WASHINGTON, May 3, 2006 – Nineteen pipeline companies representing 140,000 miles of the nation’s pipelines have signed up for the API/INGAA/AOPL public awareness survey program. The survey program is a response to new federal regulations that incorporate API standard RP 1162, Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators. RP 1162 provides a framework for communication between pipeline companies and residents living and working along the pipeline route, emergency responders, public officials and excavators. The standard also calls for pipeline companies to evaluate the effectiveness of their public awareness programs at least once every four years.
The public opinion/communications firm HarrisInteractive will conduct the surveys and make the results available to participating companies through a secure, Web-based information management system. Companies will have the option of surveying in 2007 and/or in 2009.
Although the program was initially created for liquids and gas transmission and gathering line companies, it can now also accommodate gas distribution companies. Additionally, there are options for small as well as large pipeline operators. Due to the positive response to the program, API, INGAA and AOPL have extended the deadline for joining to May 31, 2006.
According to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the industry program is a workable, well-thought-out option that companies may consider for addressing the evaluation requirements.
For more information or to sign up, please contact Bill Bush at bushw@api.org or 202-682-8069.