So effective September 1, 2008, the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) adopted a new set of integrity management rules for all gas distribution utilities in Texas. These rules are aimed at reducing the number of distribution pipeline incidents in the state.
To put it simply, though distirbution pipelines operate at much lower pressures than transmission pipelines, there are much more miles of distribution pipelines than transmission pipelines 300,000 miles of transmission pipelines vs 2,000,000 miles of distribution pipelines. More lengths of distribution pipelines results in more incidents.
So what about these new DIMP rules for Texas gas distribution companies? Well, the new rules address three key elements, namely 1) 8.206 - leak survey guidelines, 2) 8.207 - leak grading and repair guidelines, and 3) 8.208 - mandatory removal and replacement of compression couplings.
The above three items must be addressed in a DIMP report to the RRC by March 1, 2009. But now, you may be wondering how is my company ever going to get this report submitted to the RRC by March 1, 2009. Take a look at the RRC's website for the new rules and study them. Here's the link: http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=16&pt=1&ch=8&sch=C&rl=Y
For the next post, I'll tell you how I can help your company comply with the new DIMP rules here in Texas!
Check back soon for more DIMP.
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