Inspectionhistorical
PHMSA ma-2021-gas-program-evaluation
2021 MA NG Program Evaluation - ma-2021-gas-program-evaluation (Massachusetts; Natural Gas State Program Evaluation)
Current as of source date Government source
RegulusPipeline researchRegulusPipeline researchPHMSA ma-2021-gas-program-evaluation
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 1Official PDF1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington DC 20590 U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation for MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES Document Legend PART: O -- Representative, Dates and Title Information A -- Progress Report and Program Documentation Review B -- Program Inspection Procedures C -- State Qualifications D -- Program Performance E -- Field Inspections F -- Damage prevention and Annual report analysis G -- Interstate Agent/Agreement States DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 1#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 22021 Gas State Program Evaluation -- CY 2021 Gas State Agency: Massachusetts Rating: Agency Status: Date of Visit: 05/17/2022 - 06/16/2022 Agency Representative: Richard Enright, Director Pipeline Safety Division PHMSA Representative: David Appelbaum Commission Chairman to whom follow up letter is to be sent: Name/Title: Matthew H. Nelson, Chairman Agency: Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities Address: One South Station City/State/Zip: Boston, MA 02110 60105(a): Yes 60106(a): No Interstate Agent: No INSTRUCTIONS: Complete this evaluation in accordance with the Evaluator Guidance for conducting state pipeline safety program evaluations. The evaluation should generally reflect state program performance during CY 2021 (not the status of performance at the time of the evaluation). A deficiency in any one part of a multiple-part question should be scored as “Needs Improvement.” Determine the answer to the question then select the appropriate point value. If a state receives less than the maximum points, include a brief explanation in the appropriate notes/comments section. If a question is not applicable to a state, select NA. Please ensure all responses are COMPLETE and ACCURATE, and they OBJECTIVELY reflect the state's program performance for the question being evaluated. Increasing emphasis is being placed on how the state pipeline safety programs conduct and execute their pipeline safety responsibilities (their performance). This evaluation, together with selected factors reported in the state's annual progress report attachments, provide the basis for determining the state's pipeline safety grant allocation. Scoring Summary PARTS Possible Points Points Scored A Progress Report and Program Documentation Review 0 0 B Program Inspection Procedures 15 15 C State Qualifications 10 10 D Program Performance 50 50 E Field Inspections 15 15 F Damage prevention and Annual report analysis 10 10 G Interstate Agent/Agreement States 0 0 TOTALS 100 100 State Rating................................................................................................................................................... 100.0 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 2#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 3PART A - Progress Report and Program Documentation Review Points(MAX) Score 1 Were the following Progress Report Items accurate? (*items not scored on progress Info Only Info Only report) Info Only = No Points a. Stats On Operators Data - Progress Report Attachment 1 b. State Inspection Activity Data - Progress Report Attachment 2 c. List of Operators Data - Progress Report Attachment 3* d. Incidents/Accidents Data - Progress Report Attachment 4* e. Stats of Compliance Actions Data - Progress Report Attachment 5* f. List of Records Kept Data - Progress Report Attachment 6 * g. Staff and TQ Training Data - Progress Report Attachment 7 h. Compliance with Federal Regulations Data - Progress Report Attachment 8 i. Performance and Damage Prevention Question Data - Progress Report Attachment 10* Evaluator Notes: a. Reviewed progress report with Pipeline Datamart. DPU is a 60105-certificated state and has total jurisdictional authority on all Intrastate natural gas and LNG systems. b. Inspection History list from Program Manager (PM) confirm inspection days for each type of inspection matched attachment 2. c. Compared operators listed in Attachment 3 to Pipeline Datamart (PDM). Information on operator names and ID numbers seems correct. d. Two incidents occurred in CY2021. A review of PDM confirm this information is correct. e. Information on attachment 5 involving carry-over compliance actions had minor discrepancies which were corrected during the evaluation. f. No issues. Records listed in previous year match current year filing. g. Attachment 7 appeared accurate. h. Attachment 8 no Issues, State has automatic adoption i. Attachment 10 appears appropriate and thorough. Total points scored for this section: 0 Total possible points for this section: 0 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 3#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 4PART B - Program Inspection Procedures Points(MAX) Score 1 Do written procedures address pre-inspection, inspection and post inspection activities 5 5 for each of the following inspection types: Chapter 5.1 Yes = 5 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-4 a. Standard Inspections, which include Drug/Alcohol, CRM and Public Awareness Effectiveness Inspections b. TIMP and DIMP Inspections (reviewing largest operator(s) plans annually) c. OQ Inspections d. Damage Prevention Inspections e. On-Site Operator Training f. Construction Inspections (annual efforts) g. LNG Inspections Evaluator Notes: The written inspection procedures are in the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities' (DPU) General Inspection, Enforcement & Incident Investigation Procedures Manual dated February 1, 2022. Sections 7.0 Inspection Responsibilities and Planning Requirements; Section 8.0 Annual Inspection Work plans; Section 9.0 Conducting Pipeline Inspections (9.21 contains the Pre-Inspection, Inspection and Post-Inspection elements) that meets the requirements of this question. 2 Do written procedures address inspection priorities of each operator, and if necessary 4 4 each unit, based on the following elements and time frames established in its procedures? Chapter 5.1 Yes = 4 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-3 a. Length of time since last inspection b. Operating history of operator/unit and/or location (includes leakage, incident and compliance activities) c. Type of activity being undertaken by operators (i.e. construction) d. Locations of operator's inspection units being inspected - (HCA's, Geographic area, Population Centers, etc.) e. Process to identify high-risk inspection units that includes all threats - (Excavation Damage, Corrosion, Natural Forces, Outside Forces, Material and Welds, Equipment, Operators and any Other Factors) f. Are inspection units broken down appropriately? Evaluator Notes: Inspection Procedures are covered in the MADPU's General Inspection, Enforcement & Incident Investigation Procedures Manual. The latest revision, Version 3.4 dated 2/1/2022, was reviewed. Section 7.6 covers the elements of length of time since last inspection, operating history, operator activities and operator inspection unit locations. Section 7.5 provides the maximum inspection intervals for operator and inspection types. Appendix A describes the risk assessment model utilized by the MADPU to identify high-risk inspection units. 3 (Compliance Procedures) Does the state have written procedures to identify steps to be 3 3 taken from the discovery to resolution of a probable violation? Chapter 5.1 Yes = 3 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-2 a. Procedures to notify an operator (company officer) when a noncompliance is identified b. Procedures to routinely review progress of compliance actions to prevent delays or breakdowns c. Procedures regarding closing outstanding probable violations Evaluator Notes: Yes. Section 10.0 of the Division's General Inspection Procedure manual provides process and procedures for enforcement of non-compliance. Previous year's observations noted a considerable amount of time was being spent on information requests to the operator following the inspection exit letter, which slowed down the process of driving compliance. It was clear that this process is getting better with the recent increase in staff and delegation of responsibilities. 4 (Incident/Accident Investigations) Does the state have written procedures to address state actions in the event of an incident/accident? Yes = 3 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-2 3 3 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 4#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 5a. Mechanism to receive, record, and respond to operator reports of incidents, including after-hours reports b. If onsite investigation was not made, do procedures require on-call staff to obtain sufficient information to determine the facts to support the decision not to go on-site. Evaluator Notes: Yes. Section 12.0 (Investigation of Incidents) of the DPU's General Inspection, Enforcement & Incident Investigation Procedures Manual provides the procedures along with Appendix "L" (Incident Investigation Form). 5 General Comments: Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: No apparent concerns with Part B. The MA DPU has robust procedures. Info Only Info Only Total points scored for this section: 15 Total possible points for this section: 15 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 5#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 6PART C - State Qualifications Points(MAX) Score 1 Has each inspector and program manager fulfilled training requirements? (See Guidelines Appendix C for requirements) Chapter 4.3 Yes = 5 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-4 a. Completion of Required OQ Training before conducting inspection as lead b. Completion of Required DIMP/IMP Training before conducting inspection as lead c. Completion of Required LNG Training before conducting inspection as lead d. Root Cause Training by at least one inspector/program manager e. Note any outside training completed f. Verify inspector has obtained minimum qualifications to lead any applicable standard inspection as the lead inspector (Reference State Guidelines Section 4.3.1) Evaluator Notes: Yes. All lead inspectors and Program Manager have met the requisite training requirements. 5 5 2 Did state records and discussions with state pipeline safety program manager indicate adequate knowledge of PHMSA program and regulations? Yes = 5 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-4 5 5 Evaluator Notes: At the time of inspection, Rick Enright completed three years in the PM position. He has extensive pipeline operator experience and demonstrated a solid knowledge of pipeline regulations and Program responsibilities. 3 General Comments: Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: No loss of points occurred in this section of the review. Info Only Info Only Total points scored for this section: 10 Total possible points for this section: 10 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 6#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 7PART D - Program Performance Points(MAX) Score 1 Did state inspect all types of operators and inspection units in accordance with time intervals established in written procedures? Chapter 5.1 Yes = 5 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-4 a. Standard (General Code Compliance) b. Public Awareness Effectiveness Reviews c. Drug and Alcohol d. Control Room Management e. Part 193 LNG Inspections f. Construction (did state achieve 20% of total inspection person-days?) g. OQ (see Question 3 for additional requirements) h. IMP/DIMP (see Question 4 for additional requirements) 5 5 Evaluator Notes: A selection of random operators, across all types, were evaluated for CY2021. All intervals appear to have been met. The MA DPU met the 20% construction inspection requirement. 2 Did inspection form(s) cover all applicable code requirements addressed on Federal Inspection form(s)? Did State complete all applicable portions of inspection forms? Chapter 5.1. Do inspection records indicate that adequate reviews of procedures, records and field activities, including notes and the appropriate level of inspection person-days for each inspection, were performed? Yes = 10 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-9 a. Standard (General Code Compliance) b. Public Awareness Effectiveness Reviews c. Drug and Alcohol d. Control Room Management e. Part 193 LNG Inspections f. Construction g. OQ (see Question 3 for additional requirements) h. IMP/DIMP (see Question 4 for additional requirements) 10 10 Evaluator Notes: The DPU uses an equivalent to the federal inspection forms for its inspections. Upon a review of randomly selected 2021 inspection files all applicable portions of the forms were completed appropriately. PHMSA recommends the DPU add to the inspection form an area to ensure verification that operators are using calibrated testing equipment. 3 Is state verifying monitoring (Protocol 9/Form15) of operators OQ programs? This 2 2 should include verification of any plan updates and that persons performing covered tasks (including contractors) are properly qualified and requalified at intervals established in the operator's plan. 49 CFR 192 Part N Yes = 2 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1 Evaluator Notes: The DPU spent 17 inspection person-days conducting OQ inspections. OQ plans were reviewed and field inspections conducted. 4 Is state verifying operator's integrity management Programs (IMP and DIMP)? This should include a review of plans, along with monitoring progress. In addition, the review should take in to account program review and updates of operator's plan(s). 49 CFR 192 Subparts O and P Yes = 2 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1 a. Are the implementation plans of the state's large/largest operators(s) being reviewed annually to ensure they are completing full cycle of the IMP process? b. Are states verifying with operators any plastic pipe and components that have shown a record of defects/leaks and mitigating those through DIMP plan? 2 2 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 7#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 8c. Are the states verifying operators are including low pressure distribution systems in their threat analysis? Evaluator Notes: Yes. all IM inspections are current. MDPU typically conducts reviews on a 3 yr re-inspection schedule, and has added a question to their records inspection form to ensure question (a.) is more easily demonstrated. Largest operators are reviewed annually for IMP process verification. 5 Did the state review the following (these items are NTSB recommendations to PHMSA 2 2 that have been deemed acceptable response based on PHMSA reviewing these items during the evaluation process): Chapter 5.1 Yes = 2 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1 a. Operator procedures for determining if exposed cast iron pipe was examined for evidence of graphitization and if necessary remedial action was taken; b. Operator procedures for surveillance of cast iron pipelines, including appropriate action resulting from tracking circumferential cracking failures, study of leakage history, or other unusual operating maintenance condition? (Note: See GPTC Appendix G-18 for guidance); c. Operator emergency response procedures for leaks caused by excavation damage near buildings and determine whether the procedures adequately address the possibility of multiple leaks and underground migration of gas into nearby buildings Refer to 4/12/01 letter from PHMSA in response to NTSB recommendation P-00-20 and P-00-21; d. Operator records of previous accidents and failures including reported third- party damage and leak response to ensure appropriate operator response as required by 192.617; e. Directional drilling/boring procedures of each pipeline operator or its contractor to determine if they include actions to protect their facilities from the dangers posed by drilling and other trench less technologies; f. Operator procedures for considering low pressure distribution systems in threat analysis? g. Operator compliance with state and federal regulations for regulators located inside buildings? Evaluator Notes: a. The MA-DPU utilized its Standard Comprehensive Cast Iron inspection form which addresses this requirement. Upon a review of randomly selected inspection reports, this requirement was reviewed during inspections. b. Operators are required to conduct "Winter Surveys, provide regular operator updates and submit quarterly leak and status reports to the MA-DPU. Data Analyst position reviews and monitor reports, identify trends and incorporate results into new risk model. c. From the database, there is Inspection Form Type: Standard Comprehensive Sub-Type: Operation and Maintenance. Upon a review of randomly selected inspection forms, this requirement was covered. d. Operators are to submit Incident analysis of accidents which are reviewed. Operators are also required to submit damage reports which are also reviewed and acted on when necessary. All gas operators are required to submit various leak reports detailing their activities. Results are factored into program's risk management analysis. e. DPU verifies that an operator has directional drilling/boring procedures as part of an overall review of the operator's written Operation and Maintenance Procedures. f. DPU covers this in their inspection forms, but will be amending their procedures manual as well. g. Upon a review of randomly selected inspection forms, this requirement was covered. 6 Did the State verify Operators took appropriate action regarding advisory bulletins issued since the last evaluation? (Advisory Bulletins Current Year) Yes = 1 No = 0 Needs Improvement = .5 Evaluator Notes: The advisory bulletins are discussed with the operator during the inspection and listed on the federal form. 1 1 7 (Compliance Activities) 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 Yes = 10 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-9 10 10 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 8#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 9a. Were compliance actions sent to company officer or manager/board member if municipal/government system? b. Were probable violations documented properly? c. Resolve probable violations d. Routinely review progress of probable violations e. Did state issue compliance actions for all probable violations discovered? f. Can state demonstrate fining authority for pipeline safety violations? g. Does Program Manager review, approve and monitor all compliance actions? (note: Program Manager or Senior Official should sign any NOPV or related enforcement action) h. Did state compliance actions give reasonable due process to all parties? Including "show cause" hearing, if necessary. i. Within 30 days, conduct a post-inspection briefing with the owner or operator outlining any concerns j. Within 90 days, to the extent practicable, provide the owner or operator with written preliminary findings of the inspection. (Incident investigations do not need to meet 30/90-day requirement) Evaluator Notes: The MA DPU has improved significantly in this area over the last few years. The compliance action process is comprehensive, thorough and effective. All aspects of this question exceeded expectations. 8 (Incident Investigations) Were all federally reportable incidents investigated, thoroughly documented, with conclusions and recommendations? Yes = 10 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-9 a. Does state have adequate mechanism to receive and respond to operator reports of incidents, including after-hours reports? b. Did state keep adequate records of Incident/Accident notifications received? c. If onsite investigation was not made, did the state obtain sufficient information from the operator and/or by means to determine the facts to support the decision not to go on site? d. Were onsite observations documented? e. Were contributing factors documented? f. Were recommendations to prevent recurrences, where appropriate, documented? g. Did state initiate compliance action for any violations found during any incident/accident investigation? h. Did state assist 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? i. Does state share any lessons learned from incidents/accidents? 10 10 Evaluator Notes: The two incidents in CY 2021 were investigated properly, and all aspects of this question were sufficiently satisfied. 9 Did state respond to Chairman's letter on previous evaluation within 60 days and correct or address any noted deficiencies? (If necessary) Chapter 8.1 Yes = 1 No = 0 Needs Improvement = .5 1 1 Evaluator Notes: Yes, Chairman Nelson's response letter to Zach Barrett was drafted on November 19, 2021. PHMSA's outbound letter was sent October 28, 2021, thus the State responded within the 60-day time requirement. 10 Did State conduct or participate in pipeline safety training session or seminar in Past 3 Years? Chapter 8.5 Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: Yes, the DPU participated in the pipeline safety seminar in October, 2016, October, 2018 and in 2021. Info Only Info Only DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 9#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 1011 Has state confirmed transmission operators have submitted information into NPMS Info Only Info Only database along with changes made after original submission? Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: Yes, DPU asks operators during inspections if they have submitted information into the NPMS database. A review of the of PDM was done and NPMS and AR data was consistent. 12 Does the state have a mechanism for communicating with stakeholders - other than state 1 1 pipeline safety seminar? (This should include making enforcement cases available to public). Yes = 1 No = 0 Needs Improvement = .5 Evaluator Notes: Pipeline safety information is posted on the DPU's web site. Information regarding Gas Safety, Jurisdictional Authority, Pipeline Safety regulations, Incident Reports, Enforcement Data, Dig Safe information, and "Enhancement Plans/Orders" detailing approved Cast Iron/Bare Steel Replacement plans. The Pipeline Safety Division Director also conducted meetings with pipeline operators to discuss issues and concerns. 13 Did state execute appropriate follow-up actions to Safety Related Condition (SRC) Reports? Chapter 6.7 Yes = 1 No = 0 Needs Improvement = .5 Evaluator Notes: No issues were found. 1 1 14 Was the State responsive to: Yes = 1 No = 0 Needs Improvement = .5 a. Surveys or information requests from NAPSR or PHMSA; and b. PHMSA Work Management system tasks? Evaluator Notes: No issues found with regard to these questions. 1 1 15 If the State has issued any waivers/special permits for any operator, has the state verified 1 1 conditions of those waivers/special permits are being met? This should include having the operator amend procedures where appropriate. Yes = 1 No = 0 Needs Improvement = .5 Evaluator Notes: The DPU has removed most of the legacy waivers last year and is down to just two, which must stay active for the time being. 16 Were pipeline program files well-organized and accessible? Info Only Info Only Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: Files were very well organized. Program manager (and staff) were able to provide all requested files electronically without delay. 17 Discussion with State on accuracy of inspection day information submitted into State Inspection Day Calculation Tool (SICT). Has the state updated SICT data? Yes = 3 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-2 3 3 Evaluator Notes: A review of the SICT program was discussed and reviewed with DPU staff. PM is well versed in the mechanics of the SICT. 18 Discussion on State Program Performance Metrics found on Stakeholder Communication site.\ http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/states.htm?nocache=4805 Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: DPU staff is well versed with performance metrics found in PDM. DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Info Only Info Only Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 10#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 1119 Did the state encourage and promote operator implementation of Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS), or API RP 1173? This holistic approach to improving pipeline safety includes the identification, prevention and remediation of safety hazards. Info Only = No Points a. https://pipelinesms.org/ b. Reference AGA recommendation to members May 20, 2019 Evaluator Notes: DPU has worked with operators to promote PSMS. Info Only Info Only 20 General Comments: Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: State is generally in compliance with Part D. Info Only Info Only Total points scored for this section: 50 Total possible points for this section: 50 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 11#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 12PART E - Field Inspections Points(MAX) Score 1 Operator, Inspector, Location, Date and PHMSA Representative (enter specifics into the comments box below) Info Only = No Points a. What type of inspection(s) did the state inspector conduct during the field portion of the state evaluation? (i.e. Standard, Construction, IMP, etc) b. When was the unit inspected last? c. Was pipeline operator or representative present during inspection? d. Effort should be made to observe newest state inspector with least experience Info Only Info Only Evaluator Notes: From May 17-19, 2022 Three separate inspections were done, and six DPU staff were observed. The first was a LNG inspection in Tewksbury on 17 May, led by Phil Denton and supported by two inspectors, James Birch and Kevin Callahan. The second inspection on May 18 was construction in Methuen, and led by Daniel Quartey. The third was a Master Meter assessment at the MIT campus in Cambridge, and led by William Downs and Justin Evans. 2 Did the inspector use an appropriate inspection form/checklist and was the form/checklist used as a guide for the inspection? (New regulations shall be incorporated) Yes = 2 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1 2 2 Evaluator Notes: Yes, all inspectors used an internal program for taking notes that was developed off of the relevant PHMSA forms. Two years ago, PHMSA encouraged the MDPU to keep a copy of the PHMSA form with each inspector to use as a guide during the inspection. Since then, inspectors keep the relevant PHMSA forms with them and use them as needed. 3 Did the inspector adequately review the following during the inspection 10 10 Yes = 10 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-9 a. Procedures (were the inspector's questions of the operator adequate to determine compliance?) b. Records (did the inspector adequately review trends and ask in-depth questions?) c. Field Activities/Facilities (did inspector ensure that procedures were being followed, including ensuring that properly calibrated equipment was used and OQ's were acceptable?) d. Other (please comment) e. Was the inspection of adequate length to properly perform the inspection? Evaluator Notes: All inspectors were very thorough in all aspects of these audits. They were observed asking multiple questions about the operator's records and recording their response on the inspection (notes) form. A sufficient records review was performed on all operators including the name of the person(s) performing the work and their OQ tasks. 4 From your observation did the inspector have adequate knowledge of the pipeline safety program and regulations? (Evaluator will document reasons if unacceptable) Yes = 2 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1 2 2 Evaluator Notes: All inspectors were very competent with the pipeline safety regulations and inspection protocols. They conducted the inspections in a professional manner. Additionally, they all asked excellent questions and insured the operator's records, procedures, and alike, reflected compliance with the pipeline safety regulations. 5 Did the inspector conduct an exit interview, including identifying probable violations? (If 1 1 inspection is not totally completed the interview should be based on areas covered during time of field evaluation) Yes = 1 No = 0 Needs Improvement = .5 Evaluator Notes: Inspectors provided exit interviews to the operator and sufficiently articulated areas of concern and/or recommendations for improvement. DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 12#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 136 Was inspection performed in a safe, positive, and constructive manner ? Info Only = No Points a. No unsafe acts should be performed during inspection by the state inspector b. What did the inspector observe in the field? (Narrative description of field observations and how inspector performed) c. Best Practices to Share with Other States - (Field - could be from operator visited or state inspector practices) d. Other Evaluator Notes: All aspects of the inspections observed were done safely. Info Only Info Only 7 General Comments: Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: MDPU appears to have done an excellent job preparing inspectors to competently inspect their operators. Info Only Info Only Total points scored for this section: 15 Total possible points for this section: 15 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 13#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 14PART F - Damage prevention and Annual report analysis Points(MAX) Score 1 Has the state reviewed Operator Annual reports, along with Incident/Accident reports, for accuracy and analyzed data for trends and operator issues. Yes = 2 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1 2 2 Evaluator Notes: Damage Prevention reviews the Operator Annual Reports and Damage Prevention Database, along with the Dig Safe Violation Reports to track trends. The Pipeline Safety Division ("Division") reviews the Operator Annual reports, along with Incident/Accident reports, for accuracy and analyzed data for trends and operator issues. Utilizing the data provided by all corresponding utility companies, both the Total Number of Excavation Damages by Apparent Root Cause and Total Excavation Tickets are calculated to produce the metrics for damages per thousand tickets. The Damage Prevention Program (Program") also receives Dig Safe Violation Report ("DSVR") submissions from both utility and excavator companies to report damages as they occur (within a 30 day reporting period). Training sessions are offered as requested or via consent order to review dig safe regulations and encourage the completed submission of DSVRs (photographs, conversations, witnesses, etc.). In addition, the Division implemented a DIMP team to study the Annual Reports per 49 CFR? 192.1007, in an effort to effectively work with utility companies to decrease overall incidents and promote safety. 2 Has the state verified that the operators analyze excavation damages for the purpose of 2 2 determining root causes and minimizing the possibility of a recurrence? (192.617) Has the state verified that the operators have appropriately identified excavators who have repeatedly violated one-call laws and damaged their facilities. Have the operators taken steps to mitigate that risks? (192.1007) Yes = 2 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1 Evaluator Notes: Yes, the Division verifies that the operators analyze excavation damages for the purpose of determining root causes and minimizing the possibility of a recurrence. The Division analyzes Adverse Offender Reports on a quarterly basis to determine excavators who have caused the highest percentage of damage. A year-end total is produced to determine repeat offenders. Operators file quarterly Dig Safe Locate Reports with the Department. The Damage Prevention Program also captures all relevant violation information in a main (categorized) database. The information on root cause is also listed on the State Damage Prevention website. Added screenshot of an Operator Quarterly Locate Report and an Adverse List. Operators send quarterly locate reports to the state that show root causes. Operators also send adverse action lists which show the excavators that have repeated violations. The Quarterly Locate Reports are collected to review trends on a quarterly basis. Also, the Adverse List is compared to the Damage Prevention Database to compare data and enhance training efforts, externally. 3 Has the state reviewed the operator's annual report pertaining to Part D - Excavation Damage? Yes = 4 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1-3 a. Is the information complete and accurate with root cause numbers? b. Has the state evaluated the causes for the damages listed under "One-Call Notification Practices Not Sufficient" (Part D.1.a.)? c. Has the state evaluated the causes for the damages listed under "Locating Practices Not Sufficient" (Part D.1.b)? For each operator, does the state review the following? d. Is the operator or its locating contractor(s) qualified and following written procedures for locating and marking facilities? e. Is the operator appropriately requalifying locators to address performance deficiencies? f. What is the number of damages resulting from mismarks? g. What is the number of damages resulting from not locating within time requirements (no-shows)? h. Is the operator appropriately addressing discovered mapping errors resulting in excavation damages? i. Are mapping corrections timely and according to written procedures? 4 4 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 14#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 15j. Has the state evaluated the causes for the damages listed under "Excavation Practices Not Sufficient" (Part D.1.c.)? Evaluator Notes: Yes. Program has an exceptional understanding on excavation safety in the State. The Damage Prevention Program verifies the root cause numbers reported against the data collected annually (internally). 4 Has the agency or another organization within the state collected data and evaluated trends on the number of pipeline damages per 1,000 locate requests? Yes = 2 No = 0 Needs Improvement = 1 a. What stakeholder group is causing the highest number of damages to the pipelines? Operator, contractor, locating company or public. b. Has the state verified the operator is appropriately focusing damage prevention education and training to stakeholders causing the most damages? c. Has the state evaluated which of the following best describes the reason for the excavation damages; i.e., operator or contractor not following written procedures, failure to maintain marks, failure to support exposed facilities, failure to use hand tools were required, failure to test-hole (pot hole), improper backfilling practices, failure to maintain clearance or insufficient excavation practices. d. Has the state verified the operator is appropriately focusing damage prevention education and training to address the causes of excavation damages? 2 2 Evaluator Notes: Program has collected sufficient data to understand causes of excavation damage. Massachusetts' 2021 damages per 1000 locates (1.5) was below the National Average of 2.4. State has been trending in the right direction) over the last several years, with a steady increase in the number of one-call tickets generated. 5 General Comments: Info Only Info Only Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: The MDPU Damage Prevention program is benchmark. Their collection, assessment and utilization of data is exceptional and will be used as a "best practice" for other states. Total points scored for this section: 10 Total possible points for this section: 10 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 15#
MA NG Program Evaluation, 2021, page 16PART G - Interstate Agent/Agreement States Points(MAX) Score 1 Were all inspections of interstate pipelines conducted using the Inspection Assistant program for documenting inspections? Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: N/A - The MADPU is not an interstate agent and does not have a 60106 agreement with PHMSA. Info Only Info Only 2 If inspections were conducted independent of a PHMSA team inspection was notice of all Info Only Info Only identified probable violations provided to PHMSA within 60 days? Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: N/A - The MADPU is not an interstate agent and does not have a 60106 agreement with PHMSA. 3 If inspections were conducted independent of a PHMSA team inspection was PHMSA immediately notified of conditions which may pose an immediate safety hazard to the public or environment? Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: N/A - The MADPU is not an interstate agent and does not have a 60106 agreement with PHMSA. Info Only Info Only 4 If inspections were conducted independent of a PHMSA team inspection did the state coordinate with PHMSA if inspections not were not included in the PHMSA Inspection Work Plan? Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: N/A - The MADPU is not an interstate agent and does not have a 60106 agreement with PHMSA. Info Only Info Only 5 Did the state take direction from and cooperate with PHMSA for all incident investigations conducted on interstate pipelines? Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: N/A - The MADPU is not an interstate agent and does not have a 60106 agreement with PHMSA. Info Only Info Only 6 General Comments: Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: N/A - The MADPU is not an interstate agent and does not have a 60106 agreement with PHMSA. Info Only Info Only Total points scored for this section: 0 Total possible points for this section: 0 DUNS: 084885826 2021 Gas State Program Evaluation Massachusetts MA DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, Page: 16#
This material provides agency context. It does not replace binding regulatory text, and its legal effect depends on the underlying authority and facts.