Improving Pipeline Leak Detection System Effectiveness and Understanding the Application of Automatic/Remote Control Valves

PHMSA and the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives are sponsoring these events to further study:

• How to encourage operators to expand usage of leak detection system (LDS) and improve system effectiveness on the Nation's pipeline infrastructure.
• How remote control and automatic control valves can be installed to lessen the volume of natural gas and hazardous liquid released during catastrophic pipeline events.

In addition, this event is another measure in PHMSA's efforts to address the congressional mandates set forth in title 49 Pipeline Safety Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011. This event is to provide an open forum for exchanging information on leak detection systems and Automatic/Remote Control Valves for hazardous liquids and natural gas pipelines. Specifically it will:

1. Gather and disseminate information on the state of the art of leak detection system and automatic/remote control valve operations to inform the public, Federal and State regulatory agencies and legislators in Congress on the practical considerations involved with installing, operating and maintaining;
2. Identify the constraints with deploying systems on existing versus new construction pipelines; and
3. To collect public input that will help guide a PHMSA study investigating and documenting leak detection and automatic/remote control valve challenges and considerations.

Improving Pipeline Leak Detection System Effectiveness

Event Moderator: Jeff Wiese, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety, DOT/PHMSA

Panel Moderator: Linda Daugherty, Deputy Associate Administrator for Pipeline Policy & Programs, DOT/PHMSA

Operator Perspective: Nikos Salmatanis, Leak Detection Specialist, Technology Team, Chevron Pipeline Company

10:10AM BREAK

Panel Moderator: Linda Daugherty, Deputy Associate Administrator for Pipeline Policy & Programs, DOT/PHMSA

PRCI Research: Dave Bolon, Dir., Pipeline & Facility Control Systems, Enterprise Products (Representing PRCI)

11:45AM LUNCH - On your own

Panel Moderator: Alan Mayberry, Deputy Associate Administrator for Pipeline Field Operations, DOT/PHMSA

Distribution Operator: Richard Lonn, Director, Regulatory Compliance, AGL Resources

03:15PM BREAK

Panel Moderator: Alan Mayberry, Deputy Associate Administrator for Pipeline Field Operations, DOT/PHMSA

PRCI Research: Mark Piazza, Senior Program Manager Pipeline Research Council International

Event Moderator Jeff Wiese, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety, DOT/PHMSA

Understanding the Application of Automatic Control and Remote Control Valves

Event Moderator Jeff Wiese, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety, DOT/PHMSA

Panel Moderator: Alan Mayberry, Deputy Associate Administrator for Pipeline Field Operations, DOT/PHMSA

Operator Perspective: Kori Patrick, Manager, Operational Risk Management, Enbridge Pipelines Inc.

09:45AM BREAK

Panel Moderator: Alan Mayberry, Deputy Associate Administrator for Pipeline Field Operations, DOT/PHMSA

Operator Perspective: David Chittick, Dir., Pipe Integrity Engineering & Asset Reliability, TransCanada Pipeline

12:00PM LUNCH - On your own

Panel Moderator: Jeff Gilliam, Director, Engineering and Research Division, DOT/PHMSA

OTD Research: Dennis Jarnecke, R&D Manager, Gas Technology Institute

Public Comment Welcome

The Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is providing an important opportunity through the Federal Register for all stakeholders to publically comment on the scope of recently commissioned studies involving leak detection systems and valves. Wide stakeholder comment will support the comprehensive investigation of topics and issues Congress has charged to PHMSA.

For more information reference Docket No. PHMSA-2012-0021 from http://www.Regulations.gov. This site allows the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any agency. The ability to comment will be available in the coming week after the March 27 & 28 events.