APGA participated in the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Research and Development (R&D) Public Meeting and Forum this week. During this event, PHMSA collaborated with stakeholders from the public, academia, interagency, international partners, and pipeline industry partners that share PHMSA's goal of advancing knowledge and technology in the pursuit of improved pipeline safety. Highlighted topics for continued R&D include rehabilitation of aging cast-iron pipelines, methane leak mitigation, hydrogen network components and the utilization and integrity of hydrogen inspection tools and storage. The priorities discussed during the Forum will guide PHMSA’s financial allocations to current and future R&D projects.
Steve Squibb, Director – Natural Gas Operations for the City Utilities of Springfield, Mo., represented APGA and the APGA Research Foundation (RF) during the Industry Partner panel and focused on the need for additional R&D regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. Methane mitigation tools, especially during voluntary purging and blowdown processes, are important components of this and will require further R&D resources.
Squibb noted that another area requiring more R&D is the introduction of renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen into traditional natural gas systems. Many municipal natural gas distribution companies are in a unique position to reduce GHG using agriculture and other municipal partnership byproducts such as landfills and sewage treatment. Squibb discussed R&D gaps regarding the education and safety of field workers and first responders when variable quality gas is introduced into a traditional natural gas system. R&D also needs to focus on impacts to existing infrastructure and end-use appliances, and the application of codes and standards.
APGA and the RF appreciate PHMSA’s invitation to be involved in the R&D discussion and their continued interest in the unique needs and opportunities of municipal gas systems. For questions on this article or APGA R&D priorities, please contact Todd Brady by phone at 202-370-6211 or by email at tbrady@apga.org.