RegulusPipeline researchPHMSA la-2021-underground-natural-gas-storage-program-evaluation
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 1Official PDFPHMSA UNDERGROUND NATURAL GAS STORAGE (UNGS) LA DNR PROGRAM EVALUATION – CY2021 CONDUCTED 7/18-21/2022 A – PROGRESS REPORT AND PROGRAM DOCUMENTATION REVIEW 9 of 9 B – PROGRAM INSPECTION PROCEDURES 14 of 14 C – PROGRAM PERFORMANCE 31 of 31 (34) D – COMPLIANCE ACTIVITIES 21 of 21 E – INCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS 5 of 5 (13) F – DAMAGE PREVENTION 2 of 2 (4) G – FIELD INSPECTIONS 0 of 0 (12) H - 60106 AGREEMENT STATE (if applicable) 0 of 0 (6) TOTAL PROGRAM EVALUATION POINTS 94 of 94 (113)#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 2PHMSA UNGS STATE PROGRAM EVALUATION – CY2021 A – PROGRESS REPORT AND PROGRAM DOCUMENTATION REVIEW THIS SECTION ANALYZES ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT SCORE 1 Accuracy of Jurisdictional Authority and Operator/Inspection Units Data – Progress Report Attachment 1 (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: Yes. Attachment 1 agrees with Attachments 3 & 8, and DNR internal records. 1 2 Review of Inspection Days for accuracy – Progress Report Attachment 2 (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: Yes. 14 inspector days. Agrees with DNR internal records. 1 3 Accuracy verification of Operators and Operators Inspection Units in State – Progress Report Attachment 3 (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: Yes. Agrees with DNR internal records. 1 4 Accuracy verification of Compliance Activities – Progress Report Attachment 5 (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: Yes. Agrees with DNR internal records. 1 5 Were UNGS program files well-organized and accessible? - Progress Report Attachment 6 (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. Agrees with DNR records. All records are electronic. 2 6 Was employee listing and completed training accurate and complete? – Progress Report Attachment 7 (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: Agrees with DNR internal records. 1 7 Verification of Part 192 and 199 Rules and Amendments – Progress Report Attachment 8 (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points) Comments: Yes. Agrees with DNR records. 1 8 List of Planned Performance - Did State describe accomplishments on Progress Report in detail – Progress Report Attachment 10 (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: Yes. The report reflects the activities of the UNGS Program. 1 9 General Comments: Richard Ieyoub, Commissioner of Conservation, LA DNR, PO BOX 94275, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9275; Steven Giambrone, Prog Mngr; Patrick Gaume, Evaluator, Changed UNGS PROGRESS REPORT REVIEW score from ‘45 of 50’ to ‘50 of 50’; LADNR became a UNGS Partner in 2019 and adopted the UNGS Final Rule immediately, There was never a need to adopt the interim UNGS Rule. Advised LADNR to mark question 81 FR 91860 as ‘not applicable’ and provide a note that LADNR adopted the Final Rule when it joined the UNGS Program in 2019. No incidents were reported in UNGS for 2020. Part A scored 9 of 9 points. 9#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 3. B – PROGRAM INSPECTION PROCEDURES Does State Inspection Plan include procedures that address the following elements? (See Guidelines Section 5.1) 1 Does State have written inspection procedures? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. In electronic form that can be printed out at need. 2 Standard Inspections Do Standard Inspection procedures give guidance to State inspectors that insure consistency for inspections conducted by the State? The following elements should be addressed at a minimum. (Review of Procedures, Records, or Field Items to complete a PHMSA UNGS IA Question Set (RESERVOIR or CAVERN) – 2019.12.31) • Pre-Inspection Activities • Inspection Activities • Post Inspection Activities (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. See Part 4 ‘Inspection Prioritization and Procedures’, Section 2. Also section 3, 4, & 5. See Part 5 ‘Inspection Guidance’ for Pre, Conducting, and Post inspection activities. 3 Integrity Management Inspections • Do Integrity Management Inspection procedures give guidance to State inspectors that insure consistency for inspections conducted by the State? The following elements should be addressed at a minimum. (Integrity Testing and Maintenance: Observing Integrity Testing (Tubing, Casing, Cement), reservoir integrity monitoring, & FLIR Camera inspections.) • Pre-Inspection Activities • Inspection Activities Post Inspection Activities (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. See Part 4 ‘Inspection Prioritization and Procedures’, Section 2. Also section 3, 4, & 5. See Part 5 ‘Inspection Guidance’ for Pre, Conducting, and Post inspection activities. 2 2 2#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 44 Design, Testing, and Construction Inspections Do Design, Testing, and Construction Inspection procedures give guidance to State inspectors that insure consistency for Inspections conducted by the State? The following elements should be addressed at a minimum. (Review of procedures, records, and field activities to complete PHMSA UNGS IA Question Set (RESERVOIR or CAVERN CONSTRUCTION) – 2019.12.31. Inspection activities for well design, drilling and completion activities, well workover, reservoir maintenance/repair activities, and abandonment (Plugging and cementing), temporary abandonment, and restoration.) • Pre-Inspection Activities • Inspection Activities • Post Inspection Activities (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: Yes. See Part 4 ‘Inspection Prioritization and Procedures’, Section 2. Also section 3, 4, & 5. See Part 5 ‘Inspection Guidance’ for Pre, Conducting, and Post inspection activities. 1#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 55 Wellhead Inspections Do Wellhead Inspection procedures give guidance to State inspectors that insure consistency for Inspections conducted by the State? The following elements should be addressed at a minimum. • Pre-Inspection Activities • Inspection Activities • Post Inspection Activities (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: Yes. LA does not have a specific wellhead inspection. Wellhead inspections are covered during Standard Inspections. 1 6 Drug and Alcohol Inspections Do Drug and Alcohol Inspection procedures give guidance to State inspectors that insure consistency for Inspections conducted by the State? The following elements should be addressed at a minimum. (Using AI to complete the federal Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol program (Form 3.1.11). Includes time conducting joint inspections with other agencies for this type of inspection.) • Pre-Inspection Activities • Inspection Activities • Post Inspection Activities (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: Yes. See Part 4 ‘Inspection Prioritization and Procedures’, Section 2. Also section 3, 4, & 5. See Part 5 ‘Inspection Guidance’ for Pre, Conducting, and Post inspection activities. 1 7 Does inspection plan address inspection priorities of each inspection unit, based on the following elements? • Length of time since last inspection (Within five-year interval per inspection unit) • Operating history of operator/unit and/or location (includes leakage, incident, Integrity Testing, and compliance activities) • Type of activity being undertaken by operators in inspection units (i.e. construction) • Locations of operator’s inspection units being inspected - (Geographic area, Population Density, etc.) • Process to identify high-risk inspection units considering integrity threats Are inspection units broken down appropriately? (Yes= 5 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1-4 points) Comments: Yes. See Part 4, Section 3.4. also see ‘2021 UNGS Risk Ranking LA intra’ worksheet in the UNGS Program Procedures folder. 5 8 General Comments: Part B scored 14 of 14 points. 14#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 6C – PROGRAM PERFORMANCE 1 Was ratio of Total Inspection Person-Days to Total Person-Days acceptable? (Chapter 4.2) A = Total Inspection Person Days (Attachment 2) B = Total Inspection Person Days Charged to the program (220 x Number of Inspection person years from Attachment 7) Ratio = A/B If Ratio >= .38 then score = 5 points. If Ratio < .38 then score = 0 points. (Yes= 5 points, No= 0 Points) Comments: Yes. 14 inspection days, .08 inspector years, 14/(.08*220)=.795>.38 okay. 5 2 Has each Inspector and Program Manager fulfilled the TQ Training Requirements? (See Guidelines Appendix C for requirements and Chapter 4.3.1) (Yes= 5 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1-4) Comments: Yes, all personnel are in the 3-year initial time for training. All personnel have taken the courses or are scheduled. 5 3 Does State use the PHMSA Inspection Assistant (IA) program to document inspections? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. All UNGS work was done in IA for 2020 & 21. Re-discussed the feasibility of loading the 2019 work in IA if reasonable. Expectation is that it can be done. 2 4 Did records and discussions with Program Manager indicate adequate knowledge of PHMSA program and regulations? Chapter 4.1,8.1 (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. Steven has a professional level knowledge of PHMSA program and regulations. 2 5 Did State respond to PHMSA's Evaluation Letter within 60 days and correct or address any noted deficiencies? Chapter 8.1 (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes, the 2020 review had no deductions; no response was required. 2 6 Did State inspect all types of operators and inspection units in accordance with time intervals established in their written procedures? Chapter 5.1 (Yes= 5 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1-4 points) Comments: Yes. Initial inspections have been completed per LA UNGS procedures and are now generally on a 5-year cycle for comprehensive, D&A, IM, with yearly specialized, inspections planned. Construction activities will be inspected. 5 7 Did State Inspection form(s) cover all applicable code requirements addressed on Federal Inspection form(s)? Chapter 5.1 (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. IA was used for all UNGS work. 2 8 Did State complete all applicable portions of inspection forms? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. IA was used, appropriate modules were loaded, and were completed. 2 9 Has the State reviewed Operator Annual reports, along with Incident reports, for accuracy and analyzed data for trends and operator issues? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. IA was used, appropriate modules were loaded, and were completed. 2#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 710 11 12 13 14 15 16 Is the State verifying operators are conducting drug and alcohol tests required by regulations? This should include verifying positive tests are responded to in accordance with program. 49 CFR 199 (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI= 1 point) Comments: Yes. D&A is being handled by the Gas Program with UNGS participation. Observed that D&A inspections that are applicable to UNGS have been entered into IA. 2 Does the State have a mechanism for communicating with stakeholders regarding the inspection and enforcement program? (This should include making enforcement cases available to public). (Yes= 1 points, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: Yes. LA DNR has a user-friendly website, and generally sponsors an annual Pipeline Safety Seminar. LA DNR also responds to FOIA requests. 1 Did State execute appropriate follow-up actions to Safety Related Condition Reports (SRCR)? Chapter 6.3 (Yes= 1 points, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: NA. no UNGS SRC are on record. Procedures are in place. NA Did the State participate in/respond to surveys or information requests from PHMSA? (Yes= 1 points, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: Yes. LA DNR actively responds to PHMSA requests. 1 Did the State forward any potential waivers/special permits to PHMSA for review prior to issuing them to operators? (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: NA. No waivers have been received. NA If the State has issued any waivers/special permits for any operator, has the State verified conditions of those waivers/special permits are being met? This should include having the operator amend procedures where appropriate. (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: NA. No waivers have been received. NA General Comments: Part C scored 31 of 31 points. 3 questions were NA; #12, 13 & 14 31#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 8D – COMPLIANCE ACTIVITIES 1 Does the State have written procedures to identify steps to be taken from the discovery to resolution of a probable violation? Chapter 5.1 • Procedures to notify an operator (company officer) when a noncompliance is identified (60105 States) • Procedures to routinely review progress of compliance actions to prevent delays or breakdowns • Procedures regarding closing outstanding probable violations (Yes= 4 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1-3 points) Comments: Yes. See SOP Document 5 Post Inspection Process, and SOP Document 6 Procedures for Reviewing Inspections, Corrective Actions, and Follow-up. Also see LA Admin Code Part XI, Chapter 5, paragraph 501-511. 2 Did the State follow compliance procedures (from discovery to resolution) and adequately document all probable violations, including what resolution or further course of action is needed to gain compliance? Chapter 5.1 • Were compliance actions sent to company officer or manager/board member if municipal/government system (60105 States)? • Document probable violations • Resolve probable violations • Routinely review progress of probable violations (Yes= 4 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1-3 points) Comments: Yes, per SOP Document 5 Post Inspection Process, and SOP Document 6 Procedures for Reviewing Inspections, Corrective Actions, and Follow-up. Also see LA Admin Code Part XI, Chapter 5, paragraph 501-511. There was one new violation in 2021. One issue from 2019 was cleared. 3 Did State within 30 days of the end of an inspection conduct a post-inspection briefing with the owner or operator of the UNGS facility inspected outlining any concerns identified during the inspection? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. Per SOP Document 5, exit interviews are given on the last day of the inspection. 4 Did State within 90 days, to the extent practicable, provide the owner or operator with written preliminary findings of the inspection? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: YES. Per SOP Document 5, the operator can access the inspection as soon as it is finalized. Also see letter ‘How to access completed Inspections’ 5 Did the State issue compliance actions for all probable violations discovered (60105 States)? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. LA DNR has an excellent history of issuing compliance actions. One violation was found in UNGS for 2021, and the compliance action was issued in 2022. 6 Did compliance actions give reasonable due process to all parties? Including "show cause" hearing if necessary (60105 States). (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points) Comments: Yes, Per Part 5; Part 4, Section 4; and LAC Title 43, Part XI, Subpart 3, Chapter 5. 4 4 2 2 2 2#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 97 Is the Program Manager familiar with State process for imposing civil penalties (60105 States)? (describe any actions taken) (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. The Program Manager is very familiar with the State process for imposing civil penalties. 2 8 Were civil penalties considered for repeat violations, violations which can’t be corrected by other means, or violations resulting in incidents (60105 States)? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. No repeat violations or serious violations have been found. The process for civil penalties is well established in the Pipeline Program. 2 9 Can the State demonstrate it is using their enforcement fining authority for safety violations (60105 States)? (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI= .5 point) Comments: Yes. LA DNR has a long history of issuing fines. 1 10 General Comments: Part D scored 21 of 21 points 21#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 10E – INCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS 1 Does the State have written procedures to address State actions in the event of an incident? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. See SOP Part 4 and Part 7. 2 2 Does State have adequate mechanism to receive and respond to operator reports of incidents, including after-hours reports? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: Yes. See SOP Part 3. Tel no. 225.342.5505. 24 hr coverage. 2 3 Did the State keep adequate records of Incident notifications received? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 point) Comments: NA. Procedures are in place. No incidents in UNGS to date. NA 4 If onsite investigation was not made, did State obtain sufficient information from the operator and/or by other means to determine the facts to support the decision to not go on-site? Chapter 6 (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI= .5 point) Comments: NA. Procedures are in place. No incidents in UNGS to date. NA 5 Were all incidents investigated, thoroughly documented, and with conclusions and recommendations? • Observations and document review • Contributing Factors • Recommendations to prevent recurrences where appropriate (Yes= 3 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1-2 points) Comments: NA. Procedures are in place. No incidents in UNGS to date. NA 6 Did the State initiate compliance action for violations found during any incident investigation? (60106 States forward violations to PHMSA) (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points) Comments: NA. Procedures are in place. No incidents in UNGS to date. NA 7 Did the State assist the Region Office or Accident Investigation Division (AID) by taking appropriate follow-up actions related to the operator incident reports to ensure accuracy and final report has been received by PHMSA? (validate report data from operators concerning incidents and investigate discrepancies) Chapter 6 (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI= .5 point) Comments: NA. Procedures are in place. No incidents in UNGS to date. NA 8 Does State share lessons learned from incidents with PHMSA? (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points) Comments: Yes. During regional NAPSR Meeting. 1#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 119 General Comments: Part E scored 5 of 5 points. 5 questions were NA, #3, 4, 5, 6, & 7. 5#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 12F – DAMAGE PREVENTION 1 Did the State inspector verify UNGS operators are following their written procedures pertaining to notification of excavation, marking, positive response and the availability and use of the one call system? (API 1171 Section 11.10 Public Awareness and Damage Prevention) (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 Point) Comments: NA. All cavern facilities. Site security and access control in place at all Units. Damage Prevention not addressed for Caverns. 2 Did the State encourage and promote practices for reducing damages to all underground facilities to its regulated companies? (Common Ground Alliance Best Practices, support excavation damage prevention legislation, etc.) (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 Point) Comments: 3 General Comments: Part F scored 2 of 2 points. Question 1 was NA. NA 2 2#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 13G – FIELD INSPECTIONS 1 Operator, Inspector, Location, Date and PHMSA Representative Comments: NA. No Field Evaluation was performed due to scheduling problems. 2 Was the operator or operator's representative notified and/or given the opportunity to be present during inspection? (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points) Comments: NA. No Field Evaluation was performed due to scheduling problems. 3 Did the inspector use an appropriate inspection form/checklist and was the form/checklist used as a guide for the inspection? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 Point) Comments: NA. No Field Evaluation was performed due to scheduling problems. 4 Did the inspector thoroughly document results of the inspection? (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 Point) Comments: NA. No Field Evaluation was performed due to scheduling problems. 5 Did the inspector check to see if the operator had necessary equipment during inspection to conduct tasks viewed? (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points) Comments: NA. No Field Evaluation was performed due to scheduling problems. 6 Did the inspector adequately review the following during the field portion of the State Program Evaluation? • Procedures • Records • Field Activities/Facilities • Other (please comment) (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 Point) Comments: NA. No Field Evaluation was performed due to scheduling problems. 7 Did the inspector have adequate knowledge of the UNGS safety program and regulations? (Evaluator will document reasons if unacceptable) (Yes= 2 points, No= 0 Points, NI=1 Point) Comments: NA. No Field Evaluation was performed due to scheduling problems. 8 Did the inspector conduct an exit interview? (If inspection is not totally complete the interview should be based on areas covered during time of field evaluation) (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points) Comments: NA. No Field Evaluation was performed due to scheduling problems. NA NA NA NA NA NA NA#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 149 During the exit interview, did the inspector identify probable violations found during the inspections? (if applicable) (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points) Comments: NA. No Field Evaluation was performed due to scheduling problems. 10 General Comments: • What did the inspector observe in the field? (Narrative description of field observations and how inspector performed) • Best Practices to Share with Other States - (Field - could be from operator visited or State inspector practices) • Other Field Observation Areas Observed (check all that apply) NA. No Field Evaluation was performed due to scheduling problems. Part G scored 0 of 0 points. NA NA#
LA UNGS Program Evaluation, 2021, page 15H - 60106 AGREEMENT STATE (if applicable) 1 Did the State use the current federal inspection form(s)? (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: H1-7, NA, LA DNR is a 60105 Certification Partner. 2 Are results documented demonstrating inspection units were reviewed in accordance with State inspection plan? (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: H1-7, NA, LA DNR is a 60105 Certification Partner. 3 Were all probable violations identified by State referred to PHMSA for compliance action? (NOTE: PHMSA representative has discretion to delete question or adjust points, as appropriate, based on number of probable violations; any change requires written explanation.) (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: H1-7, NA, LA DNR is a 60105 Certification Partner. 4 Did the State immediately report to PHMSA conditions which may pose an imminent safety hazard to the public or to the environment? (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: H1-7, NA, LA DNR is a 60105 Certification Partner. 5 Did the State give written notice to PHMSA within 60 days of all probable violations found? (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: H1-7, NA, LA DNR is a 60105 Certification Partner. 6 Did the State initially submit adequate documentation to support compliance action by PHMSA on probable violations? (Yes= 1 point, No= 0 Points, NI=.5 point) Comments: H1-7, NA, LA DNR is a 60105 Certification Partner. 7 General Comments: H1-7, NA, LA DNR is a 60105 Certification Partner. NA NA NA NA NA NA NA#
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