Industry and Asset Owners – Engaging at a Deeper Level

Abstract

Boring technology poses unique threats to gas transmission pipelines (GTPs), and GTPs have unique characteristics and risks which need to be understood. Ensuring we have appropriate engage between asset owners and industry is the key to keeping everyone safe, and maintain the standing of our relevant professions. Boring technology has the ability to traverse significant distances and has the potential to cause significant damage, and possible loss of containment and explosion. The case study of the Cleburne Texas pipeline explosion demonstrates the level of impact that is possible in a worst case scenario. This paper also examines an incident involving HDD damage to an APA pipeline in Victoria, including the underlying causes of not engaging with the pipeline operator, the subsequent actions required to check and repair the pipeline, and recovery of costs from the responsible party. This paper examines four levels of engagement between asset owners and industry, which progressively achieve greater benefit for both parties. Engagement at the most basic starts with the DBYD service, however an affected response for APA requires a further level of engagement with the asset owner to ensure works proceed safely. However, this process only works for those that are well informed, and hence APA seeks to engage through third party awareness sessions to ensure the basics are done correctly. However, the ideal level of engagement is deeper again, with industry and asset owners sharing information, and ongoing discussions to work together for mutual benefit.