DOT Pipeline Compliance News
May 2008 Edition

DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop - May 28 & 29, 2008
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RCP will be hosting our very popular 2-day workshop on DOT Pipeline Compliance on May 28 & 29, 2008, in Houston, TX. Join us for an informative, lively, and interactive workshop on DOT Pipeline Compliance.

Day 1 (May 28): Gas Pipeline Regulations (49CFR192): Covering all the topics below but special emphasis will be placed on the changes in **GAS GATHERING** regulations.

Day 2 (May 29): Liquid Pipeline Regulations (49CFR195)

Each day of the workshop will address the following issues as they specifically relate to either Gas or Hazardous Liquid pipelines:

• PHMSA Overview
• PHMSA Jurisdictional Boundaries
• Production / Gathering / Transmission
• Onshore / Inlets to the Gulf of Mexico / Offshore
• Compliance Requirements:
• Design
• Construction
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Corrosion
• Testing
• Integrity Management
• Operator Qualification
• Emergency Response
• Reporting
• New/Proposed Regulations - including liquid rural low stress and new gas production pipeline rules in Texas and other states.

For additional information go to our website here.

Save the Dates!

PHMSA Issues Fraud Alert (2/13/08)
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Companies, shippers, contractors, and potential DOT contractors are receiving fraudulent letters, or facsimile letters (often signed by an individual claiming to be a senior DOT procurement official), purporting to be issued by DOT, requesting the recipient to perform some type of action involving the submission of business sensitive financial information. The most recent fraudulent facsimile letter we are aware of is dated February 7, 2008 and is signed "Bradley K. Wash, Senior Procurement Officer." Please be advised that all of these types of letters are fraudulent. DO NOT release any information to the facsimile numbers cited in these letters. Also do not provide any data to any website links that may be referenced in these letters. Please contact the Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General Hotline at email: hotline@oig.dot.gov or 1-800-424-9071 if you receive one of these letters or facsimile letters.

MAOP Analysis Model

Are you familiar with our Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) Analysis Model? Changes to MAOP can have a direct impact to the bottom line. Many companies are finding that changes to the pipeline that have occurred over years significantly impact the calculated MAOP value. We can input the data including pressure test records, construction design records, and repair records to derive an accurate MAOP for your current system. The model also allows you to review the impact on MAOP of proposed changes to the pipeline before they happen. For more information, contact Jessica Roger.

PHMSA Issues Revised Inspection Protocols
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PHMSA has published revised inspection protocols (updated March 7, 2008) on their website. The list of recently updated inspection protocols include:

• PHMSA Form-1 (Standard Inspection Report of a Gas Transmission Pipeline)
• PHMSA Form-2 (Standard Inspection Report of Gas Distribution Operator)
• PHMSA Form-3 (Standard Inspection of a Liquid Pipeline Carrier)
• PHMSA Form-4 (Standard Inspection Report of an LNG Facility)
• PHMSA Form-5 (Evaluation Report of Gas Pipeline & Compressor Station Construction)
• PHMSA Form-7 (Evaluation Report of Liquid Pipeline Construction)
• PHMSA Form-10 (Breakout Tank Inspection Form)
• PHMSA Form-11 (Pipeline Failure Investigation Report)
• PHMSA Form-12 (Gas Storage Field Review)
• PHMSA Form-13 (2008 Drug and Alcohol Program Check)
• PHMSA Form-14 (Operator Qualification Inspection Form)
• PHMSA Form-15 (Operator Qualification Field Inspection Form)
• PHMSA Form-19 (Hazardous Liquid IMP Field Verification Inspection)

Pending Audits?

Has the DOT notified you of a pending audit? RCP can provide confidential internal auditing to help ensure that your facilities are up to the agency's latest standards. Click here.

TEEX Pipeline Training Facility / Emergency Responders
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The Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is world renowned for its hands-on customized training — providing training and technical assistance to more than 204,000 workers last year. This year, TEEX is building a pipeline prop at their facility which will benefit the industry in training emergency responders. It will be fully functional for training on both gas and liquid pipelines. Phase I is complete which includes 6 stand alone props and 2,300 ft. of underground pipeline. Phase II features a Chemical Complex which will tie into the pipeline prop. Once completed, this complex will enable TEEX to continue to remain the flagship for training in the pipeline emergency response field.

For more information regarding TEEX and how you can make a monetary or equipment donation to the "Chemical Complex Program" please contact: Kevin McMaughan at (979) 458-0171, or by email: james.mcmaughan@teexmail.tamu.edu.

International Pipeline Conference 2008
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Pipeline industry professionals from around the world will gather for the 7th International Pipeline Conference (IPC) on September 29 – October 3, 2008 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada at the TELUS Convention Centre and Hyatt Regency Hotel. Organized by volunteers representing international E&P, transmission, and distribution corporations, energy and pipeline associations and governments, the IPC has become internationally renowned as the world’s premier pipeline conference. Visit the IPC website for more information.

RCP Hideout at the IPC Conference

If you are planning to attend the International Pipeline Conference in Calgary (September 29 – October 3) ask Donna for directions to the RCP Hideout. Wii’ll be hosting a two-day competition with the Nintendo Wiis®. Drop by for food, drinks, and some friendly competition. Practice your electronic tennis, bowling, and baseball skills. Win a Wii®! Your family will love you for it!

New Wetlands Mitigation Requirements
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) have announced innovative new standards to promote no net loss of wetlands. Wetlands and other aquatic resources play an important role in the environmental landscape. Those who intend to dredge or deposit fill in wetlands or other waters of the U.S. must apply for a permit from the Corps (or EPA-approved State) under the Clean Water Act. Consistent with the wetland program’s goal of “no net loss of wetlands,” these permits often require compensatory mitigation – typically, the restoration of former (historically degraded) wetlands to mitigate the effects of wetland loss. The new standards improve wetland restoration and protection policies, increase the effective use of wetland mitigation banks and strengthen the requirements for the use of in-lieu fee mitigation. These new wetlands compensatory mitigation standards emphasize best available science, promote innovation and focus on results. This rule follows the recommendations of the National Research Council by establishing equivalent, effective standards for all forms of wetland replacement projects under the Clean Water Act.

For more information regarding compensatory mitigation and to download a copy of the new standards, http://www.epa.gov/wetlandsmitigation.

DHS Notice: Collection of Information on Top 100 Most Critical Pipelines
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) invites public comment on a new Information Collection Request from the owners/operators of 125 pipeline systems. This collection provides TSA critical facility and annual product through-put information from the nation's largest pipelines, and is necessitated by the requirements set forth in the Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.

Comments may be mailed to Joanna Johnson, Communications Branch, Business Management Office, Operational Process and Technology, TSA-32, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202-4220. For more information, contact Joanna Johnson at the address above, or call (571) 227-3651.

Comments are due by June 16, 2008.

For a copy of this DHS Notice, contact Jessica Roger.

Need A Security Plan or Audit?

We have the expertise to develop a security plan and perform risk assessments for pipeline and terminal facilities to meet DOT Hazmat Transportation & Pipeline regulations. We can also assist you in USCG security plans for dock facilities and vessels. Click here.

RCP Biggest Loser Competition
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The staff of RCP has organized our version of the Biggest Loser competition for a healthier lifestyle and working environment. What is Biggest Loser? If you don’t know, you’re a little too active or haven't seen the NBC television program, "The Biggest Loser." The competition is to see who can lose the most weight percentage within a time period, enhancing your lifestyle living. If you're interested in starting your own company Biggest Loser competition, here are some guidelines to get you started:

• Length – 12 Weeks
• $50 to enter
• Every Monday have a weigh-in. Every Monday after that, weigh again and look at everyone’s loss percentage.
• Based on percentage, the 2 people with the lowest weekly loss pay $10/each to the pot
• Winner at the end of the 12 weeks takes whole pot