Streamline Government Processes with Pipeline Integrity Management System for Government

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(Narrator) At NW Natural, safety is a top priority, a core value. Our job is not only to deliver natural gas reliably but also to make sure every aspect of our system from the gate station to the meter is operating safely. That's why we hold ourselves to the highest standards of design, construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair. In support of this commitment NW Natural has developed a System Integrity Program. So what is System Integrity? System Integrity isn't anything new to us. It's just a continuation of our pipeline safety efforts, both on a big scale and at the day-to-day level. We've started calling it System Integrity to incorporate two programs established by the federal government: the transmission and distribution integrity management programs. But to us, System Integrity has always been business as usual. (Grant Yoshihara, VP Utility Operations) The System Integrity program is all about managing safety and risk. To do this, we inspect, analyze and evaluate our system. When we identify potential problems, we assess the risk and the consequence of those problems. At that point we take action. And that action is to continuously improve our system and its reliability for the safety of our customers and the general public. (Narrator) We've already done a lot of things regulators are suggesting for other utilities. For example, we have replaced all of our cast-iron and bare steel pipes. All new pipelines are made of modern coated steel and polyethylene that are durable, resistant to corrosion and long lasting. We exceed federal regulations for inspecting and maintaining transmission pipelines. Our damage prevention program has substantially reduced third-party dig-ins. We have an effective quality assurance program. We've invested in technology to track changes in our system. Those are some of the big things, but what do we do every day to ensure system integrity? (Eddie Panit, Field Data Technician) I prevent damages by marking and locating the gas lines so that those working around them can avoid them while they're digging. (Darin Yost, Transmission Line Crew Leader) All of our gas lines are pressure tested before they're put into service. (Brooks Bamforth, Service Technician) When I go on a service call I inspect the customer's equipment and the facilities to make sure everything is functioning properly, safe and up to standards. (Debbie Hanners, Storekeeper) I make sure that materials are in stock and in good condition to protect them from damage. And make sure that field folks have the supplies that they need. (Jim Sweany, Leakage Inspector) I complete routine inspection surveys and help crews pinpoint leaks. (Don Patterson, Damage Prevention Specialist) I work with area contractors prior to projects beginning to make sure that they're aware of our gas lines and gas infrastructure in the area. I also investigate damages to make sure that the damages don't occur again. (Becca Heartwell, Geographical Information System Technician) I prepare construction sketches for our crews and I update our map so that everyone has access to current facilities information. (Jeremy Odam, Trainer) I'm a trainer so I help employees learn the safety standards and requirements of their jobs. I also help them learn to keep their eyes and ears open for anything that may signal a problem on our system. (Steve Kauffman, Field Data Technician) I oversee road construction to make sure contractors don't dig into any of our buried pipes. (Mike Jamison, Gas Supply Crew Leader) One of my jobs is to inspect and maintain pressure regulators so we all stay warm and cozy, even on the coldest days of the year. (Vornell Keanaaina, Construction Crew Leader) We all receive training and follow installation standards to ensure consistency and quality of workmanship across our entire system. (Narrator) NW Natural is proud to have one of the most reliable and modern systems in the country. Our employees receive extensive training in their jobs and they understand how each task is related to the larger charge of keeping the system as safe as possible. So when you hear us talk about System Integrity, know that we're talking about the safety of our employees, of our facilities and of our communities. Thanks for your confidence in NW Natural.