(a) General. No later than August 2, 2011, or small LPG system must develop and implement an GDPIM program that includes a written GDPIM plan as specified in subdivision (b) of this section. The GDPIM program for these pipelines should reflect the relative simplicity of these types of pipelines.
(b) Elements. A written GDPIM plan must address, at a minimum, the following elements:
(1) Knowledge. The operator must demonstrate knowledge of its pipeline, which, to the extent known, should include the approximate location and material of its pipeline. The operator must identify additional information needed and provide a plan for gaining knowledge over time through normal activities conducted on the pipeline (for example, design, construction, operations or maintenance activities).
(2) Identify threats. The operator must consider, at a minimum, the following categories of threats (existing and potential): corrosion (including atmospheric corrosion), natural forces, excavation damage, other outside force damage, material or weld failure, equipment failure, and incorrect operation.
(3) Rank risks. The operator must evaluate the risks to its pipeline and estimate the relative importance of each identified threat.
(4) Identify and implement measures to mitigate risks. The operator must determine and implement measures designed to reduce the risks from failure of its pipeline.
(5) Measure performance, monitor results, and evaluate effectiveness. The operator must monitor, as a performance measure, the number of leaks eliminated or repaired on its pipeline and their causes.
(6) Periodic evaluation and improvement. The operator must determine the appropriate period for conducting GDPIM program evaluations based on the complexity of its pipeline and changes in factors affecting the risk of failure. An operator must re-evaluate its entire GDPIM program at least every five years. The operator must consider the results of the performance monitoring in these evaluations.
(c) Records. The operator must maintain, for a period of at least 10 years, the following records:
(1) A written GDPIM plan in accordance with this section, including superseded GDPIM plans;
(2) Documents supporting threat identification; and
(3) Documents showing the location and material of all piping and appurtenances that are installed after the effective date of the operator's GDPIM program and, to the extent known, the location and material of all pipe and appurtenances that were existing on the effective date of the operator's GDPIM program.