This year (2007), the Washington UTC pipeline safety program will conduct an inventory of certain types of pipeline systems as part of its ongoing small gas pipeline system study. The goal of this study has been to gain a better understanding of the risks posed by small gas pipeline systems and to identify safety measures that can be taken to mitigate those risks. The consultant hired to complete a risk assessment of small gas pipeline systems has issued his findings and recommendations. The next phase of the study is to field test the consultant's recommendations. Pipeline safety inspectors will begin field inspections in spring of 2007. The Washington UTC would appreciate any feedback regarding the consultant's recommendations and its plan to inventory certain systems using the consultant's checklist.
Oleksa Associates Second Report
Executive Summary of Oleksa Report
Oleksa Associates proposed inspection checklist
UTC inventory plan
If you have any questions regarding the notice of inquiry, please contact Lex Vinsel at lvinsel@utc.wa.gov or by calling (360) 664-1319.
More on the Study
Currently, the commission’s pipeline safety program inspects privately-owned master meter systems. However, there are other small gas systems that do not meet the federal master meter definition yet potentially pose a safety hazard. Furthermore, gas pipeline systems that are publicly-owned or distribute propane gas are currently not inspected or regulated in the same manner as master meter systems. This study is intended to gather information about all small gas pipeline systems with the intention of determining whether any changes are necessary to the state’s safety oversight program. This inquiry may inform a future rulemaking and could guide the commission in a request for changes in state law.
To date, the program has involved the following steps:
A Notice of Inquiry and responses from interested parties
A preliminary report by Paul Oleksa of Oleksa Associates which identified systems at risk and outlined some basic safety practices. (September 2006)
A workshop on the preliminary report (October 4, 2006)
Second consultant report with recommendations (March 2007)
Consultant proposed inspection checklist
Description of the inventory plan and schedule
Two national studies on Master Meters:
1) Assessment of the Need for an Improved Inspection Program for Master Meter Systems, January 2002.
2) An Analysis of Natural Gas Meter Systems (Definition and Program) From a Federal Perspective June 1979
The Office of Pipeline Safety provides a handbooks for small gas operators:
Natural Gas
Propane
Operator Qualification Model Plan
Posted/updated: 04/18/2008
Document list:
051355 Documents Schedule Orders All
Grade Crossing Protective Fund