Operating Section

Committee Project Reports for 2010

Updated: March 2010

CORROSION CONTROL (COR) - 2010

Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year

1. Transmission Pipeline Integrity

Implementation
Provide technical support as requested by OSRAC Effective Guidance Ongoing
** Lead Committee OSRAC
* Joint project with DTE

2. Distribution Integrity Mgt. Regulatory

Initiative Support distribution integrity management initiatives, including
Workshops Ongoing
** Lead committee: OSRAC (DIMSG) workshops
* Joint project with COR, DTE, DCM, & PM

3. ILI for Unpiggable pipelines Obtain vendor response to operator needs for evolving Technical Survey
2009/2010
*ILI Task Group technology for equipment to pig pipelines. Results

4. Data Management and Integration Survey of how operators are managing and integrating system Technical Survey
2009/2010
Survey for Direct Assessment data to address pipeline integrity. Results

Technical survey
5. Survey of coating at transition zone Survey of coating at transition zone. 2010
results

Types of remote monitoring and factors to consider to determine Technical survey

6. Remote monitoring of rectifiers 2010
the cost effectiveness. results/paper

Technical survey
7. Lightening protection What can be done to protect infrastructure from lightening strikes. 2010
results

CP + Coatings Task Group will develop a survey to study the Technical survey
8. Atmospheric corrosion survey 2010
atmospheric corrosion observed by operators. results

The Direct Assessment Task Group will develop a survey or

9. CDA white paper to review the CDA work that has been completed by White paper? 2010
operators.
Other Initiatives: Liaison between NACE and AGA; Best Practices Program Liaison; Support AGA Pipeline Integrity Management Conferences/Workshops;
Support Distribution Integrity Management Advocacy; 2009 Operations Conference Planning; Research Identification; Monitor Industry Research and
recommended practices for ECDA, ICDA and Stress Corrosion Cracking DA
DISTRIBUTION CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE (DC&M) – 2010
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year

Develop an industry white paper that shares practices for

1. Damage Prevention White Paper establishing a damage prevention partnership, emphasis on the White Paper May 2010
threat posed by sewer lines

Provide oversight and technical support for AGA’s Distribution (Ongoing Best
2. AGA Best Practices Program (continual)
Best Practices program Practices)

Sponsor a damage prevention track that shall contain

Operations
3. Damage Prevention Forum presentations addressing marking & locating, new technology, May 2010
Conference
and Common Ground Alliance initiatives.

Survey to determine what practices companies are following

4. Practices for Addressing Lines that Technical Survey
when their crew or contractor uncovers an unmarked line. 2010
have not been Marked Results
(Damage Prevention T.G.)

Survey to determine the effectiveness of API 1162 and 811.

5. Damage Prevention and Public Technical Survey
Also, what are companies doing to comply with 1162 in regards 2010
Awareness Survey Results
to damage prevention? (Damage Prevention T.G.)

Other Initiatives: DIMP, Resource for determining industry position for Common Ground Alliance best practices; Provide technical support to
OSRAC
DISTRIBUTION MEASUREMENT COMMITTEE (DMC) - 2010
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year
All four ANSI B109 standards are due for revision. DMC to review
the proposed draft changes by the ANSI B109 Committee and
1. Four ANSI B109 Standards Revision lend technical expertise. Standards Ongoing
 Road Map Sub-Task Group – Facilitate ANSI B109 approval
 2 psi Revision Sub-Task Group
2. Meter Selection Guidelines White Paper explaining criteria for meter selection White Paper 2010
End of Priorities for 2010
Collection of practices employed by member companies for the
3. Gas Metering Location Practices placement (location on the building/property) of residential White paper 2010
meters
Other Initiatives: Operations Conference Planning; Research Identification; Roundtable Discussions
2010 DISTRIBUTION & TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING (DTE) – REVISED APRIL 2010

Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year

Identification of
1. Distribution Integrity Regulatory Promote a simple, flexible, high-level regulatory approach
issues and
Initiative backed by development of consensus-based guidance, where
suggested Ongoing
** Lead committee: OSRAC (DIMSG) necessary to provide for verification of compliance. Coordinate
approach,
* Joint project with COR, DTE, DCM, & PM & leverage efforts with APGA.
workshops

2. Transmission Pipeline Integrity

Implementation Effective
Provide technical support as requested by OSRAC. Ongoing
** Lead Committee OSRAC Guidance
* Joint project with COR

Comprehensive survey on data collected by member

companies that supports DIMP compliance. Survey will focus
3. DIMP Data Survey on data currently collected, and how it is collected, stored and Round Table 2010
retained.

4. Engineering Guideline for Blasting

Review and incorporate ballot comments as necessary. Technical Note 2010
near Gas Pipelines

5. Intergenerational Transfer of Establish what knowledge to transfer to inexperienced 2010

Guidance
Knowledge engineers in the industry.

6. Revision of GEOP Series, Book D-1, Revised

Review and incorporate ballot comments as necessary. 2010
System Design document
Investigate the use of GPS to capture new installation
7. GPS to Capture New Installation information. The project will include a survey and use of GPS
Technical Note 2011
Information to capture new installation information.

As a result of several purging related incidents, committee to

review and revise sections of the document to further elaborate
8. Revision of Purging Principles and
the requirements for purging; precautions to be taken before, Manual 2011
Practice Manual
during and after purging; process of purging under different
circumstances; testing and monitoring procedures; etc.
DISTRIBUTION & TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING (DTE) – REVISED APRIL 2010

9. Revision of GEOP Series, Book T-1,

Request for Proposal for professional services to revise the
Transmission, Pipeline/Planning & Revised document 2011
document be sent to AGA DTE executive.
Economics

Create formalized process flow for how publications should be

10. Process Flow for AGA Publication routed for approval within DTE and potentially create a Guidance 2010
template for all AGA committees.

Review implementation of recommendations of GTI 2005

11. Installation of Plastic Pipes Under
study. AGA to approach PHMSA to solicit its support for Technical note TBD
Rail Roads and Highways
negotiations with AREA.

A compilation of questions and answers on issues of concerns

12. Open Forum prior to the committee meeting and follow up discussion during White paper Every year
the meeting.

Other Initiatives: Operations Conference Planning; Research Identification; Provide Technical Support to OSRAC
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (EMC) – 2010
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product Completion Year
1. “ Top Ten” potential environmental Determine the highest priority environmental risks or Guides priorities for Every Mtg/ Spring
risks management issues for gas utility member operations other EMC projects & Fall 2010

2. Operations Conference Planning Environmental Sessions at 2010 Ops Conference/ Plan for 2011 Conference Spring 2010/ Fall
Ops Conf Presentations 2011

Technical Note:
Provide technical guidance on federal environmental regulations
3. Update the environmental technical Outline of
affecting the natural gas industry to provide a basic framework for
notes – An Outline of Federal Environmental Update Annually
those unfamiliar with the regulatory process. Good training tool
Environmental Law Affecting Gas Regulations Fall 2010
and reference for new employees. Volunteers will review specific
Utilities Affecting Gas
sections and ratify updates at the Fall Committee Meeting.
Utilities
4. Environmental Computer Based
Training for New Employees Draft PowerPoint slide presentation based on the updated PowerPoint Slides
Outline of Federal Environmental Law for LDCs – Sell to member – Training Spring 2010
companies and others for a reasonable fee (non dues income) Publication

5. Other Initiatives: Research

Identification; Provide Technical R&D project
Support to ERAC (self explanatory) funding; AGA ongoing
comments
GAS CONTROL COMMITTEE (GCC) - 2010
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year

Other – Contact
Semi-annual compilation of AGA and non-AGA member company gas
1. AGA Gas Controllers Directory Information Ongoing
control center and gas control personnel contact information.
Reference Material

Work with API in preparing a Recommended Practice which describes a

API Recommended
2. API RP for alarm management framework for what would be an effective program to address Gas 2009/2010
Practice
Controller alarm management

3. Gas Controller Alarm Management

Management of various alarms monitored by gas control operations. White paper 2009/2010
Practices

4. Provide support for final rule on Work with OSRAC to plan a workshop to review the final rule on Control Workshop on final
2010
Control Room Management Room Management rule

Review the training programs implemented by gas controllers. Provide

5. Gas Controller Training White paper 2010
an overview of a training module developed by GTI.

Other Initiatives: Operations Conference Planning; Research Identification

NATURAL GAS SECURITY COMMITTEE (NGSC) – 2010

Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year

1. AGA/EEI Security Committee
Meeting/Conference (spring and fall,
Joint Effort with EEI)
The AGA and EEI security committees organize semi-annually the
Electric & Gas Security Conference with security-related presentations
Workshop 2010
of interest to both energy sectors. The security committee meetings are
held in conjunction with the Security Conference.

Regulatory
2. Regulatory & Legislative Security Monitoring and participating in reviews and activities of DHS, DOE,
DOT, FERC as they pertain to physical infrastructure security
Influence/ Ongoing
Initiatives
Proactive

Scheduled monthly calls (fourth Thursday of each month and more

3. Monthly Security Update Conference
Calls
frequently if conditions warrant) of the security committee to review
current industry activities related to security (physical and cyber
Audio conference Ongoing
infrastructure) and for intelligence report provided by DHS staff.

Monitors cyber security-related initiatives of Federal government with Regulatory

respect to impact on natural gas operations. Provides subject matter
4. Cyber Security Task Group Influence/ Ongoing
expertise and provides presentations at the semi-annual committee
meetings to educate committee members on cyber security activities. Proactive

Database of security-related skills of each member of the committee.

5. Membership Skills Database Update Provides a reference for other operators seeking knowledge on security- Database Ongoing
related functions

Other Initiatives: Research Identification; Monitoring SCADA System Recommendations: Improved Security – Critical Infrastructure
Protection; Monitor Threat Alert
PLASTIC MATERIALS COMMITTEE (PMC) – 2010
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year
1. Distribution Integrity Regulatory
Promote a simple, flexible, high-level regulatory approach backed by Identification of
Initiative
development of consensus-based guidance, where necessary to provide issues and suggested Ongoing
** Lead committee: OSRAC (DIMSG) for verification of compliance. Coordinate & leverage efforts with APGA. approach, workshops
* Joint project with COR, DTE, DCM
Database listing known couplings used in distribution piping systems Database available
2. Coupling Catalog 2010
on AGA website

Coordinate requests for special permits and assist with technical Technical information
information for change from 0.32 design factor to 0.4 design factor in the to support AGA
3. Increased Design Factor (IDF) 2010
regulations. Petition letter to DOT
for a rule change

Develop a “LIbrary of Strategies for Plastic Pipe”. Components of the Technical notes and
toolbox would include but not be limited to: ultrasonic inspection for PE papers, white papers Ongoing additions to
4. Plastic Pipe Integrity Library joints, LDIW Aldyl A pipe strategies, rate process method to determine and guide material Library on AGA
useful lifetime of certain PE systems, keyhole technologies for made available on website
examining PE pipe, and identification of PE pipe. AGA website

Provide testing guidance to utility members on UV exposure limits to

Technical note or
5. UV Exposure Limits medium density and high density plastic pipe consistent with and based 2010
white paper
on 2009 revision to ASTM D2513

6. Provide support for initiative to have

CFR 49 Part 19 reference latest To provide technical support and coordinate with OSRAC to request Technical information
edition of ASTM D2513, Standard DOT to reference latest editions of ASTM D2513 in CFR 49 Part 192, to support OSRAC 2010
Specification for Thermoplastic Gas Minimum Federal Pipeline Safety Standards petition
Pressure Pipe, Tubing and Fittings
End of Priorities for 2010
To provide guidance to utility members on what the RCP test data
7. Rapid Crack Propagation (RCP)
means and how to use the results in the design and operation of their White Paper 2010
Requirement gas systems.

8. Reinforced Thermoplastic pipe (RTP) Co-ordinate introduction of RTP piping materials for gas piping
White Paper 2010
Systems applications up to 800 PSIG

Other Initiatives: Operations Conference Planning; Research Identification; PPDC Advisory Committee – Overview and Implementation of
Data Collection
SAFETY & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH (S&OH) – 2010
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year
Publish technical note which contains annual safety statistics for the
1. Annual Injury and Illness Safety natural gas industry and cause category information on injuries suffered
by employees. Provide enhancements to the data reporting guidelines
Technical Note Ongoing
Statistics Report
issued by AGA.

2. Administer AGA’s Safety

Provide oversight to the criteria used to determine Safety Achievement
Achievement Awards and Safety Awards Ongoing
Award recipients. Select recipient of AGA Meritorious Award.
Meritorious Award

Provide support to AGA in executing the the Executive Safety

3. Support AGA Safety Summit Leadership Summit (facilitating roundtables, guidance on guest Safety Summit Ongoing
presenters, etc.)

Publish white paper on what should be included in the content of a

4. Material Safety Data Sheets utility’s MSDS (material safety data sheet) and any considerations which White paper 2011
should be made to address odor fade. (joint with UCFS)

Sponsor two audio conferences that address a safety management topic

5. Audio conference for safety topics Audio conferences 2010
for AGA full members
SUPPLEMENTAL GAS COMMITTEE (SGC) – 2010

Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year

Provide input on Control Room Management final rule Regulatory

1. Control Room Management Final Rule
implementation with respect to the impact on LNG or propane-air Influence/Federal 2010
Implementation
facilities. Rule

2. NFPA 59A and NFPA 59A Standards Through the established NFPA 59A Standards Task Force (STF),
Revision the SGC will continue to provide input to the development of Publication/Standar
NFPA 59A – Standard for the Production, revised editions of the NFPA 59A Standard. The NFPA 59A STF d/Regulatory 2010
Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural will respond to prepare comments based on based on consensus Influence
Gas of SGC Members.

Through the established NFPA 59 Standards Task Force (STF),

NFPA 59 – LPG Code & Standard for the SGC will continue to provide input to the development of Publication/Standar
Storage & Handling of LPG at Utility Gas revised editions of the NFPA 59 Standard. The NFPA 59A STF d/Regulatory 2010
Plants will respond to prepare comments based on consensus of SGC Influence
Members.

A tool that utilizes the LNG Best Practices data on maintenance

practices & the AGA LNG Preventative Maintenance Guide
Publication. A sub-committee within the SGC members will
develop the evaluation tool (spreadsheet) that may be used by
members operating LNG facilities. The tool will aid in evaluating Publication –
3. LNG Facility Integrity Guide 2011
current facility condition & plan replacement or upgrades as Spreadsheet
necessary for continued operation. This will aid the LNG industry
in ensuring safe & reliable operation of the aging fleet of LNG
Peak Shaving Facilities that were primarily constructed during the
1970’s.

LNG and LPG Publications task groups have been established to

update existing AGA publications. The task groups will revise the
4. Publications Revisions Publication 2011
existing publications to reflect the most up-to-date information,
resources and technology pertaining to LNG and LPG.
 SGC will host by annual conference call /web meeting for
operators to review the results of recent inspections by FERC Twice per year
5. LNG Regulatory Inspection Review
and/ or PHMSA. The purpose is to disseminate results and Conference Call / Ongoing
Sessions
concerns of emerging inspection issues and resolutions to Web Meeting
improve safety and compliance of the LNG industry

To include benchmarking on propane-air plants, name of

program was changed in Fall 2008 to Supplemental Gas Best
Practices Benchmarking. SGC members participating in the
6. Supplemental Gas Best Practices
Supplemental Gas benchmarking will support the development of Roundtable Annual - 2010
Benchmarking
surveys/reports, which will provide all benchmarking participating
company’s valuable information to aid in the successful operation
& maintenance of LNG and propane-air facilities.

Through research and surveys, the SGC will update the list of LPG 2010, LNG
7. Supplemental Gas Plant Survey Updates U.S. LNG and Propane-Air peak shaving facilities on a periodic Technical note 2011 (every 2
basis. years)

The SGC continues to monitor developments in gas quality

Technology
studies through membership in various ad-hoc committees
8. Gas Quality Impacts on LNG Facilities Transfer/ Member Ongoing
created to study the effects on gas quality on natural gas pipeline
Education
systems.

Other Initiatives: Ongoing Regulatory Issues; Operations Conference Planning; Research Identification; Lessons-Learned Audio Conferences
TRANSMISSION MEASUREMENT COMMITTEE (TMC) - 2010
Projects
1. Technical Note / Manual on Gas Quality
2. Revision of AGA Report No. 3, Part 1,
Orifice Metering of Natural Gas and Other
Related Hydrocarbon Fluids – General
Equations and Uncertainty Guideline.
3. AGA Report No. 6, Field Proving of Gas
Meters Using Transfer Methods, for large
volume flows. Combine Parts 3 & 4 of old
version to develop one revised report as titled
above.
4. Revision of AGA 8, Compressibility
Factors of Natural Gas and Other Related
Hydrocarbon Gases.
5. Revision of API 21.1, Flow Measurement
Using Electronic Metering Systems –
Electronic Gas Measurement.
Estimated
Description Final Product
Completion Year
The technical issues related to gas quality management are not
clearly understood by many. The need for a manual explaining the
important aspects of gas quality on operational issues in
Manual 2010
distribution and transmission systems and end-use applications
has become necessary, particularly because of new sources of
supplies, such as biogas, coal bed methane, shale gas, LNG, etc.
The revised draft version of part 1, as proposed by API, was
balloted in August 2008. A second round of ballot was issued in
September 2009. AGA submitted comments and voted negative
Publication/
based on feedback from several member companies. The 2010
Standard
resolution of comments from the second round of balloting is
expected to be resolved in 2010 and, hopefully, the final version
will be published in mid or late 2010.
Meter proving is an extremely important element in meter
accuracy. It is overdue for revision of old 1975 version of AGA 6 to Publication/
2010
include improved designs, methods and parameters for field Standard
proving of meters.
A research work, known as GERG 2004, established a new
equation of state (EOS) for calculation of multiple thermodynamic
properties, including compressibility factors, hydrocarbon dew
point, etc. The US government, through NIST, provided support for
Publication/
this project. TMC, with the help of a NIST scientist, is working to 2011
Standard
determine the limits of various components in natural gas within
which AGA 8 can be used given the desired uncertainty limits. For
gas compositions outside those limits, recommendation for use of
GERG 2004 equation be made based on desired uncertainties. .
TMC followed the revision of this document and submitted
substantive comments to API. The document is expected to be Publication/
2010
sent out for COGFM ballot early 2010. TMC will review, submit Standard
comments and vote.
TRANSMISSION MEASUREMENT COMMITTEE (TMC) – 2010 Continued

Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year

As a result of retirement of experienced measurement

6. Development of curricula for training of personnel, an industry-wide shortage of trained measurement Publication/
2010
measurement personnel personnel is expected. This document will help companies to Training curricula
plan training of their measurement personnel.

7. Revision of AGA Report No. 11, As a result of some improvements in the Coriolis meter
Publication/
Measurement of Natural Gas by Coriolis technology, it has become necessary to revise this report that 2010
Standard
Meter. was published in 2003.

Any change in equation in Part 1 will affect Part 3. After

8. Revision of AGA Report No. 3, Part 3,
addressing the necessary changes in Part 3 and fixing the errata Publication/
Orifice Metering of Natural Gas and
in the current version, the document is expected to balloted by Standard 2011
Other Related Hydrocarbon Fluids –
early 2010. AGA/TMC will review the changes and return the
Natural Gas Applications.
ballot as appropriate.

9. Revision of AGA Report No. 3, Part 4,

Any change in equation in Part 1 will also affect Part 4. TMC will
Orifice Metering of Natural Gas and Publication/
get involved in reviewing the proposed revision and providing 2012
Other Related Hydrocarbon Fluids – Standard
comments
Background, Development, Etc.

10. AGA Gas Measurement Manuals;

TMC has decided at the 2009 fall meeting to take up revision
Continuation of Manual Revisions to
work of two gas measurement manuals out of 15. At the 2010 Publication/
Cover Latest Technologies (Coordinating 2011
winter meeting they will decide which two manuals to take up for Manual
with the Distribution Measurement
revision.
Committee on some of the manuals)

Other Initiatives: Operations Conference Planning; Research Identification; Liaison with API, ASME, ASTM, GPA, ISO, NIST & OIMIL
UNDERGROUND STORAGE COMMITTEE (USC) –2010
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year

Facility tour hosted by a committee member. Includes review of site-

1. Underground Storage Facility Tour; Fall Tour, spring
specific operational challenges and best practices. Storage operators 2010
Storage Operators’ Workshop workshop likely in spring 2010
workshop

Monitor and participate in reviews and activities of Congress, DOT,

2. Regulatory & Legislative Storage
Initiatives in regard to underground
gas storage
FERC, etc as they pertain to reliability, integrity and availability of
underground storage: specifically DHS-CFATS, CO2 exemptions from or Regulatory influence/
Ongoing
relaxations to EPA-UIC program rules; also, storage well regulation Proactive
initiatives at a federal level especially as regards nationwide integrity
monitoring and management standards

3. Chemical and Physical Impacts of

CO2 in Underground Storage;
Feasibility of Base Gas Replacement
with CO2; Position Paper on CO2 in
Underground Gas Storage
Survey of storage operator views of feasibility of base gas replacements
in existing storage; position paper; possible workshop of presentations
Survey 2010
on the issues involved with mixing of CO2 in underground natural gas
storage operations

Survey of monitoring and maintenance practices to reduce internal

4. Internal corrosion in storage field
corrosion occurrence and survey of occurrences and causes of corrosion Survey 2010
gathering pipelines or failure events

5. Update of Well Casing Integrity

Update a 2002 survey and white paper of storage operator toolkit of Survey, White Paper
Monitoring and Maintenance 2010
casing integrity monitoring, maintenance, and repair update
Practices

Other Initiatives: Update Triennial Underground Storage Statistics Survey and E-Publication (2010); Gas Quality Issues beyond CO2 (H2s,
BTU, Mercaptans, etc.)
UTILITY CUSTOMER FIELD SERVICE COMMITTEE (UCFS) – 2010
Projects
1. MSDS / Odor Fade White Paper
(joint with SOH Committee)
2. Odor Fade
(Byron Elkins, David McCarthy and
Dave Baxter)
3. Outlet Valves at Meter Set
Assemblies and their Use
(Jim Selman and Tom Route)
4. DIMP Implications at
Meter/Premise
(Bill Wells, Lance Rainge and Jim
Griffin)
5. Emergency Order Handling at Call
Center (scripting and prioritization)
(Mike Ramsey, Hal Higgins and
Andrea Scott)
6. PPE Requirements for Service
Techs While on Customer Premises
(Inside and Outside)
(Lance Rainge, Bill Wells, Paul
Puckett and David McCarthy)
Other Initiatives: Roundtable Discussions; Operations Conference Planning; Research Identification; Lessons-Learned Audio conferences
Estimated
Description Final Product
Completion Year
Publish white paper on what should be included in the content
of a utility’s MSDS (material safety data sheet) and any White Paper 2010
considerations which should be made to address odor fade.
This research will examine the causes and repercussions of
odorant fade in customer piping and houselines, and make
Technical Note 2010
recommendations as to what utilities can do to ensure odorized
delivery and the safety of their customers and employees.
This survey will gauge which companies are installing valves at
the outlet of the meter, operating practices that influence the
Survey 2010
installation of such valves, and the potential benefits or
drawbacks associated with the valve installation.
As DIMP comes closer to being a reality, this technical note will
examine the impact the regulation will have on field service
Technical Note 2010
activities and what, if any, potential changes in the way we
conduct business may need to occur.
This survey will assess how member companies prioritize
emergency calls both before and during the dispatch process in Survey 2010
attaining efficient and timely response.
This technical note will examine what field service employees
are required to wear in regards to personal protective
Technical Note 2010
equipment while on various types of calls and the rationale for
these requirements.
BUILDING ENERGY CODES & STANDARDS COMMITTEE (BECS) - 2010
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year

Help ensure that proposed minimum efficiency standards are technically

feasible, economically justified, and do not negatively impact the
1. Federal Appliance and Equipment Acceptable federal
competitiveness of natural gas. Participate in workshops, public hearing, Ongoing
Efficiency Standards regulations
public comment solicitations, and other DOE sponsored activities to
advocate natural gas industry interests.

Retain AGA
ANSI Secretariat responsibilities and integration with ICC and IAPMO
2. National Fuel Gas Code (NFGC) accreditation of Ongoing
model codes.
NFGC

Annual process addressing proposed modifications; several state Coordinated model

3. International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) initiatives active for adoption as state gas code; participation through code provisions with Ongoing
staff involvement and AGA selected committee members. the NFGC.

Continue participation in ASHRAE standards review, committee

memberships, national meetings, and federal adoptions processes for Acceptable ASHRAE
4. ASHRAE Standards Ongoing
ASHRAE standards, including Standards 90.1, 90.2, 62.1, 62.2, 189 and Standards
various equipment and other standards.

Participate in development and revision of products standards, national

and state policies on installation, and review of response protocols.
5. CO Alarm Standards and Avoidance of burdensome requirements on installation and use of Acceptable CO
Ongoing
Performance natural gas equipment; avoidance of burdensome response policies; certification standard
reduce risks of negative consumer attitudes toward natural gas
appliances and gas use.

Increased market penetration of natural gas in manufactured housing

through reduced manufacturing costs associated with gas equipment. Acceptable HUD
6. Manufactured Housing Ongoing
New federal legislation affecting development of HUD code to be code provisions
implemented; Seeking representation on key oversight committees.
BUILDING ENERGY CODES & STANDARDS COMMITTEE (BECS) – 2010 - continued
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year

Retain market for atmospherically vented equipment. Update the Acceptable code
7. Venting Guidelines technical basis and revisions to venting tables in model codes. provisions
Ongoing

Develop and present technical background defining issues of gas

Data and information
interchangeability, outlining technical requirements, identifying potential
8. Gas Interchangeability Impacts on supporting safe and
consensus positions on requirements for the membership for maintaining Ongoing
End Use efficient tariff and
safe and efficient operation of end use equipment while maximizing gas
other specifications.
supply options.

9. International Energy Conservation Participate in IECC hearings and proposals to avoid burdensome and Acceptable Code
Ongoing
Code (IECC) unduly restrictive provisions for gas installation. provisions

Retain market in natural gas cooking processes by ensuring that model Acceptable code
10. Commercial Kitchen Exhaust code provisions do not discriminate against natural gas cooking. provisions
Ongoing

Participate in development and revision of products standards under the Acceptable product
11. Gas Appliance Standards Ongoing
ANSI approved Z21/Z83 Committee. standard.

Advocate conventional venting technical background and new research

Acceptable code
12. Venting Performance findings to neutralize unjustified restrictions on installation and use of Ongoing
provisions.
atmospheric draft and other conventional gas equipment.

13. Tankless Water Heater Evaluations Develop and support potential code proposals for tankless water heaters Mode code
Ongoing
for Performance, Sizing, etc. including performance, sizing etc. provisions
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY ACTION COMMITTEE (ERAC) - 2010
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year
1. Climate Change Legislation & Federal, state &
Regulation: Ensure that federal, state regional climate
File comments, meet with officials, and advocate for AGA Board-approved
programs compatible
and regional climate change initiatives position and strategy.
with member
2010
and regulations are compatible with interests; workable
member interests. GHG registries

2. PCB Rule: Persuade EPA to propose Final Rule revising 40

Draft desired rule changes, meet with EPA officials, respond to EPA CFR Part 761 to work
new guidance and/or rule revisions that
information requests, refine proposal and submit to EPA; evaluate EPA better for gas utilities 2014
work better for LDCs; prevent proposals and file comments. & prevent / mitigate
unworkable EPA decisions. burdensome
proposals.
4. Air Regulations: monitor air regulatory
proceedings and file comments as
Meet with EPA officials; file comments. Workable Final Rules 2011
appropriate to seek more workable
provisions for gas utility operations
6. Oil Spill SPCC: Obtain more regulatory
relief for gas utility operations in EPA’s Final Rule and/or
reconsideration of “loose ends” SPCC guidance and/or
Rule; persuade new EPA and DOT Jurisdiction
Meet with EPA officials; file comments 2010
PHMSA leadership to enter into new Agreement providing
agreement clarifying scope of LDC more relief for gas
equipment that is NOT subject to EPA utility operations
SPCC jurisdiction.
3. MGP & Utility Waste: If AGA Board
decides to continue membership in
USWAG (budget decision), then e.g. Final Rule
continue to represent gas utility exempting PCB
interests in EPA proceedings working File AGA comments and/or provide input for USWAG comments on EPA waste from RCRA;
2010 and ongoing
through AGA membership in USWAG. proposed waste regulations. Final Rule allowing
Otherwise discontinue involvement centralized utility
in MGP and waste advocacy, and waste management
encourage gas only LDCs to join
USWAG.
OPERATIONS SAFETY REGULATORY ACTION COMMITTEE (OSRAC) – 2010
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year
Indentify industry positions for reauthorization demonstrating proactive
industry performance which needs minimal legislative action.
Reasonable
1. Pipeline Safety Reauthorization - Develop wish list 2010
legislation
- Funding issues

Analyze and document industry safety performance. Work with DOT to

agree upon effectiveness & safety data collection for performance
Board report and
2. Infrastructure Safety metrics.
reasonable 2010
Communications - DOT database review
guidelines
- CGA data review

Advocate a simple, flexible, high-level regulatory approach backed by

2. Distribution Integrity Management
** Lead committee: OSRAC (DIMSG)
* Joint project with COR, DTE, DCM, and
PM
development of consensus-based guidance, where necessary to provide
for verification of compliance. Coordinate & leverage efforts with APGA.
Acceptable final rule
- Leak management reporting
and industry 2010
- Inside and outside atmospheric corrosion and leakage surveys
guidance
- GPTC guidance
- High volume EFVs

Continue educating AGA members on the transmission integrity rule;

3. Pipeline Integrity Implementation
Lead Committee: OSRAC
Joint with COR, DTE
gather data to make case for no reassessment overlap. Promote member
active participation in standards development or revision.
- Casing inspection guidance Effective guidance Ongoing
- API 5L and 1104 implementation
- Low stress pipe baseline and reassessment

Provide support to the Excavation damage Prevention Initiative (EDPI), on

best practices, education and damage data collection. Best practices and
. Excavation Damage Prevention - Federal enforcement guidance Ongoing
- PIPA

Proactive effort to develop regulation mandated by the PIPES Act Acceptable final rule
5. Gas Control Regulation
- Final rule and reasonable 2010
Joint: Gas Control - API recommended practice and AGA guidance. guidance
OPERATIONS SAFETY REGULATORY ACTION COMMITTEE (OSRAC) – 2010
Estimated
Projects Description Final Product
Completion Year
Continue providing support to the Plastic Pipe Database Committee
through the collection of data and semi-annual review meetings. Support
petitions for use of advanced plastic pipe.
Database that is
6. Plastic Pipe Data Collection & - Increased design factor petition
reliable & adoption Ongoing
Advanced Plastic Pipe - Updated ASTM standards
of new materials
- PPDC enhancements
- Coupling catalogue and performance guidance

Continue to provide comments to proposed rules and other regulatory

initiatives that have the potential to impact safety and operations. (DOT,
OSHA, etc.)
- Incident report revisions Acceptable
7. Regulatory comments - One rule regulations
Ongoing
- Regulatory updates
- DIMP amendment for couplings
- Special permits
Acceptable
8. DOT Technology Advancements in Work with stakeholders to address technology improvements in One-Call
advanced 2010
Addressing Pipe Damage and mechanical damage
approaches
Identify and address existing rule changes, included, but not limited to
9. Revisions & additions to pipeline service line inspections, mechanical couplings, transmission internal Reasonable rules or
ongoing
safety regulations corrosion, pipeline casing inspections, and EFVs. waivers