OPS recently posted their December, 2000, report to congress concerning the Pipeline Risk Management Demonstration Program. It reads in part:

Building on the experience gained to date, the primary foci of the remainder of the program will be:

• Monitoring and auditing the approved demonstration projects. This activity will: a) ensure that the programs are producing the expected benefits; b) continue to improve the industry and regulator understanding of the critical elements of process-oriented safety and environmental programs; c) develop improved approaches to conducting safety and risk management system audits; and d) continue to develop appropriate performance measures.
• Enhanced Public Information and Communication. This activity will continue to expand the amount and types of risk-related information available to local safety officials and other concerned citizens.
• Application of lessons learned in the Risk Management Program to the current regulatory process. This activity will allow OPS to make informed decisions about the future use of risk management in the pipeline safety program, including input to the risk-based criteria and essential process elements of the Integrity Management rule.

The full report can be accessed on OPS’s website at http://ops.dot.gov/ReportToCongress042501.htm.