By the OGJ Editors
WASHINGTON, DC, Apr. 18 --The US Department of Transportation's Research and Special Programs Administration Apr. 17 said it plans a new $2.5 million research initiative to improve safety and security of the nation's gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. Under a Mar. 29 agency announcement, RSPA said it plans to identify research projects that will enhance the long-term integrity of the national pipeline infrastructure.
"As overseers of the nation's 2.1 million miles of pipelines, we hold the people's trust to ensure that vital energy resources will be supplied safely," said RSPA Administrator Ellen G. Engleman. "This effort will enable us to find innovative means to protect the pipeline infrastructure."
Since the terrorist attacks on the US on Sept. 11, 2001, RSPA and DOT's Office of Pipeline Safety have worked closely with industry, federal, state, and local agencies to enhance the security of the nation's pipelines, DOT said. The agency has issued security advisories when needed and has worked closely with the oil and gas industry to assess readiness to prepare for and respond to an attack. It also has improved its ability to communicate directly and rapidly with pipeline operators in emergencies.
The current announcement, involving damage prevention and leak detection technologies, is the first of three topic areas for pipeline research projects. Over the coming months, RSPA-OPS will be soliciting project papers for the remaining research areas of enhanced operations, controls, and monitoring and improved material performance, officials said.
Upcoming briefings
Research project papers submitted to DOT will be reviewed by a technical panel.
Full proposals will be solicited for projects demonstrating the most promise for improving pipeline safety and security, officials said. RSPA-OPS will award up to $500,000/project, for a total of $2.5 million.
RSPA-OPS will hold two briefings to provide additional information on the initiative, on Apr. 23 in Washington, DC, and Apr. 25 in Denver.
