The Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL), the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) are conducting a joint survey program to help pipeline operators measure the effectiveness of their public awareness programs.  A total of 28 liquids and gas transmission companies, representing approximately 40 percent of the U.S. pipeline transmission mileage, have signed up for the program.   

U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, which incorporate API RP 1162, Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators, require that operators measure the effectiveness of their programs.  The regulations also require operators to educate the groups affected by pipelines in their community, including excavators, emergency responders, local public officials, and the affected public.

The public opinion/communications firm Harris Interactive will conduct the surveys on behalf of the companies.  Two rounds of surveys will be offered, one in 2007 and one in 2009.  The DOT regulations require all operators to measure effectiveness at least once over the next four years.   Each participating company will receive individualized results available through a web-based information management system.

A single survey covering a company’s entire intra-state or inter-state system should be adequate for most companies, providing a company uses the same public awareness program throughout its system.  The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has reported that 90 percent of companies use the same program throughout their operations. 

PHMSA has called the joint survey program a workable, well-thought-out option.

It is still possible to sign up.  For more information, please contact Bill Bush at 202-682-8069 or bushw@api.org. Additional information can be found on API’s website use this link (pdf).