There has been concern about abnormal situations occurring on the plethora of pipeline projects that are occurring these days. There is probably a host of reasons on why some abnormal situations are popping up, including time pressures, human resources, new technology, geography, modified work seasons, new service and material suppliers and increased oversight.
Combine this environment with the large amount of project activity and increased public sensitivity and there could potentially result in a very negative business environment wit repercussions such as hesitancy of landowners to new projects, increased costs to complete projects, delays in completing projects, delays in startups, increased pressure from regulatory agencies (FERC, PHMSA), increased pressure from legislators, possible pipeline safety impacts, and possible environmental impacts.
A primary tool that pipeline companies and their service providers utilize in managing many business issues is their Quality Assurance/ Quality Control.
Quality Control is a process where procedures and practices are developed to assure a quality result.
Quality Assurance is the implementation of a Quality Control program.
There is a concern that the present QA/QC programs may not be working as well as intended, given the new and challenging business environment.
This workshop is designed to review recent events that have occurred and examine various companies’ QA/QC programs in a round table environment.