Southern Gas Association Dallas Texas, USA - SGA, Linking People, Ideas, Information

The Southern Gas Association (SGA) and the Northeast Gas Association (NGA) have announced the selection of Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. to develop a comprehensive Distribution Integrity Management Plan (Plan). The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is expected to release a Distribution Integrity Management Rule (Final Rule) in 2009 as stipulated in US DOT 49 CFR Part 192 Subpart P. The Final Rule will require all natural gas distribution companies to develop and implement a Plan.

19 Southern Gas Association member companies have committed to the project along with 24 Northeast Gas Association member companies. These companies serve over 25 million natural gas customers.

Structural Integrity, based in San Jose, CA, will work with SGA and NGA members to develop a Plan that provides the framework and guidance for natural gas distribution operators, who can then customize the Plan for their respective operating systems.

In 2003, NGA and SGA partnered in a similar effort to develop the Transmission Integrity Management Plan used by natural gas transmission operators to comply with PHMSA regulations.

The Plan is expected to be completed by December 31, 2009 or 3 months following the release of the final rule, whichever is later.

For more information please contact Randy Randolph SGA at rrandolph@southerngas.org or 972-620-4020.

June 1, 2009

Merritorious Awards

The following gas company professionals received the SGA Merritorious Award at the Safety Roundtable (June 1-3; Dallas):

Seth Crawley, Southern Natural Gas, an El Paso Company
Josh Boyd, Southern Natural Gas, an El Paso Company
Michael Gonzales, Atmos Energy
Gary Himmel, Dominion Transmission

Download the description of action.

June 1, 2009

Environmental Excellence Awards

The following gas companies received the SGA Envrionmental Excellence Award at the Environmental Roundtable (June 1-3; Dallas):

Environmental Excellence Technology Award - Nicor Gas

Environmental Excellence Partnership Award - Northwest Pipeline GP (Williams)

Environmental Excellence Stewardship Award - El Paso Corporation

The SGA Environmental Excellence Award was established in 2005 to recognize SGA member companies who have made a significant impact in protecting our environment. Through utilization of innovative environmental practices, SGA member companies reduce waste, save money, and contribute to the industry’s environmental protection efforts, as well as benefit the health and welfare of the nation. The program must be voluntary and not the result of mandates by regulations or enforcement decrees.

Download the program description

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June 1, 2009

SGA Service Awards

SGA is a member driven organization made up of 46 committees. These committees drive the agenda for the organization. We appreciate the dedication, hard work, and leadership of those who serve as chairs of those committees.

The following people received their SGA Service Awards at the Environmental, Safety & Health, Training and HR Conference in Dallas (June 1-3). These persons are outgoing chairs of the committees listed (pictured with Mike Grubb, president and CEO-SGA)::