Regulation Navigation Takeaways from “The Regulator’s View: National Enforcement Trends with NAPSR’s Chair” During the December 3rd Regulation Navigation webinar, Chris Taylor, ITS Vice President of Learning and Product, hosted a discussion with Alex Kirschling, National Chair of the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) and Director of the Bureau of Natural Gas Analysis & Safety for the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Kirschling provided a state regulator’s viewpoint on PHMSA’s stated enforcement priorities, as well as some of the long-range...

Operators want to prevent pipeline damage during excavation since it saves on repair time, reduces customer outages, and keeps everyone safe. In fact, line locating is one of the most important tasks at a time when safety and reduced emissions are front and center.   That challenge leads to a big question that we hear a lot: are internal employees or external contractors the best for the job?    We won’t take sides in this debate, but we will share what we’ve heard from clients and colleagues in the industry.   External Contractor Line Locating Advantages A contractor may be ideal for...