Open-source resources help navigate new IM regulations

The revision of federal safety regulations for integrity management of gas transmission pipelines to require explicit consideration of seismicity increases the importance for operators to be actively identifying high-consequence areas (HCAs), evaluating seismic-related threats, and choosing a risk model to support risk management decisions. To ensure equal access to information by both operators and inspectors, the authors have compiled publicly available data and tools for practical seismic risk assessments, such as Microsoft building footprints, the USGS National Seismic Hazard Models, and the USGS Ground Failure product.