System and Risk Assessment

OUR SOLUTIONS

With an aging infrastructure and changing regulatory environment, many U.S.
pipeline operators are seeking a comprehensive approach to infrastructure
management. Whether developing long-term system improvement plans, or
assessing the current state of the system, applying a risk assessment
approach helps enable efficient and effective use of resources.

OVERVIEW:

System and risk assessment projects range from simple analysis of a single
pipeline segment to detailed review of an entire pipeline system with
multiple variables. EN Engineering employs a cross-functional team
appropriate to the scope of each project.

A holistic, comprehensive review of infrastructure requirements encompasses
not only current and future pipeline delivery capabilities, but also
incorporates the pipeline integrity concepts of threat identification and
risk assessment into the decision-making process to prioritize planned
projects. Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements and industry best
practices enables EN Engineering to incorporate both initial capital
investment and ongoing O&M costs into budgetary projections.

EN Engineering works closely with our clients to support proposed capital
improvement programs through the jurisdictional approval process. Services
rendered for cost recovery filings have ranged from development of exhibit
packages and budgetary estimates, to independent review of operators’ cost
estimation methodologies and project selection criteria.

KEY PROJECT TASKS:

Depending on the nature of the system or issue under analysis, key project
tasks may include, but are not limited to:

Risk Assessment

• Determine key risk factors
• Quantify risk attributes and develop weighted algorithms

System Modeling

• Model current and proposed pipeline in Synergi or other flow modeling
  software
• Perform what-if analysis for various operating conditions and contract
  scenarios
• Evaluate repair versus replace options for individual components or
  segments
• Evaluate capacity constraints against projected demand on either system or
  segment basis
• Analyze alternative operating scenarios such as uprate, derate, or
  retirement
• Conduct CP system commissioning as soon as practical during the
  construction of the pipeline

System Mapping and Data Overlay

• Develop or convert system maps in ArcGIS
• Identify publicly-available data sets pertinent to the risk factors
• Overlay data sets and export for analysis

Cost Estimation

• Develop budgetary cost estimates for proposed replacement, modification,
  or assessment projects
• Prepare parametric cost estimates
• Provide written cost estimate basis documents outlining factors
  considered, as well as assumptions made
• Utilize time-value-of-money calculations
• Consider impact on operating and maintenance costs as well as capital
  costs

Program Development

• Develop strategic assessment plans and capital improvement programs
• Prioritize pipelines, segments, or facilities for further assessment,
  remediation, or replacement based on risk results
• Consider project dependencies and efficiencies

Engineering Studies

• Compose written reports documenting current regulatory standards, proposed
  future regulations, and industry best practices
• Conduct benchmarking surveys
• Develop comparative analysis of pipeline systems
• Provide supporting documentation for jurisdictional audits and rate
  recovery justifications