PHMSA Pipeline Safety Workshop to Be Webcast

The June 19-20 workshop in Dallas is intended to identify ways to strengthen public awareness of pipeline safety issues. 

DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is inviting stakeholders and the public to attend a June 19-20 workshop, either in person or online, because the two-day event at a Richardson, Texas, hotel will be available as a webcast. The free workshop will allow stakeholders to discuss findings from recent federal and state public awareness inspections, learn about public awareness challenges and successes, and identify ways to strengthen pipeline safety public awareness. 

Public awareness efforts actually are required because PHMSA in 2005 incorporated by reference into its regulatory program under 49 CFR 192.616 and 49 CFR 195.440, the American Petroleum Institute's Recommended Practice 1162, "Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators (1st edition)." This means pipeline operators must develop and implement public awareness programs consistent with requirements specified in the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 for four specific audiences: the affected public, emergency response officials, local public officials, and excavators. 

Anyone interested in attending in person may register online. To watch the webcast of the meeting, follow this link on the day of the meeting:http://www.onlinevideoservice.com/clients/PHMSA/PublicAwarenessWorkshop/index.html