Integrity MANAGEMENT Printer Friendly Version
Boardwalk has developed and implemented a pipeline Integrity Management Plan (IMP) which will enable it to prioritize inspection activities, assessments and evaluations of pipeline integrity issues, and to complete improvements and other preventive measures.
Goals and Objectives
The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 requires pipelines to develop and follow a written integrity management program. The Department of Transportation's Office of Pipeline Safety has adopted regulations prescribing requirements for gas integrity management programs. Ensuring the integrity of gas pipeline systems is the primary goal of this act. Our Integrity Management Program has been developed to assist us in providing safe and reliable natural gas transportation services without adversely affecting the public, our customers, our employees and the environment.
Our IMP provides for the comprehensive, integrated, and systematic management of pipeline transmission lines located in high consequence areas (HCAs). This program expands and builds on existing procedures and practices in developing additional processes to assess and mitigate risks on our pipeline.
Principles
We have adopted a set of integrity management guidelines that are engineered into new pipeline systems from initial planning, design, material selection, installation and initial inspection and testing. We follow the applicable laws and regulations as well as use numerous consensus codes and standards in order to meet this requirement. In addition, we have developed policies, plans and procedures which are also used to meet this requirement.
Commitment
System integrity requires the commitment by all operating personnel to use systematic, comprehensive and integrated processes to safely operate and maintain the pipeline systems.
Evaluation
The IMP will continue to evolve and improve as new information about the pipeline and new technologies become available. Periodic evaluation and review will be conducted to ensure that the program takes advantage of improvements in technologies and that the program utilizes the appropriate prevention, detection, and mitigation methods. The effectiveness of the various methods will be reassessed and modified over time to ensure the continuing effectiveness of the program and all its activities.
Data Integration
The integration of information is recognized as a key component for managing system integrity and is required by DOT's regulations. Information that can impact the understanding of the important risks to a pipeline system comes from a variety of sources. We are committed to analyzing pertinent information in order to effectively manage pipeline integrity.
Risk Assessment
We have developed a risk assessment methodology and will use that methodology to determine the types of adverse events or conditions that may affect pipeline integrity. The process will also be used to rank the pipeline segments for further assessment by considering the likelihood and consequence of an adverse event.
Review
We will continually gather new and/or additional information regarding system integrity obtained as a result of ongoing maintenance and work experience. The IMP will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that this information is integrated into the plan.
Assessment Plan
We have completed the identification of the HCA locations along our pipelines and have developed a 10 year baseline assessment plan per the requirements of the regulations. Assessment methods include in-line inspection, pressure testing and direct assessment.
Communication
Consistent with ASME/ANSI B31.8S requirements, we are committed to communicating information regarding our integrity management efforts and results of integrity management activities to company personnel, jurisdictional authorities, and the public.