CAP Off Costs and Stress with IAMU’s Compliance Assistance Program Packaged Deals

Municipal gas utilities must comply with Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) standards to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of affordable natural gas to customers. Don’t let the required IUB audits overwhelm you. Turn to the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU). Our team of gas-service experts have the training and experience to help you navigate through the various audit processes – both beforehand and afterward – so your system complies with all rules and regulations.

IAMU offers four compliance assistance programs (CAPs):

• Pre-IUB Audit
• Post-IUB Audit
• Distribution Integrity Management Plan (DIMP) Audit
• Public Awareness Program Audit

You may select any or all of these CAPs. To enjoy discounted rates, purchase one of the three discounted packages.

Pre-Iowa Utilities Board Audit: (Time on site ≥ 1-1/2 days)

Purpose

The pre-audit is intended to alleviate stress for the operator from the IUB inspection process by helping the operator to be prepared for the audit. The pre-audit will also provide the operator and city with first-hand knowledge of what to expect from the IUB audit findings.

How It Works

An IAMU Gas Services Team Member will travel to your city and conduct a pre-inspection of your natural gas system following a modified version of the IUB inspection form. This pre-inspection will allow your operator to be completely prepared for the IUB audit knowing:

• The inspection process.
• What records to have readily available.
• Any issues that you may be able to remedied before IUB arrives on site.

The IAMU Team Member will:

• Inspect all relevant records, paperwork, and safety programs for any and all IUB/PHMSA safety compliance issues.
• Conduct a modified “field” inspection.
• Answer any questions about compliance issues.

Post-Iowa Utilities Board Audit: (Time on site = 1 day)                                                     

Purpose

The post-audit is intended to assist the operator and city to fully comply with the IUB/PHMSA safety compliance regulations. The post-audit will also help to eliminate Probable Violations and Advisories from the IUB database.

How It Works

An IAMU Gas Services Team Member will travel to your city after the IUB inspection is complete and you have received the Notice Letter and a copy of the IUB inspection. 

The IAMU Team Member will help to:

• Develop a plan so the operator can correct any and all citations listed in the IUB Notice Letter in a timely matter. 
• Draft a Response Letter to the IUB addressing all citations found during the inspection. You must submit the Response Letter within 30 days of receiving the Notice Letter. 

Distribution Integrity Management Plan (DIMP) Audit: (Time on site = 1/2 day)

Purpose

The DIMP audit will give you first-hand knowledge of how to navigate through SHRIMP and provide you with additional resources on how to keep your DIMP compliant.

How It Works

An IAMU Gas Services Team Member will travel to your city to review your DIMP Plan and provide any assistance with problems that you may be having. The Gas Services Team Member will help you to navigate the SHRIMP website and assist you with any needed changes or modifications to the plan.

The IUB will be conducting a second round of DIMP Inspections in the near future, and you will need to have addressed/corrected all issues found during the first round if you haven’t already. Also, you should have completed your five-year DIMP re-evaluation in 2016 to stay compliant with the regulation. 

Public Awareness Program Audit: (Time on site = 1/2 day)

Purpose

This audit is designed to give you additional resources and first-hand knowledge to fulfill all Public Awareness Programs regulation requirements.

How It Works

An IAMU Gas Services Team Member will travel to your city to review your Public Awareness Plan and to assist with any compliance issues that you may be having.

The IAMU Team Member will help to:

• Ensure you meet all annual mailing and survey requirements, as well as annual audit requirements.
• Help you to complete the four-year Effectiveness Assessment, which has cause more citations with the IUB than any other part of the Public Awareness Program inspections.

CAP COSTS WITH PACKAGE DEALS

You may contract with IAMU for any of these CAPs, or bundle them to gether to save. IAMU offers three discounted packages.

GOLD PACKAGE: *$3,500 (Total of 3 ½ days on site)

• Pre-IUB Audit
• Post-IUB Audit
• DIMP Audit
• Public Awareness Program Audit   

SILVER PACKAGE: *$2,500.00 (Total of 2 ½ days on site)

• Pre-IUB Audit
• Post-IUB Audit

BRONZE PACKAGE: *$1,000.00 (Total of 1 day on site)

• DIMP Audit
• Public Awareness Program Audit 

*Prices are discounted from regular construction rates and do not include mileage charges that are also discounted. Savings varies from $259 to $903, depending upon the package selected. Mileage will be figured at $0.60 per mile, discounts on total mileage will be considered when we combine the trip with other utilities in your area.

Interested in these services?