Blogs

This week, the Pipeline Safety Management System (SMS) Industry Team had a conference call to review second quarter efforts. Two webinars have been hosted, including one on “Beginning the Journey,” and another on “Pipeline SMS Mangers & Practitioners.” The almost-200 participants that attended the latter webinar appreciated hearing Jim Crowley, of Easton Utilities, share the perspective of a public utility regarding Pipeline SMS implementation. If you weren’t able to hear these events, the presentations and webinar recordings will soon be available on www.PipelineSMS.org. APGA members will be emailed when they are available.

Additionally, there was discussion with the Industry Team on the path forward for American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 1173, Pipeline Safety Management Systems. An effort is underway to review and engage stakeholders to work on the next phase of the document, which could include revisions to account for small operators. In addition to the Industry Team call, the Pipeline SMS Steering Group, of which APGA staff is a part, met at API in Washington, D.C. Being involved in these discussions ensure the priorities of APGA members are heard and iterated, as industry works on Pipeline SMS implementation activities.

For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email at ssaulters@apga.org.