Session: 06-01-01 Geohazard Program

Paper Number: 131726

131726 - Best Practices in Geohazard Data Management 

Abstract: 

In 2023, the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America Foundation (INGAA) sponsored a Joint Industry Project to develop and publish two documents: 1) Framework for Geohazard Management, and 2) Recommended Practice for Pipeline Integrity Management of Landslide Hazards. Both papers identify data management as a key component to a successful pipeline Geohazards Management Program (GMP). This paper expands upon the INGAA publications to provide a more comprehensive overview of geohazard data management best practices, examples of the importance of data management in a GMP, and additional guidance on key components and methods.

The importance of data management in the success of a GMP can often be overlooked or undervalued. Data are central to the outcomes of a GMP in that they provide the basis for nearly all decision-making. Data help Operators determine where threats are located, the nature of the threats, the types of responses that are warranted, and whether additional data are needed. Unnecessary risks and uncertainty develop where data are not properly or consistently compiled or filed, resulting in potential for misunderstanding and mismanagement of threats, over- or under-responding to threats, or costly or unnecessary work.

Data pertaining to geohazard management are generated and collected throughout the life cycle of a pipeline, from a variety of sources and in a variety of formats, which can present challenges to development and maintenance of comprehensive repositories for relevant data. However, it is imperative that critical data are not only maintained, but also organized such that they can be rapidly accessed and analyzed when needed, for either emergent local concerns or for a systemic review and assessment.

A variety of approaches and platforms are available and used by Operators to manage data. Platform and technology choices are typically driven by available resources such as internal and external hardware, software, and personnel. There are numerous configurations that can accomplish critical key objectives, including: publicly available software to proprietary solutions; local to cloud-based data storage; and small to large internal and/or external teams of data managers, data generators, and data users. This paper does not seek to provide a specific roadmap to data management. Instead, it seeks to layout the core components of data management that are essential for a GMP and to define the objectives of each.

Examples of different approaches to successful data management will be presented from different operators. These will show the value of data management, while also highlighting that different approaches can lead to a successful outcome.

Presenting Author: Bailey Theriault Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Presenting Author Biography: Bailey Theriault is a Senior Principal Geologist based in New Hampshire. She has spent more than 16 years in geohazard management, serving major oil and gas clients in the United States and Canada. Bailey helps clients develop and implement geohazard programs; identifies and assesses geohazards; supports engineering design and construction oversight; assesses routes, root causes, and geohazard risks; develops and implements data manage¬ment systems; and spearheads training courses. To advance the state of the practice, Bailey regularly participates in research and was a lead author on the 2020 INGAA Joint Industry Project on management of landslide hazards for pipelines and the 2023 INGAA Joint Industry Projects including a framework for geohazards management and the recommended practice for pipeline integrity management of landslide hazards.

Authors:

Bailey Theriault Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.
Clayton Johnson TC Energy
Justin Brooks Kinder Morgan
Justin Taylor TC Energy
Alexander Mckenzie-Johnson Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.