Why has PHMSA selected the performance measures that it has for periodic reporting?
It is important for PHMSA (and States) to measure the safety improvement (i.e., performance) achieved by this new regulation. Ultimately, a decrease in the number and consequences of distribution pipeline accidents will be the true measure, but it will take many years of accumulating data to determine with confidence that there is a declining trend in accidents/consequences. PHMSA needs data that will be useful in a shorter time frame to show whether improvements are being realized or further adjustments to requirements are needed. PHMSA has concluded it would be most useful for operators to report a few performance measures. The first is number of hazardous leaks repaired by cause. Leaks represent potential incidents, and PHMSA would expect robust integrity management programs to produce a reduction in the number of leaks. This information is already part of the annual report submitted by distribution operators. The second is number of excavation damages and the number of one-call tic
