New Communications Platform Gives Pipeline Operators State-of-the-Art Tool for Stakeholder...

New Communications Platform Gives Pipeline Operators State-of-the-Art Tool for
Stakeholder Communications

ATLANTA, July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pipeline Group, Celeritas
Technologies and PIER Systems introduced today a communications platform
designed specifically to help pipeline operators meet their commitments for
public awareness, safety, emergency response and RP1162 compliance.
On the first day of the Southern Gas Association's annual Operating
Conference here, officials from The Pipeline Group and Celeritas Technologies
said they will make their emergency response and stakeholder contact
information available on an edition of PIER proprietary to The Pipeline Group.
PIER is a Web-enabled, on-demand communications platform that enables
communicators, safety and security personnel and others to send, receive and
manage critical information quickly, directly and transparently with a broad
range of stakeholders, including emergency responders, contractors, news
media, residents and regulatory authorities.
"The Pipeline Group edition of PIER combines the pipeline industry's
largest database of emergency responders and other stakeholders with the best
tool in the business for engaging in instant, two-way communications with
them," said Jim Mings, president and chief executive officer of The Pipeline
Group.
Mings added The Pipeline Group's proprietary version of PIER reflects his
company's commitment to "building trust between the pipeline and the public.
Credible and timely communications are critical to developing strong, lasting
relationships. By teaming with Celeritas and PIER, we can help pipeline
operators build the trust and confidence among stakeholders that is so
necessary for their success."
Brett Lester, president, Celeritas, said he believes The Pipeline Group
edition of PIER will enable pipeline companies to enhance their compliance
programs.
"RP1162 sets the standard for accountability and effectiveness in the
pipeline industry, and Celeritas' participation in The Pipeline Group edition
of PIER helps to meet and exceed those expectations," Lester said.
He added that all communications with stakeholders conducted on The
Pipeline Group edition of the PIER -- whether it's via telephone, e-mail, text
message or written notification -- will be documented on Celeritas' software,
which is the industry standard in pipeline regulatory compliance.
"We're delighted to be working with two of the biggest and most respected
names in pipeline public awareness and safety," said Gerald Baron, PIER
Systems president. "The Pipeline Group and Celeritas share our belief that
speed, efficiency, and direct communication are paramount in building public
trust and confidence in a world that has an insatiable appetite for
information."
Baron added that PIER Systems can also help pipeline companies manage
their day-to-day public affairs inquiry management and communications needs.
About RP1162
Developed by gas and hazardous materials pipeline operators, American
Petroleum Institute Recommended Practices 1162, or RP1162, details the
pipeline industry's requirements for maintaining public awareness and safety.
RP1162 is mandated under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002. The U.S.
Department of Transportation is responsible for compliance.
About PIER Systems
The Public Information and Emergency Response (PIER) System is the world's
first and only full spectrum, on-demand communication management Web
application. Developed in the wake of the 1999 Olympic Pipeline disaster in
Bellingham, Wash., PIER provides all the critical tools communicators need in
a single, easy-to-use control center. PIER clients include: U.S. Coast Guard,
BP, Shell Oil, Marathon, Enbridge, AllState Insurance Company and Boeing
Commercial Airplanes.
About Celeritas Technologies
Celeritas Technologies is an enterprise-class information technology
consulting firm that specializes in application development, product
engineering and infrastructure management. Areas of emphasis include: GIS
services for government as well as the telecom, oil, gas and utilities
industries, and public awareness, damage prevention, RP1162 and pipeline
management solutions.
About The Pipeline Group
With nearly 400 clients, The Pipeline Group is a full-service, consulting
organization for the pipeline and hazardous materials industry. The
Pittsburgh-based company offers "turn-key" public awareness, emergency
response, community right-to-know and RP1162 damage prevention plans. In 2007,
The Pipeline Group conducted emergency response, excavation and landowner
awareness programs for more than 30,000 individuals at 300 events in 35
states.
SOURCE The Pipeline Group

Jeff Worden, APR, The Pipeline Group, +1-412-253-0816,
jeff.worden@pipelinegroup.com