directed to NAPSR

                                          viii.                   64 Closed

                                              ix.                   13 Closed with 2005

                                                x.                    10 remaining 

c)                 Need periodic review of outstanding resolution to determine if they are still timely

 

XV     AGA REPORT

1)                 Lori Traweek - Re Hurricanes

a)                  Southern Gas Association and AGA worked cooperatively to deal with crisis of hurricane

b)                 When reports of need for supplies and crews from outside of area, utilities responded positively

c)                 There are regional mutual aid agreements, but no national mutual aid agreements.

d)                 There is a need for flexibility on OQ requirements

2)                 George Mosinskis

a)                 Need for affordable energy and continued reliability.

b)                 Operators have a limited ability to control some causes of incidents

c)                 Focus enhancements in areas with greatest impact.

i)          Excavation damage incidents

ii)         Enhance leak management confidence

iii)        Other risk control practices (EFV, etc.)

d)                 Addressing “minor” causes

e)                 Replacement – high cost

f)                   Data:

                                             i)                       The dominant cause of leaks is corrosion, but corrosion incidents very rare.

                                           ii)                       There is a decreasing rate of reportable incidents resulting in fatalities and injuries for 13 year period

g)                 Dominant cause of incidents – excavation damage

 

XVI    PANEL DISCUSSION ON EFVs

Seth McKay-Smith – UMAC

1)                 40 years ago, EFVs developed

2)                 6.3 million sold in the US

3)                 Original design, ball and magnet

4)                 Now, spring & float

5)                 Performance standards developed

6)                 1/2 inch cts – 8” IPS

7)                 7” wc to 1500 psig

8)                 90 cfh – 10,000 cfh

9)                 bleed by or positive shutoff

10)             3 factors to sizing an EFV

a)                 Minimum inlet pressure

b)                 Size or design load of house

i)                    Recommend 20% allowance

ii)                  Pressure drop due to EFV is very low

c)                 Diameter and length

d)                 Few reported problems with sizing EFVs

11)             Operating Limits

a)                 Improperly sized

b)                 Contamination           - ASTM F1802 – contaminant test, less than 1 problem call per 100,000 sold

c)                 Design life – lifetime

d)                 How many operate? Don’t know

 

Mike Reed – Dominion

1)                 54,000 miles distribution, WV, Ohio, PA

2)                 East Ohio installing EFVs in 1980’s - 425,000 EFVs installed

3)                 Why?

a)                 Corporate

                                                 i.                   Benefits>costs

                                               ii.                   “right thing to do”