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PHMSA sd-2023-gas-program-evaluation
2023 SD NG Program Evaluation - sd-2023-gas-program-evaluation (South Dakota; Natural Gas State Program Evaluation)
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SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, page 1Official PDF1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington DC 20590 U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation for S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 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 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 1#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, page 22023 Gas State Program Evaluation -- CY 2023 Gas State Agency: South Dakota Rating: Agency Status: Date of Visit: 04/22/2024 - 04/26/2024 Agency Representative: Mary Zanter, Pipeline Safety Program Manager PHMSA Representative: Agustin Lopez, PHMSA State Liaison Commission Chairman to whom follow up letter is to be sent: Name/Title: Kristie Fiegen, Chairperson Agency: South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave. City/State/Zip: Pierre, SD 57501 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 2023 (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 TOTALS 100 100 State Rating................................................................................................................................................... 100.0 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 2#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, 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 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. Verified data with PDM and state files. b. Verified inspection days with state data and spreadsheets. c. Verified data with PDM. d. Reviewed incidents and compared with PDM. Some reports were non jurisdictional. e. Reviewed compliance action data in state files. f. Records are kept electronically. g. Verified training in TQ Blackboard. h. SDPUC has adopted all regulations. i. SDPUC included past and future planned performance goals and damage prevention initiatives. Info Only Info Only Total points scored for this section: 0 Total possible points for this section: 0 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 3#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, 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: Section 5 of the South Dakota Pipeline Safety Program manual includes procedures for each type of inspection type. Procedures describes each type of inspection to give guidance to inspectors. Section 4 includes Part B Pre-Inspection and Part D post inspection procedure outline activities conducted by the inspectors before an after each inspection. 2 Do written procedures address inspection priorities of each operator, and if necessary 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? 4 4 Evaluator Notes: Reviewed procedures which include Section 6 of the South Dakota Pipeline Safety Program manual includes metric risk factors to prioritize inspections. Risks include pre code pipe, corrosion leaks, number of services, HCA miles, excavation leaks, cast/bare pipe. All inspection types will be conducted at intervals not to exceed 5 years. 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: Section 4 of the South Dakota Pipeline Safety Program manual includes compliance procedures. Number 7 includes noncompliance resolution procedures which has steps to issue and track noncompliance actions. Procedures include to notify an operator company official as required in ARSD 20:10:37:07, (South Dakota Administrative Rules). Part E describes each type of violation and compliance action associated with the violations. 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 a. Mechanism to receive, record, and respond to operator reports of incidents, including after-hours reports 3 3 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 4#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, page 5b. 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: Section 7 of the South Dakota Pipeline Safety Program manual include incident investigation procedures. The procedure has a mechanism to receive notifications 24 hours a day. If onsite investigation is not conducted reasoning will be documented. Investigations include observations, contributing factors and recommendations to prevent recurrences. Part B describes the mechanism used for receiving incident notifications. 5 General Comments: Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: The SDPUC is mainly complying with Part B of the evaluation. Info Only Info Only Total points scored for this section: 15 Total possible points for this section: 15 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 5#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, page 6PART C - State Qualifications Points(MAX) Score 1 Has each inspector and program manager fulfilled training requirements? (See Guidelines 5 5 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: Verified training in TQ Blackboard and SD PUC records. Mary Zanter and Boice Hillmer are qualified to conduct all types of inspections and have both taken the Root Cause Training. 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 Evaluator Notes: Mary Zanter is very knowledgeable of the pipeline safety program and regulations 5 5 3 General Comments: Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: The SD PUC is mainly complying with Part C of the evaluation. Info Only Info Only Total points scored for this section: 10 Total possible points for this section: 10 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 6#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, 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: Reviewed inspection data and randomly selected inspection reports to verify inspection cycles are being met. No issues with meeting inspection intervals. 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: Reviewed randomly selected inspection reports to verify all forms have applicable code and for completeness. 3 Is state verifying monitoring (Protocol 9/Form15) of operators OQ programs? This 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: 2 2 Yes, the SDPUC conducts OQ program inspetions and Protocol 9 field verifications to assure operators are in compliance. 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? c. Are the states verifying operators are including low pressure distribution systems in their threat analysis? 2 2 Evaluator Notes: DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 7#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, page 8Yes, reviewed randomly selected IMP and DIMP inspection reports to verity plans are being reviewed for compliance. Have IMP question in the inspection forms to discuss IMP program and any changes or updates. 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. South Dakota no longer has any cast iron. b. South Dakota no longer has any cast iron c. There is a question on the O&M inspection form that discusses this topic. All operators address this in their O&M Manual. Question #192.615(a)(3) d. There is a question on the even year records inspection form that discusses this topic. The information was covered in 2022 and is being covered again in 2024. e. There is a question on the O&M inspection form that discusses this topic. All operators address this in their O&M manual. The question is in the damage prevention section. f. The last low pressure system was removed in 2019 in Rapid City by MDU. g. The code sections associated with inside meters are included in the O&M Manual inspection form. Code references include 192.353, 192.355, 192.357, 192.481, and 192.723. Also, during field inspections these code sections are also checked during meter set inspections. 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 1 1 Evaluator Notes: All advisory bulletins, NPRMs, and rule changes are communicated to the operators via email. Advisory bulletin information has been incorporated into the O&M inspections. 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 a. 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? 10 10 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 8#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, page 9f. 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: Reviewed randomly selected inspection reports with compliance actions to assure procedures are being followed. Compliance actions are being issued whenever probable violations are discovered during inspections. Post inspection exit interview is conducted to discuss findings and compliance letters are sent within 30 days. 8 (Incident Investigations) Were all federally reportable incidents investigated, thoroughly 10 10 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? Evaluator Notes: Reviewed incident investigations for compliance and response by the operator. Had issue with one operator due to their incident response. 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 Evaluator Notes: Yes, the SDPUC responded within the 60 day requirement. 1 1 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: ND hosted ND/SD joint seminar in October 2023. SD held virtual seminar in March 2024. Info Only Info Only 11 Has state confirmed transmission operators have submitted information into NPMS database along with changes made after original submission? Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: Question is included in records inspection form. Records Inspection Form, Section II, page 4 Info Only Info Only DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 9#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, page 1012 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: There is a group email set up that includes all of the operators. Information shared includes advisory bulletins, NPRMs, Rule makings, FAQs, manufacture recalls, interpretation letters, etc. 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 SRCR in 2023. 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: Completed most NAPSR surveys and always responded to WMS actions 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: Reviewed waiver information on website and the SDPUC fiels. The SDPUC will verify 2001 waiver issued to MDU to see if plastic pipe is still in use. Waiver 2003-01-07. 16 Were pipeline program files well-organized and accessible? Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: Yes files are organized. Info Only Info Only 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 Evaluator Notes: SICT is updated every year and there are no foreseeable issues. 3 3 18 Discussion on State Program Performance Metrics found on Stakeholder Communication Info Only Info Only site.\ http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/states.htm?nocache=4805 Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: Discussed Program Performance Metrics with SDPUC. There is a downward trend for damages per 1,000 tickets which is good. SDPUC is working with their operators to try to further reduce the damages. 19 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: DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation Info Only Info Only South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 10#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, page 11Email PSMS information to operators and discussion at past pipeline seminars. 20 General Comments: Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: The SDPUC is mainly complying with Part D of the evaluation. Info Only Info Only Total points scored for this section: 50 Total possible points for this section: 50 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 11#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, 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 Evaluator Notes: Mid America Energy Boice Hillmer, SDPUC Inspecstor Sioux Falls, SD April 24, 2024 Agustin Lopez, PHMSA Evaluator a. Records review inspections. b. Last inspecstion 2022 c. Yes pipeline representatives were present. d. Have not evaluated inspector in the past. Info Only Info Only 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 Evaluator Notes: Yes, Records Inspection Form was used during the inspection. 2 2 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: a. Reviewed specfici procedures. b. reviewed records for compliance. c. No field inspection was performed. d. No other inspection. e. Yes the inspection was adequate in length. 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: Yes, Boice Hillmer had knowledge of the pipeline safety program and regulations. 5 Did the inspector conduct an exit interview, including identifying probable violations? (If inspection is not totally completed the interview should be based on areas covered during time of field evaluation) 1 1 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 12#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, page 13Yes = 1 No = 0 Needs Improvement = .5 Evaluator Notes: Yes, the inspector concluded the inspection with an exit briefing with the operator. No probable violations were identified 6 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: Yes, the inspection was conducted in a safe, positive and constructive manner. Info Only Info Only 7 General Comments: Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: Boice Hillmer conducted a very thorough inspection to assure compliance with the regulations. Info Only Info Only Total points scored for this section: 15 Total possible points for this section: 15 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 13#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, 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: The SDPUC reviews Annual report data with operators for accuracy and trends. 2022 Annual Report Check List - Distribution and 2022 Annual Report Check List - Transmission as well as SD Pipeline Safety Program Performance Metrics documents reviews. 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: Mary Zanter has quarterly meetings with the larger operators who have the majority of damages. These meeting provide an opportunity to share strategies and information and provides Mary an opportunity to emphasize certain concerns and recent studies. 3 Has the state reviewed the operator's annual report pertaining to Part D - Excavation 4 4 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? j. Has the state evaluated the causes for the damages listed under "Excavation Practices Not Sufficient" (Part D.1.c.)? Evaluator Notes: Reviewed annual report review spreadsheets and check lists. SDPUC reviews the data and discusses with operatorts to find ways to reduce damages. Work with operators with most damages to identify issues. 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. 2 2 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 14#
SD NG Program Evaluation, 2023, page 15d. Has the state verified the operator is appropriately focusing damage prevention education and training to address the causes of excavation damages? Evaluator Notes: Have quarterly meetings regarding damage prevention with the operators seeing the most damages. Damages per 1,000 are gathered by one call and by state performance metrics. 5 General Comments: Info Only = No Points Evaluator Notes: The SDPUC is mainly complying with Part F of the evaluation. Info Only Info Only Total points scored for this section: 10 Total possible points for this section: 10 DUNS: 604570572 2023 Gas State Program Evaluation South Dakota S. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, Page: 15#
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