API RP 1162-ed.3

Annotation of standard text API RP 1162-ed.3 :

API RP 1162, 3rd Edition, August 2022 - Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators

This document addresses the development, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of pipeline public awareness programs associated with distribution, regulated transmission, gathering pipeline, and underground storage systems in the United States that are required under federal or state pipeline safety regulations to have a public awareness program.

NOTE The U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Advisory Bulletin “Pipeline Safety: Clarification of Terms Relating to Pipeline Operational Status” (PHMSA-2016-0075) describes which regulated pipeline systems may be required to have a public awareness program.

A public awareness program is not required for abandoned pipeline systems. An operator can choose to use this recommended practice for nonregulated transmission, local distribution, and gathering pipeline systems.

Communications occurring prior to or during new pipeline construction are not covered by this recommended practice. Communications related to offshore operations and abnormal operations and during or related to emergencies are not covered by this recommended practice.

This recommended practice provides minimum requirements and offers guidance to operators to develop public awareness programs that take into account the differences and similarities in pipeline types, release characteristics, stakeholder audiences, operator activities, and other factors that can influence the program’s development and implementation.

This recommended practice provides operators with public awareness program elements and illustrates the process for establishing, implementing, measuring, and adjusting a program, in alignment with the Plan– Do–Check–Act (PDCA) process for managing programs. This recommended practice addresses certain operational changes requiring additional communication based on the introduction of new hazards.

NOTE At the time of this publication, certain nonregulated Class I and Class II rural gas gathering lines in the United States, as defined in 49 CFR Part 192, are not required by federal regulation to have a public awareness program. Annex F outlines the provisions of this recommended practice that may apply to operators following API 1182, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Large Diameter Rural Gas Gathering Lines.