The INGAA Foundation spring planning and studies meeting holds discussions to determine where it will next focus its research efforts. The most popular proposal at April's meeting was a data-gathering effort targeting the AERMOD atmospheric dispersion model. The model is used to measure NO_2 ground level concentrations for reciprocating equipment. Based on field observations and a previous study, the INGAA Foundation environmental, health and safety committee believes the model significantly overestimates levels of NO_2. Foundation members agreed to support a project to gather a large set of actual field data in order to prove the model's inaccuracy and convince regulatory bodies to improve it. The data gathering is expected to take several years, beginning in 2015, and will combine the efforts of pipeline operators, OEMs and service companies. Second-ranked on the priority list is an effort to develop a third-party certification program for pipeline inspectors which dovetails with a report released May 9 by the Department of Transportation calling out the lack of training criteria for intrastate pipeline inspectors.
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