While pipeline security is currently only "voluntary," the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the authority to implement mandatory pipeline security regulations. In the last year, there has been an increase in the scope and intensity of "voluntary" pipeline activities, including:

• An updated Pipeline Security Guidelines published by TSA in April 2011
• A Pipeline Security Smart Practice Observations document published in September 2011
  
• A notice in October 2011 to request Office of Management and Budget approval to continue collecting "critical facility" information for the top 100 most critical pipelines.

TransMontaigne Manager of Operations Security Brian Temples, and Magellan Midstream Partners Emergency Response & Security Coordinator Rick Bondy recently provided some insight into TSA's Pipeline Security Program at the 4th Annual Homeland Security Regulatory Briefing in Houston, TX on November 1. In addition to the increased activities noted above, TSA pipeline security representatives have also recently started reaching out to numerous pipeline industry officials, including Mr. Temples and Mr. Bondy, to discuss the pipeline security measures and policies their companies currently have in place.

In light of this increase in activity, many in the pipeline industry feel as though TSA is moving toward mandating pipeline security through regulations rather than simply guidelines. The current TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines recommend that pipeline operators develop corporate security programs that address, among other things, physical security and access control measures, equipment maintenance and testing, personnel training, personnel screening, recordkeeping, and cyber security measures.

It is not known whether - or when - TSA will mandate pipeline security but I will be following the issue closely and will provide an update when new information is available.

By guest blogger - Grant Fisher, manager, Petrochemical and Energy for ADT 

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