DIMP compliance is just around the corner

New distribution integrity management program (DIMP) regulations are scheduled for fall publication; will operators of natural gas distribution systems be ready?
New regulations from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), first proposed on June 25, 2008, require operators to demonstrate an understanding of their gas distribution systems, including characteristics and environmental factors related to threats and risks.

The DIMP Rule will be the most significant addition to federal pipeline regulations since the federal government first began regulating pipeline safety in 1970. It will compel operators of natural gas distribution systems to identify threats across multiple categories, develop a risk-based integrity management program, and implement mitigation measures.

Given the anticipated brief implementation period, operators will have to be ready.
Pipeline and Gas Technology magazine will present a web-based Technology Broadcast that will brief interested parties on key issues related to imminent release of the DIMP regulations.

What you will Learn:

• A clear understanding of the DIMP rule and its impact on operators
• An update on status of the proposed rule, as well as technologies available for compliance
• Sound, broad-based strategies for meeting rule requirements

Robert C. Naper
Senior technical consultant,
Energy Experts International, Inc.

Robert Naper is a senior technical consultant with energy Experts International with expertise in the areas of leak survey audits and technology, incident evaluation, and DIMP, among others. He has held engineering and supervisory positions with a number of utilities, including National Grid, and others.

Naper has also testified as a legal expert in matters related to gas leakage; chaired several task groups addressing issues related to gas leaks and gas incidents; and served as a consultant to Nysearch, the R&D arm of the Northeast Gas Association

Willard S. Carey
Vice president - Technical Services,
Energy Experts International, Inc.

Willard Carey was federal regulatory leader with the Public Service Electric and Gas Co., Newark, N.J., for nearly 20 years. As such he was responsible for establishing operational and maintenance standards for gas transmission and distribution, as well as for maintaining positive relationships with State and federal authorities in the area of regulatory compliance.

Carey has extensive management and technical experience in natural gas transmission and distribution design, operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance with applicable state and federal codes and standards.

Carey has testified before the subcommittee on energy and power of the committee on commerce, US House of Representatives, on behalf of the American Gas Association member companies.

Currently, Carey is vice president — Technical Services with Energy Experts International, Inc. and is continuing his commitment to pipeline safety through the Gas Piping Technology committee and the Common Ground Alliance.

John Frantz

Willard Carey was federal regulatory leader with the Public Service Electric and Gas Co., Newark, N.J., for nearly 20 years. As such he was responsible for establishing operational and maintenance standards for gas transmission and distribution, as well as for maintaining positive relationships with State and federal authorities in the area of regulatory compliance.

About the Moderator:

Kevin Parker
Executive Editor, PipeLine and Gas Technology

Kevin Parker has more than 20 years experience writing for and editing technology magazines, including 15 years as chief editor of Manufacturing Systems, and as associate editor with Chemical Processing magazines. Parker also spent close to a decade as engineering services and quality control manager with Lindberg, a Unit of General Signal, a maker of heat-treat equipment. His bachelor’s degree is in philosophy & religion is from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois. His military service included more than three years in the US Army Infantry stationed with the Berlin Brigade in West Berlin, Germany.