High Consequence Areas for Natural Gas Transmission Lines

In accordance with the 2002 Pipeline Safety Improvement Act, natural gas transmission pipeline operators are required to identify and more frequently inspect “high consequence areas,” where incidents or accidents could have disastrous effects for local communities. The Act also requires pipeline operators to communicate with emergency planners and local first responders to provide a better understanding of the potential consequences if a pipeline is compromised and develop a plan of action to mitigate damages and impacts in the community.

During 2004 and 2005, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Association of State Fire Marshals and the Southern States Energy Board partnered to encourage pipeline operators and emergency responders to interact regarding the special challenges faced by local communities where large populations and pipelines intersect. In the past, pipelines often were built at the outskirts of a community, enabling a more isolated response if an incident occurred. But today, numerous communities have expanded beyond the original proportions expected by planners, creating a situation where many pipelines intersect, transcend and encompass developed areas.

The program created by the partners was pilot tested in Alabama, Arizona, Kentucky and Louisiana. A textbook, instructor’s guide and DVD on pipeline emergencies were developed by the Partnership to provide a curriculum for emergency responders from public safety and industrial organizations. The Partnership continues to distribute and share this curriculum in training sessions with fire service personnel throughout the country.

Liquefied Natural Gas

The Electric Power Research Institute announced during 2004 that 55 new liquefied natural gas terminals are projected, proposed, planned or scheduled to be built in the United States, ushering in a greater quantity of imported fuel that will be expected to play a major role in the Nation’s economy. Due to the existing infrastructure and the availability of deep ports in the South, it is projected that the majority will be located in our region.

In light of these developments, and in accordance with its Partnership for Pipeline Safety with the National Association of State Fire Marshals and the Southern States Energy Board, the U.S. Department of Transportation identified the need for a risk assessment of safety and security issues regarding the vulnerability of and potential homeland security threats to liquefied natural gas technologies and facilities. Four of the six existing LNG terminals in the United States are located in Southern States Energy Board member jurisdictions.

A comprehensive safety and security planning tool for LNG facilities was designed by the partnership and augmented by additional comprehensive training materials. Briefings for state emergency planners, local fire service officials and LNG facility representatives were pilot tested and a training program devised in LNG basics and safety, communications, security measures, local issues based on topography and emergency response, etc. A community outreach program targeted state and local legislators, businesses, civic and opinion leaders. Local fire service leaders and state emergency responders were trained to use and teach from the pipeline emergencies materials that have been developed and are mentioned above. Following the pilot testing phase, the project was expanded to other regions and facilities so that new and emerging terminals can share in the benefits of the program.

Georgia Study Committee on Liquefied Natural Gas Infrastructure, Security and Reliability

Passed during Georgia’s 2005 legislative session, House Resolution 92 established a bipartisan Joint House and Senate Study Committee on liquefied natural gas infrastructure. While the committee’s original intent was to focus on LNG infrastructure, its purview quickly expanded to cover natural gas delivery, transportation, security and reliability across the state and throughout the Southeast. During a meeting in September of 2005, the Joint Study Committee established an Advisory Committee comprised of industry and organizations specializing in LNG-related issues. This Advisory Committee was chaired by Representative Harry Geisinger of Georgia, who also serves as an Executive Committee member on the Southern States Energy Board. Other members of the Advisory Committee were representatives from Atlanta Gas Light, SCANA, Southern Natural Gas, two public service commissioners, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgia Power, British Petroleum and the Southern States Energy Board, among many others. In total, the Advisory Committee was composed of twenty-five voting members, two of which represented the SSEB. The Advisory Committee held four meetings, and the Joint Study Committee held two meetings. The Advisory Committee presented three recommendations to the Joint Study Committee, all of which were adopted. These included 1) introducing a resolution supporting offshore inventory; 2) encouraging the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to allow AGL Resources to seek long-term contracts; and 3) discouraging additional statutes on cost recovery. Adoption of these recommendations resulted in the passage of Senate Bill 209, which amends the Official Code of Georgia by allowing the Georgia PSC 90 days after a hearing to issue a commission order regarding a gas supply plan or adjustment factors filed by a gas utility. If the Georgia PSC does not respond, positively or negatively, within this time period, the plan or adjustment is considered approved by operation of law.
 

Please contact Mr. Kenneth J. Nemeth at (770) 242-7712, or email nemeth@sseb.org for more information regarding Pipeline Safety and Infrastructure.