CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Those working in the oil and natural gas industry in West Virginia are encouraged to attend a pair of safety seminars arranged by the state Public Service Commission in conjunction with the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association. The first event is Tuesday in Charleston and the second is Thursday in Bridgeport.
“This is really intended to keep the gas pipeline operators in the state up to date on all changes to state and federal regulations,” said Karen Hall, Public Information Specialist with the state Public Service Commission. “This is to make sure they are compliant and they are up to date and educated.”
The seminars are conducted annually to offer a refresher to those who work in the industry, but Hall pointed out they are open to the public and anyone wishing to learn more about pipeline safety.
The workshops will cover all safety laws regarding activities surrounding gas and oil pipelines. The course will be applicable for re-certification credits for some engineering disciplines.
“There are 60 operators in the state of West Virginia and the state has about 14,000 miles of pipeline,” said Hall. “So it’s very important the safety of that pipeline is insured to make sure that all of the operators are aware of all of the regulations. They need to understand exactly what they need to do in the event of an emergency.”
The Charleston Seminar will be staged at the Trans-Canada Auditorium at the Columbia Gas Building. The Bridgeport event will be held at the offices of Dominion Gas.