Must an operator implement new actions to reduce risk from its pipeline?
Not necessarily. Operators are already taking actions to control risks, some of which are required by regulation and some of which are implemented by operators voluntarily. It is possible that these ongoing actions already adequately address the risks that are significant to some pipeline systems. Operators must perform a risk analysis to understand the factors that are important to their risk and should compare the results of this analysis to the actions now being taken to assure pipeline safety. If gaps are identified, i.e., instances in which some factor important to risk is not now being adequately addressed, then appropriate risk control practices should be implemented. Operators may find it appropriate to reduce some actions now being taken (e.g., which address risks of lower importance) and to shift those resources to address higher priority risks. Operators must still comply with all the prescriptive requirements of the regulations.
