The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 requires each gas utility and pipeline operator to evaluate the effectiveness of its public awareness programs and make improvements where necessary. Operations and communications experts from the American Petroleum Institute (API), America American Public Gas Association (APGA), Interstate Natural Gas Association, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) and American Gas Association developed API Recommended Practice 1162 to provide guidance for what constitutes an effective public awareness program. On June 24, 2004 the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) proposed to incorporate RP 1162 by reference in its pipeline safety regulations (49 CFR Part 192). A final rule published in the May 19, 2005 Federal Register required operators to create written public awareness plans following RP 1162 guidelines by no later than June 20, 2006. Copies of RP 1162 may be obtained from the American Petroleum Institute (www.api.org).

Pipeline Reliability & Public Awareness

Pipeline Reliability Piece en Espanol