Pipeline operators are under increasing scrutiny when it comes to pipeline safety and compliance.  Safety is the top priority for the natural gas industry, followed closely by a commitment to deliver reliable and affordable energy for millions of customers across the US and Canada.  Safe and effective natural gas operations require public safety awareness, stakeholder engagement and management of many linked processes and programs.  It’s a complex process, involving customers, employees and the general public, but adopting and implementing a systematic approach will enhance the effectiveness of risk management programs and identify opportunities to continuously improve pipeline safety.  

This webinar focuses on two American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practices, (RP) – API RP 1162, Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators and API RP 1173, Pipeline Safety Management Systems, and specifically how stakeholder engagement helps to improve pipeline safety.  It is important to expand upon regulatory commitments through an active dialogue with critical internal and external stakeholders.  The information and data collected in this process help to continually improve education, engagement and public safety awareness.  

The webinar will be presented by Lee Westerlind, who is the Manager of Pipeline Safety Management – Stakeholder Engagement for National Grid.  He began his career in the Treasury Department at the Long Island Lighting Company, a National Grid legacy company, in 1992.  Lee has held positions in the Customer Energy Solutions group, Electric Operations, Energy Efficiency and Community & Customer Management areas.  In his current role, Lee is responsible for leading a management staff of nine throughout the National Grid footprint who are focused on providing technical pipeline safety engagement with both internal and external stakeholders.  Lee graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) Empire State College with a BS in Management.