Pipeliners Podcast

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat speaks with Dave Norton of Hawk Consultants to mark the 50th anniversary of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The conversation explores the history and legacy of the project—from its groundbreaking construction and technological innovations to its enduring economic and environmental impact on Alaska. Norton also discusses the work of the Alaska...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat sits down with Jim Francis of ENTRUST Solutions Group to reflect on key insights from the recent AGA Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) Workshop.  Their discussion explores how PSMS implementation has evolved across the industry—from broader organizational engagement and leadership integration to advancements in data use and perfor...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Jim Curry of Babst Calland returns for an in-depth discussion on current and upcoming PHMSA rulemakings.  The conversation covers the agency's evolving focus on risk-based, technology-driven regulation — including the growing role of AI and advanced analytical tools — and what these changes mean for operators. Curry also provides insights into regulatory...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a conversation with Osten Olorunsola of Aradel Holdings about the opportunities and challenges of building measurement capability at the national level in Nigeria. The discussion explores the critical role of measurement in oil and gas operations, the regulatory landscape, and the impact of shifting from multinational operators to indigenous companie...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a conversation with Ben Gilman about the American Gas Association's GIS and Asset Records Management Committee. The discussion explores the evolution of mapping and GIS in the utility industry, the committee's focus on improving accuracy and best practices, and the growing importance of integrating GIS with asset management and field operations. The...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast welcomes back Keith Coyle, now serving as Chief Counsel at PHMSA, to discuss his new role and the agency's current priorities. The conversation highlights leadership changes within PHMSA, the administration's push for greater efficiency and impact, and the agency's updated approach to rulemaking, enforcement, and safety priorities. Listeners get a high-level...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a discussion with Marissa Anderson of Magnolia River and Gary Choquette of PRCI about the Pipeline Open Data Standard (PODS) and the new SCADA Link module. The conversation explores how PODS provides a geospatial framework for managing pipeline data, the value of linking SCADA data to precise pipeline locations, and the broader implications for leak...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, we revisit our conversation with Clint Bodungen of ThreatGEN. The discussion focuses on the application of gamification and generative AI in professional training, specifically for enhancing cybersecurity and incident response exercises. The episode also explores a PHMSA-sponsored R&D project that is adapting these advanced technologies for the unique ope...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features pipeline consultant and former pipeline engineer with Phillips 66, Ed Hetsko, discussing the complexities of pipeline encroachment. The conversation defines what an encroachment is and explores the challenges that arise as urban areas expand around once-rural pipelines. Hetsko also explores the various methods and technologies used to manage these is...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat is joined by Rob Day of Cognisense to discuss AI Based Risk Washing in Training Delivery.  In this episode, Rob discusses his background, as well as the relatively new risk regarding pipeline training and AI.  Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider te...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a conversation with Suzanne Ogle and Cindy Anderson from the SGA Natural Gas Association. They discuss the association's mission, which is centered on providing training and development to the natural gas industry's workforce. The discussion also touches on the organization's recent rebrand and its role in fostering collaboration and a shared underst...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Sarah Magruder Lyle of the Common Ground Alliance returns to discuss 811 Day and the latest insights from the annual DIRT report. The conversation explores systemic challenges in underground utility damage prevention, including inconsistent regulations, outdated mapping, and underutilized technology. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the indus...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Russel Treat is joined by Mike Mercer from the High Reliability Group to explore what it means to be a high-reliability organization (HRO). The conversation covers how leadership, culture, and standardized processes contribute to safety and performance in high-consequence industries like nuclear and pipeline operations. Listeners will gain insight into ho...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat is joined by Scott Sanders of Enbridge and Chrystah Carter of Plains to discuss the recently revised API Recommended Practice 1161, which provides guidance on Operator Qualification (OQ) for hazardous liquid pipelines. The conversation covers the history and purpose of the OQ rule, the collaborative process behind the latest updates to t...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat is joined by Jeff Barry to discuss the complex topic of managing geomorphic and hydrotechnical risk at pipeline water crossings. Jeff shares insights from his background in hydrology and sediment transport, highlighting how natural river processes like scour, erosion, and channel migration can impact pipeline integrity. The conversation...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat is joined by Jeff Barry to discuss the complex topic of managing geomorphic and hydrotechnical risk at pipeline water crossings. Jeff shares insights from his background in hydrology and sediment transport, highlighting how natural river processes like scour, erosion, and channel migration can impact pipeline integrity. The conversation...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Colin Frazier from API returns to discuss the latest on API's Operator and newly launched Contractor Assessment Programs. The conversation explores the evolution, structure, and goals of the contractor-focused initiatives, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and collaboration between operators and contractors to enhance safety culture acr...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast , host Russel Treat speaks with U.S. Representative Randy Weber of Texas about his background, the energy profile of his district, and his motivation for co-sponsoring the Next Generation Pipeline Research and Development Act . Their conversation explores the strategic importance of energy infrastructure on the Gulf Coast, the evolving needs of the pipelin...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features Jimmy Stewart from the Ohio Gas Association discussing the growing intersection between electrical demand and natural gas infrastructure. The conversation explores historical trends in electricity generation, the shifting role of natural gas as a baseload power source, and the increasing pressure from emerging sectors like data centers. The discussio...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Brett Adamcik, chair of the AGA Distribution Integrity Management Committee, joins us at the 2025 AGA Operations Conference to discuss the evolving challenges and priorities in distribution integrity. The conversation explores risk modeling, data collection strategies, the anticipated Safety of Gas Distribution Pipeline Rule, and how operators are prepari...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast commemorates the 26th anniversary of the tragic Olympic Pipeline rupture in Bellingham, Washington, which resulted in a catastrophic explosion and the loss of three young lives. Larry Shelton shares his insights from the incident and the conversation serves as a reminder of the responsibilities of those in the pipeline industry. On the 20-year anniversary of...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Mike Kern joins the show to discuss the work of the AGA Transmission Operations Committee and the value of participating in industry trade groups. The conversation explores key committee initiatives, including regulatory awareness, white paper development on in-situ material testing, and the importance of addressing normalization of deviation in pipeline...

On this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat is joined by Todd Lakatos and Mary Molina during the 2025 AGA Operations Conference in Aurora, Colorado.  Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider term definitions. 

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat is joined by Laura Ade, Scott Craig, and Andy Donato - chairs of the Gas Control Committee - during the 2025 AGA Operations Conference in Aurora, Colorado.  Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider term definitions. 

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat is joined by Dr. Martha Acosta to discuss building safety capacity and her book, Safety Capacity , during the 2025 API Pipeline Conference in Austin, Texas.  Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider term definitions.