Underground Infrastructure - June 2023 - 12

Inside Infrastructure
cy. By doing so, the hope is that contractor OQ programs will
be more acceptable to a wider range of operators and bolster
OQ integrity at the same time.
Cyber/Security initiatives
Cybersecurity of pipeline infrastructure and general security issues
carry national and regional concerns that LDCs, engineers
and contractors all must understand. Workshop att endees
heard from an LDC operator about how known cybersecurity
threats are addressed, the importance of cyber hygiene, pending
regulation and tools to help mitigate rising security threats.
Th e Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) is strongly
interested in pipeline cybersecurity following the Colonial
Pipeline ransomware incident. Directives are intended to provide
for quick and eff ective mitigative measures that address
both cyber and physical security threats. Meanwhile, AGA and
other pipeline groups are holding roundtables and in-person
meetings with government entities to share information and
provide authorities with material about their security programs
(cyber and physical).
Right now, the scope of these eff orts may be too broad
and narrowing dependence on IT networks should be considered.
Onsite compliance audits are always a good idea,
and many stakeholders hold Junely meetings with regulators.
Th ere are legislative eff orts to increase criminal penalties
for physical att acks on pipelines. Congressional offi ces are
asking for evidence that this is still a problem in the industry.
AGA indicated it has supporting data and agreed to share it
with DCA, when available.
Workforce eff orts include leadership
Workforce capacity challenges continue to threaten all
stakeholders in the gas distribution industry. A panel of
contractors, operators and service providers provided a discussion
of how they are applying innovative solutions associated
with recruiting, developing, retaining and rewarding a
new-age workforce.
With the COVID-19 pandemic driving many into early
retirement, industry is trying to create att ractive opportunities
for potential candidates. Managers are dedicated, but
working too many hours without enough support. When
asked how many companies in the room maintained leadership
development programs, not many hands were raised.
While infl uence can equate to leadership, it's important to be
careful when transitioning technical workers to managerial
positions, as they carry diff erent skill sets.
Panelists described a leadership development program
that distinguishes between management and leadership, considers
emotional intelligence, provides feedback and coaching,
and responds to worker needs and inquiries. On-the-job
training videos and other ways to grow leadership skills need
to be continually refi ned and improved in order to explain
leadership opportunities for all interested.
One of the panels discussing critical issues for the gas distribution industry.
Pictured, left to right, are: Kevin Parker, Mears Group - panel moderator;
Stu Buhrendorf, Hallen Construction; Steve Allen, Energy Worldnet; Kevin
Miller, Miller Pipeline; John Bentley, Infrasource; and Nate Healy, Michels
Recognizing that most personnel are located on construction
sites, leadership programs must be set up to identify who
is excelling in the fi eld.
Barriers to eff ective leadership development include costs
to initiate, maintain and improve leadership opportunities;
time needed to fully advance opportunities; and budget cuts,
where leadership development is an easy target. Remote work
is doable, but virtual learning is diff erent and eff ective leadership
programs will refl ect that.
Th e panelists encouraged stakeholders to consider developing
leadership development programs as a way to retain the
best-of-the-best in pipeline and gas distribution industries.
Implementation of SMS
Th e cyclical, top-to-bott om approach off ered by pipeline safety
management systems (SMS) continues to be embraced and
promoted by all sectors of the industry. LDCs continue to integrate
SMS into their operations and are increasingly working
with their contractors to provide a cohesive transition to
safety management.
Christina Sames, senior vice president for safety, operations and security
at AGA.
12 JUNE 2023 | UndergroundInfrastructure.com
DCA established a task force in 2018 to support SMS efforts
from a contractor perspective and developed an SMS
template for contractors to consider. Working with several
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