Pipeline Safety Trust Public Awareness Issues John W

Pipeline Safety Trust Public Awareness Issues John W. Pepper Project Manager Office of Pipeline Safety Southwest Region, Houston, Texas

Public Awareness Issues • • • Original and Ongoing Purpose Statistics Implementation Inspections Conclusions Ultimate Conclusion

Edward R. Murrow The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it.

Original and Ongoing Purpose • What to say and how to say it? • Effective public awareness programs are vital to continued safe pipeline operations. Such programs are an important factor in establishing communications with affected stakeholders, providing information necessary to enhance public awareness of pipelines, and communicating stakeholder roles relative to pipeline safety. • There are no “silver bullets” with regard to “perfect” communications.

Statistics • Significant Incidents Caused by Excavation Damage 2002 thru 2006 – Liquid Pipelines • 14% of Significant Incidents • 63% of Fatalities and 16% of Injuries – Gas Transmission Pipelines • 13% of Significant Incidents • 80% of Fatalities and 23% of Injuries – Gas Distribution Pipelines • 37% of Significant Incidents • 28% of Fatalities and 32% of Injuries

Statistics (cont. ) • Statistics show Damage Prevention can be a major contribution to overall pipeline safety.

Implementation • Participated with API committee that created the new API RP 1162 in 2002 and 2003 – Hazardous Liquid Pipelines – Natural Gas Pipelines – Distribution Pipelines • Operator workshops in 2003 and 2005

Implementation (cont. ) • Final Rule published May 2005 requiring programs by June 2006 • As of June 2007, 1, 441 Programs covering 1, 835 Operator IDs • Programs reviewed by central Clearinghouse • PHMSA has begun inspections of the Programs • First effectiveness evaluation from the operators is due June 2010

Inspections • Recent Integrity Inspection • Operator generally communicating the right messages to the right stakeholders at the right frequencies – one of the better aspects of their overall program. • Creative feedback mechanisms. • Helped save a life!!! • New construction needs to be a focus!

Conclusions • No silver bullets! • Appropriate communications do work! • Do not neglect new construction – it is easier to start out with a good relationship than to repair a broken one! • Ongoing communications foster safer pipelines! • Get creative!