PHMSA Holds Risk Model Work Group Meeting

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier this week, PHMSA held a second meeting of the Risk Model Work Group as they continue to develop a guidance document on risk modeling, an initiative stemming from a recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

This Risk Model Work Group is composed of representatives from liquids transmission pipeline operators and gas transmission and distribution. During the first meeting, a mission statement for the effort was determined, and states that the group is to: characterize the state of the art of pipeline risk modeling for gas transmission and liquid pipelines; identify and, if necessary in specific areas, develop a range of state-of-the-art methods and tools capable of addressing the spectrum of pipeline risk management applications; and provide recommendations to PHMSA regarding the use of these methods, tools, and data requirements. 

As work progresses on the effort, API, AOPL, and the member representatives continue to ensure any guidance is flexible and ​“fit-for-purpose,” recognizing that various risk models are used in the industry and the many factors involved in pipeline operation effect how companies utilize them. 

The group will meet again in October with a due date for the guidance document being the end of 2017. Three PHMSA research projects are also being completed and will supplement the Risk Model Work Group’s efforts. 

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