Public Awareness and Liaison with Emergency / Public Officials

1. Public Awareness and Liaison with Emergency / Public Officials

2. Purpose • The purpose of this presentation is to communicate relevant information to Public and Emergency Officials as outlined in American Petroleum Institute’s Recommended Practice 1162 (API RP1162) – Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators; and • As a part of [Operator Name’s] efforts to ensure that natural gas is delivered to its customers in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner, and to ensure that in the event of an emergency that [Operator Name’s] personnel are familiar with other entities capabilities in assisting in natural gas emergencies [Operator Name] must establish and maintain liaison with appropriate fire, police, and other public officials as outlined in 49 CFR Part 192.615 – Emergency Plans

3. Topics of Discussion • The Purpose of a Public Awareness Program • The Purpose of Liaison with Emergency and Public Officials

4. Public Awareness Programs

5. Public Awareness Programs • The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 required all pipeline operators to evaluate and update their existing public education programs and to submit those programs to the applicable regulatory agency for review • The Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a final rule on May 19, 2005 outlining what those programs, now called Public Awareness Programs, must contain • The end result of that final ruling required pipeline operators to develop and implement a written continuing education program that follows the guidance provided in the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 1162

6. Public Awareness Programs – Cont. • The objective of Public Awareness Programs is to raise the awareness of the affected public and key stakeholders of the presence of pipelines in their communities and increase their understanding of the role of pipelines in transporting energy. • A Public Awareness Program should also help the public understand that pipelines are a relatively safe mode of transportation and that pipeline operators undertake a variety of measures to prevent pipeline accidents. • A Public Awareness Program should also give the public a better understanding of their role in helping to prevent accidents that are caused by third-party damage and Right-of-Way encroachment • Within [Operator Name’s] Public Awareness Plan, the following stakeholder audience’s have been identified: • Affected Public such as Residents and Customers along the pipeline • Emergency Officials • Local Public Officials • Excavators • Once the stakeholder audiences have been identified, a determination of the message type and content, baseline delivery frequency, and delivery methods must be established (see next slide for example)

7. Public Awareness Programs – Cont.

8. Public Awareness Programs – Cont. • For the purpose of this presentation, we are going to focus on the following message types for Emergency Officials and Local Public Officials: • Pipeline Purpose, Reliability, and Location • Hazard Awareness and Prevention • Facility Purpose • Emergency Preparedness • Leak Recognition and Response (Covered in Liaison Section)

9. Pipeline Purpose, Reliability, and Location • Natural gas is America’s most popular home heating fuel – heating more households than all other energy forms combined. In all, 52% of all heated U.S. households have natural gas heat • In your community, [Operator Name] provides natural gas to more than [# of Customers] through a network of underground distribution lines. The distribution main lines branch into service lines that feed individual customers • [Operator Name] receives its natural gas from [Pipeline Supplier] located at [location of tap] and transports this gas via a distribution line approximately [# of miles] miles to its city gate located at [enter address of city gate] • These distribution lines are usually made of plastic or steel and are designed to operate at various pressures • As an industry, a lot of the steel pipelines in a distribution system are being replaced with the more durable plastic piping • Older plastic PE piping may be “orange” in color or pale “pink” or “skin-tone” in color • Newer plastic PE piping is “yellow” in color • Other materials include “PVC” “Cast-Iron” “Copper” • Main lines vary in size but are typically 2-inches in diameter and are located roughly two-feet below the surface, while service lines are typically half-inch to three-quarter-inch in diameter and roughly buried 12 – 18 inches below the surface

10. Hazard Awareness and Prevention • That’s why it is important to “Call Before You Dig” or move earth in any way. • Whether you are installing an underground dog fence, running water to an outbuilding or post-hole digging for a new mail post box, underground piping and other utilities can be damaged • This is why [Operator Name] works to educate its customers, residents and contractors about the importance of complying with the national “Call Before You Dig” requirements • When citizens or contractors consider digging or moving earth, they must call the Georgia One Call Center at 1-800-282-7411, or 811, at least two days prior to their excavation • The Georgia One Call then notifies the entities in the area of the excavation of the need to have their facilities located in order to prevent a potentially hazardous condition • In 2004 the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety reported 48 cases of third party excavation damage to distribution lines nationwide resulting in more than $10 million dollars worth of property damage and four injuries • In addition to educating our citizens about complying with the national “Call Before You Dig” requirements, [Operator Name] also utilizes other means to make the public aware of the general locations of our pipelines such as pipeline markers

11. Pipeline Markers – Required Information • Federal regulations require line markers to be placed and maintained as close as practical over each buried main and transmission line • At each crossing of a public road; and • Whenever necessary to identify the location of the transmission line or main to reduce the possibility of damage or interference • However, line markers are not required for the following pipelines • Mains and transmission lines located offshore, or at crossings of or under waterways and other bodies of water • Mains in class 3 or 4 locations where a damage prevention program is in effect • Transmission lines in class 3 or 4 locations where placement of a line marker is impractical • Line markers shall also be placed and maintained along each section of main and transmission line that is located aboveground in areas accessible to the public • The following information contained on line markers must be legibly written on a background with a contrasting color: • The Word “Warning”, “Caution”, or “Danger” followed by the word “Gas Pipeline” (or name of gas transported) • The name of the Operator and telephone number, including the area code, where the Operator can be reached at all times • The purpose of these line markers is to provide notice to the public of the presence of underground gas lines in the area

12. Examples:

13. Pipeline Right-of-Way Personnel should also be aware and on the lookout for unauthorized persons, equipment, or vehicles traversing these rights-of-ways and report them immediately using the telephone # listed on the pipeline marker – Give Example of S. Ga. Line

14. Vent Pipe with Pipeline Marker

15. Pipeline Marker and Aerial Pipeline Marker

16. Facility Purpose • In addition to pipeline markers, there are other visual indications of gas pipeline facilities such as: • Odorizer Stations • Natural gas is colorless and odorless – an odorant is added to the natural gas, usually called “Mercaptan”, to give it its own unique smell that is normally associated with “Rotten Eggs”. Other gases such as propane also have an odorant added to give it its own unique smell as well • Regulator Stations • Meter Sets – Residential, Commercial, Industrial

17. Odorizer

18. Regulator Stations • Every part of a natural gas system is designed to work at a certain pressure. Each component of the system has a Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) • Exceeding the MAOP of a system over pressures the system and can endanger the public. Over pressure can cause: • Leaks • Failure of other components • Improper appliance operation • In turn, low pressure, or under pressure, can cause appliance pilot outages that could result in a gas leak • Pressure regulating equipment keeps the system operating at safe pressures. • Example: • Operator “A” receives gas from their pipeline supplier. The pipeline supplier’s Operating pressure is 800 psig but Operator “A” is delivered 300 psig – this is accomplished with the use of regulators • Operator “A” may take this 300 psig and deliver it some few miles toward what is commonly referred to as a “Town Border Station” • At the town border station, the 300 psig is routed through a series of regulators to reduce the pressure down even further • Once the gas leaves the town border station at a reduced pressure, say 30 psig, it flows throughout the distribution system and into service lines • As a final step before entering the customers piping, the gas passes through another regulator to reduce the pressure to its final delivery pressure (these pressures vary but is usually less than ½ psig or approximately 7” water column)

19. Regulator Stations

20. Meter Sets • As a final step before entering the customers’ piping, the gas flows through the meter • There are various types, sizes, and configuration for meters, but they all serve the same purpose – to meter, or measure, the amount of gas supplied to the customer

21. Meter Sets

22. Emergency Preparedness • In the event of a gas pipeline emergency, it is important to communicate to each stakeholder audience that public safety and environmental protection are the top priorities; and • Each operator of a gas pipeline is required by federal regulations to have emergency response plans; and • These plans should be developed for internal and external use with the appropriate officials • Contact information for [Operator Name], along with 24 hour emergency contact information is contained in these manuals • Applicable portions of the emergency response plan should also be made available to the appropriate officials • Another requirement is that liaison with those emergency and public officials must be maintained

23. Liaison with Emergency and Public Officials

24. Liaison with Emergency and Public Officials • As a part of [Operator Name’s] efforts to ensure that natural gas is delivered to its customers in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner, and to ensure that in the event of an emergency that [Operator Name’s] personnel are familiar with other entities’ capabilities in assisting in natural gas emergencies, [Operator Name] maintains liaison with those organizations by: • Compiling current information on the resources of those government organizations • Acquainting the officials with [Operator Name’s] emergency procedures • Identifying the types of gas pipeline emergencies of which those officials are notified • Planning how [Operator Name] and those officials can engage in mutual assistance to minimize hazards to life and property

25. Compiling Current Information on the Resources of those Government Organizations • During liaison meetings, ensuring that the following information is maintained is critical in ensuring that [Operator Name] has the correct information if needed in the event of a gas pipeline emergency: • Organization name and contact information • Types of responsibility of those organizations • Geographic area covered • Availability to assist [Operator Name] in the event of a gas pipeline emergency • Responsibility and resources for fire, bodily injury, control, and area evacuation problems in connection with a gas pipeline emergency • Type, Size, and capacity of equipment and vehicles • Procedures to facilitate prompt communications in emergencies • Level of training of responders • This information is contained in Appendix C-1 & C-2 of [Operator Name’s] emergency manual

26. Acquainting Officials with [Operator Name’s] Emergency Procedures • As a part of [Operator Name’s] Emergency Plan, [Operator Name] shall make available the following relevant portions of its Emergency Manual, as they apply to the appropriate fire, police, and other public officials (this should be done at the beginning of the liaison meeting): • Section X – Liaison with Public Officials and Emergency Response Organizations in the Vicinity of the Pipeline • This section of the emergency manual sets forth the procedure for liaison with Emergency and Public Officials • Appendix W-1 - Liaison Letter • This appendix is an actual letter that Emergency or Public Officials would receive if an Operator was having difficulty contacting said parties requesting that those parties contact the Operator for the purpose of scheduling a liaison meeting • Appendix V – Natural Gas Characteristics, Properties, and Precautions • This appendix covers the characteristics of natural gas, properties of natural gas, and precautions to consider when dealing with a gas leak or suspected gas leak • Appendix T-1 – Emergencies Requiring Notification • This appendix contains the notification procedures for [Operator Name] • Appendix B-1 – Protocols for Personnel Receiving Emergency Calls • This appendix contains the procedures for personnel receiving emergency calls • Appendix B-2 – Checklist for Personnel Receiving Emergency Calls • This appendix is similar to appendix B-1 except that it is in a checklist format and may be laminated and posted next to the phones where emergency calls are received • Appendix A-1 – Procedures for Updating On-Call • This appendix provides guidance on the type of information that should be utilized for on-call personnel

27. Acquainting Officials with [Operator Name’s] Emergency Procedures (Continued) • Appendix A-2 – Emergency Contact On-Call List/Procedures • This appendix should contain a sample list that is used for communicating on-call personnel to those personnel receiving emergency calls – the personnel listed in this appendix may be contacted at any hour in the event of a gas pipeline emergency • Appendix C-1 – Emergency Responders, Public Officials, and Local New Media Contact List • This appendix contains the current contact information for emergency responders, public officials, and local news media – All incorrect contact info should be communicated to the person(s) conducting the presentation • Appendix C-3 – [Operator Name’s] Emergency Contact List • This appendix is included in case the emergency contact information in Appendix A-2 is not provided or if those personnel cannot be contacted – the personnel listed in this appendix may be contacted at any hour in the event of a gas pipeline emergency • Appendix D – Emergency Operations Command Center Location and Communication Methods • This appendix contains the procedures for the establishment of Emergency Operations Command Center, Location, and Communication Methods • Appendix U – Mutual Assistance with Fire, Police, and Public Officials in the Vicinity of the Pipeline • This appendix contains the procedures for working effectively in an Incident Command System • Appendix C-2 – Government Organization Resources • This appendix contains a listing of each organization’s resources that may respond to a gas pipeline emergency • Appendix E – Sample News Releases • This appendix contains sample new releases to be used in the event of a major gas pipeline emergency • Appendix W-2 – Liaison Acknowledgement Letter • This appendix is an acknowledgement that the liaison meeting took place – This should be completed and returned to the person(s) conducting the presentation • General Maps (For those counties in which more than one operator have pipeline facilities)

28. Identify the Types of Gas Pipeline Emergencies of Which those Officials are Notified • Examples of types of emergencies that require notification to and from public officials: • A serious fire or fire on adjacent property • Serious bodily injury • One where the number of people involved or spectators are too numerous for the operator to handle • One in which patrol or area evacuation is needed • An incident in a highly populated area • Examples of types emergencies that may require notification to gas system operators by emergency and public officials: • Report of a gas odor • Damage to gas facilities • Operation of a gas system valve by non-operator personnel • Report of a gas outage • Further detailed information can be found in Appendix T-1 of [Operator Name’s] Emergency Manual

29. Plan With Public Emergency & Public Officials in the Vicinity of the Pipeline for Mutual Assistance • Mutual assistance planning with emergency and public officials is essential in helping to minimize hazards to life and property • At a minimum, this planning shall consist of: • Working effectively in an Incident Command System – See Appendix U • Situations when emergency responder personnel such as Fire, Police, etc respond to a gas pipeline emergency before [Operator Name’s] personnel have arrived – See Appendix U • Situations involving the evacuations of buildings, other properties, and cordoning off of areas during a gas pipeline emergency – See Appendix U • Means of ensuring that communications is ongoing during the emergency response so that pertinent information is shared in a timely manner – See Appendix U • The following additional information shall also be given to emergency responders: • Natural gas characteristics, properties, and precautions – See Appendix V

30. Leak Recognition and Response • Because the product being transported is flammable, it is important that all stakeholder groups: • Are aware of the characteristics of the product being transported • Are aware of the potential dangers posed by a pipeline leak • Be able to recognize a pipeline leak • Know how to react to a pipeline leak or suspected pipeline leak

31. Characteristics and Properties of Natural Gas • Natural gas occurs naturally and consists mostly of methane. Other gases such as propane, ethane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide may also be present when the gas reaches the end user

32. Composition of Natural Gas(Approximates as Composition Varies by Supplier) • Methane – 94% - 96% by volume • Ethane – 2.4% by volume • Propane - 0.3% by volume • Butane - 0.1% by volume • Nitrogen – 0.4% by volume • Carbon Dioxide – 0.8% by volume • Misc. Gases – 0.1% by volume

33. Toxicity & Other Properties • Natural gas is non-toxic, however, if natural gas displaces the oxygen in a room, asphyxiation may occur • Natural gas, in its “natural state” is: • Colorless • Odorless • Tasteless • Compressible • Flammable • An odorant is added to the natural gas, usually called “Mercaptan”, to give it its own unique smell that is normally associated with “Rotten Eggs”. Other gases such as propane also have an odorant added to give it its own unique smell as well

34. Specific Gravity • Specific gravity can be defined as the ratio of the same volume of air as measured under the same temperature and pressure • Natural gas is lighter than air; natural gas will seek the path of least resistance and rise where possible • Propane is heavier than air; it will “sink” and take longer to dissipate • Example: • A specific volume of air is used as the standard weight of measurement, thereby equaling one (1) • Natural gas of the same volume weighs 0.6 or 6/10th of what the same volume of airs weighs • Propane weighs 1.5 or 1 ½ times as much as the same volume of air • Other gases such as Butane are even heavier than propane • These gases can be dangerous if a leak occurs because they may “pool” in low areas and may not readily dissipate

35. Explosive Limits of Natural Gas • Natural gas requires the right mixture of oxygen and natural gas before ignition can occur • The amount of gas-in-air must be within a specific range; this range is commonly referred to as the explosive limit of natural gas • The explosive limit of natural gas is expressed as: • Lower Explosive Limit of Natural Gas • Referred to as L.E.L • Approximately 5% gas-in-air • Less than 5% gas-in-air and the mixture will be “too lean” and ignition cannot occur • Upper Explosive Limit of Natural Gas • Referred to as U.E.L • Approximately 15% gas-in-air • More than 15% gas-in-air and the mixture will be “too rich” and ignition cannot occur • Note: the percentage of gas-in-air will be different at various locations around a leak and can easily change in any given location due to air currents and the introduction of additional gas. These differences and changes may quickly produce an explosive mixture where one did not previously exist

36. Precautions to Consider when Dealing with a Suspected Pipeline Emergency • Approach the scene with caution, if possible from upwind, look for clues that a pipeline is involved • Do not park over manhole or storm drain covers • Establish isolation zones and set up barricades • Do not create any source of possible ignition by smoking, lighting of lighters or matches, turning on or off of any electrical switches, appliances, cell phones, etc • Do not attempt to remove the power meter to a premise, building, or structure as this may create a possible source of ignition • If possible, ventilate buildings and structures by opening windows and doors to the outside • If mechanized equipment is running, do not attempt to shut off the equipment – In some cases the equipment may not shut off because of the intake of gas – Attempting to shut off the equipment could also create a possible source of ignition • Do not attempt to move or start equipment as this could create a possible source of ignition • Do not allow persons, other than trained personnel, to enter the area

37. Precautions to Consider when Dealing with a Suspected Pipeline Emergency - Continued • Do not operate underground valves • Only operator personnel should be permitted to operate underground valves • Closing of unintended valves may create an additional unintended unsafe situation in another part of the system • For emergency responders, to protect life and property, the closing of a service valve at the meter is permitted • Do not use “home-made” squeeze-off tools or “fold-over” a plastic pipeline in an attempt to shut off the flow of gas on plastic pipelines because of the following inherent dangers: • Damage to the pipe wall by using improper equipment • Static electricity buildup on the pipe wall of plastic pipelines may create a possible source of ignition • Possible static buildup on a person’s body may also be present thus creating a possible source of ignition

38. Fire Control • If at the arrival on the scene there is a fire being fed by natural gas or other pipeline product and there is no immediate danger to life or property, Let the primary fire burn. Eliminate potential ignition sources. • Cool surrounding structures, equipment, and vessels – Because water is an inefficient way to fight fuel fires, use a fog pattern, not a straight stream of water • Do not inhale fumes, smoke, or vapor • Once the primary fire is out, beware of hot-spot re-ignition • Do not operate pipeline equipment

39. Primary Concern in Gas Pipeline Emergencies • Remember, the primary concern when dealing with a gas pipeline emergency of any kind is to protect people first, then property. Some steps to remember are: • Rescue and Evacuate People • Establish Isolation Zones and Set Up Barricades • Eliminate Ignition Sources • Control Fire, Vapor Clouds, and Leaks

40. How to Contact [Operator Name] • [Main Contact Name] • Office # - [Enter Office #] • Cell # - [Enter Cell #] • Email Address – [Enter Email Address] • Feel free to contact the person(s) listed above with any questions or concerns regarding natural gas public safety, emergency preparedness, or other natural gas related matters