HEATH AND ASSOCIATES, INC. NEWS

Press Release:
January 13, 2012, Shelby, North Carolina

Heath and Associates, Inc. 2011 Earnings

Mr. E. Scott Heath, President, is proud to announce that the year 2011 completed Heath and Associates’ 51st year in operation. The year 2011 was another successful year with the company posting positive earnings for the twenty-eighth consecutive year. Heath and Associates worked for twenty-five clients in six states in 2011.

Press Release:

May 6, 2011, Shelby, North Carolina

SHRIMP Workshop Series

Mr. E. Scott Heath, President and CEO, is proud to announce the completion of the Heath and Associates, Inc. Distribution Integrity Management Plan (DIMP) workshop series. The workshop series utilized the APGA and SIF web-based Distribution Integrity Management Plan software “SHRIMP” to help operators create their DIMP plans. Thirteen systems from three different states participated in the workshop series. The operators were pleased with the workshops and walked away from the workshops with the understanding of the how to construct a DIMP plan and the benefits and limitations of the SHRIMP software.

The series consisted of six workshops, with the first workshop providing an understanding of the PHMSA rule and the elements that need to be present in the final written plan to be in compliance. The subsequent workshops covered the individual “Threats” that SHRIMP uses to rank the likelihood that a system will have a problem, the actions operators should take in SHRIMP to show they have acknowledged the threat, and the measures to take toward a solution. The final workshop focused on the completion of the written DIMP plan and what extra steps need to be taken to make sure the plan is in complete compliance.

PHMSA requires that all gas distribution systems have a written plan by August 2, 2011. Heath and Associates, Inc. is currently offering our services to help individual gas systems develop a written plan. We can assist the operator with every step of the process, audit a plan already developed, or provide any level of assistance that an operator may request. Please call us (704 487 8516) if you need any assistance preparing your DIMP plan.
 

Press Release:

April 4, 2011, Shelby, North Carolina

Heath and Associates, Inc. 2010 Earnings

Mr. E. Scott Heath, President, is proud to announce that the year 2010 completed Heath and Associates’ 50th year in operation. The year 2010 was another successful year with the company posting positive earnings for the twenty-seventh consecutive year. Heath and Associates worked for twenty-one clients in six states in 2010.

Press Release:

August 30, 2010, Shelby, North Carolina

Heath and Associates, Inc. Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Heath and Associates, Inc. proudly announces its 50th year of service in the natural gas industry. The engineering and management consulting firm opened for business sometime in 1960, but the exact date is unknown. Though many businesses struggle to stay solvent in today’s economy, President Scott Heath says he is proud that the Shelby, N.C. firm will celebrate 50 years of business this year. Founder Charles Heath and his two sons, Brian and Scott, have contributed to the firm’s rich history and its present success.

Transcontinental Gas Corporation brought natural gas service to the Carolinas in the late 1950’s. Charles Heath was working for Illinois Power Company in their natural gas division and had the opportunity to move to Shelby, N.C., to manage the construction and operations of the City of Shelby’s newly established gas system. After a few years working as the Gas Department Superintendent, Heath realized that other small gas systems would need a knowledgeable natural gas consultant. To meet this need, he founded Heath and Associates and quickly established two clients, the City of Shelby and the City of Lexington, N.C. Heath and Associates has provided some type of service to these two clients every month since 1960.

During the 1960’s when natural gas was first made available to the southeastern states, natural gas prices were regulated at artificially low rates. This availability of a new, cheap energy source and a booming national economy created a rapid expansion in the natural gas industry. Heath and Associates’ engineering and management services assisted many developing gas systems during this time. The company also added engineers and a secretary to the operations to expand its services.

Heath and Associates offered financial, engineering and operational consulting services to the newly emerging gas systems. The firm became an early leader in writing operating and maintenance plans and other products to help clients comply with the safety regulations set forth in the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968. Heath and Associates also offered training for managers and field personnel.

Heath and Associates helped its clients alter their strategies as the natural gas industry entered the 1970’s – a period of gas shortages, high prices and curtailments. The firm’s gas purchasing and transportation expertise dates back to this period when Heath and Associates purchased natural gas supplies from producers and arranged transportation to clients. State and local governments engaged the company in their attempt to stimulate economic development. Charles Heath traveled abroad with governors and other state officials as a fuel adviser to assist with their industrial recruitment efforts.

Natural gas purchasing and transportation became largely deregulated in the 1980’s. Heath and Associates organized many of its municipal customers into a pool to maximize their purchasing power and assisted these clients with gas purchasing services. Brian N. Heath joined the firm in the late 1980’s after working with Conoco and Entrade in their gas marketing operations. Heath and Associates Marketing was formed to provide gas purchasing and marketing service. By 1990, Heath and Associates Marketing had merged with Houston-based Petra Resources to become Heath Petra Resources. Although additional mergers and acquisitions of the marketing company have occurred, Brian Heath has continued to provide gas purchasing and marketing services to clients of Heath and Associates in a sub-contract capacity. Today Brian Heath works as a consultant for Hess Corporation, and continues to be an owner of Heath and Associates.

In 1988, E. Scott Heath joined Heath and Associates. Scott Heath previously worked eight years with ARCO Oil & Gas in various engineering capacities. The Heath and Associates customer base grew, along with its staff, in the 1990’s. Natural gas was again cheap, and many gas systems were expanding. During the 1990’s Charles Heath phased into retirement, and Scott Heath became the President and CEO of the company.

The 21st century has brought uncertain economic times, volatile gas prices, and dramatically changing regulatory requirements concerning pipeline safety and security issues to the gas industry. By continually adapting to and capitalizing on the opportunities that the changing natural gas industry creates, Heath and Associates has maintained its relationships with its client base and developed a variety of experience and expertise in management and engineering services.

Over the past 50 years, Heath and Associates has done a multitude of feasibility and rate studies, as well as a broad spectrum of detailed engineering design for natural gas systems. Heath and Associates is currently working as a consultant for the APGA/SIF to develop SHRIMP, a distribution integrity management program that will be used by hundreds of smaller gas utilities. Heath and Associates typically works in seven to eight states each year and is recognized nationally for its expertise. The company has served more than 60 gas utilities and private sector clients across the U.S. during the past 50 years.

Heath and Associates takes pride in the professional and personal relationships formed over the firm’s history. Many consulting firms tend to be project driven, but Heath and Associates is very much relationship driven. The patronage of faithful clients has made the firm successful. The vast majority of clients use Heath and Associates again and again. The company is more vibrant than ever due to its relationships and commitment to deliver straightforward, unbiased, quality advice and services.

Heath and Associates will hold an open house at its offices on October 5, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. All friends and clients are welcome.

Press Release:

August 1, 2010, Shelby, North Carolina

Mr. E. Scott Heath, President of Heath and Associates, Inc., is pleased to announce that Brooks R. Tate has joined their firm as an Associate Engineer. Mr. Tate graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He brings youth, enthusiasm, and the willingness to learn. His previous jobs have allowed him to provide excellent customer service, ability to solve problems quickly, and the attitude of whatever it takes to get the job done.

Press Release:

May 28, 2010, Shelby, North Carolina

The City of Monroe Gas Transmission Pipeline Construction is Complete

Mr. E. Scott Heath, President and CEO, is proud to announce that the City of Monroe, NC 43-mile natural gas transmission pipeline project construction is complete. The 12” steel pipeline serves as the primary source of natural gas to the City by transporting gas from the Williams Transco pipeline to the City’s natural gas system. The pipeline will serve both the City of Monroe and PSNC Energy providing capacity for both systems to significantly grow in the future.

This project took an unprecedented effort by the City to conceive, pursue, persevere, and complete the project. The project is certainly the largest municipal Greenfield pipeline project in the southeast, and possibly in the country, in the last 25 years. The project had to overcome the political hurtles as well as the physical construction of the pipeline.

Heath and Associates provided feasibility analysis, detailed engineering plans, specifications, pipe sizing optimization, permitting, construction management, and additional guidance for the project. Heath and Associates began working on this project with the City of Monroe in 2001. The project was built by four contractors, Appling Boring Company, Inc., Patterson & Wilder Construction Company, Inc., Foremost Pipeline Company, and Prestige Pipeline, LLC over a thirteen month timeframe.

The pipeline was placed into service on April 29, 2010.

Press Release:

March 25, 2010, Shelby, North Carolina

Heath and Associates, Inc. 2009 Earnings

Mr. E. Scott Heath, President, is proud to announce that the year 2009 completed Heath and Associates’ 49th year in operation. The year 2009 was another successful year with the company posting positive earnings for the twenty-sixth consecutive year. Heath and Associates worked for eighteen clients in seven states in 2009.

Press Release:

March 25, 2009, Shelby, North Carolina

The City of Monroe Gas Transmission Pipeline Construction is Underway

Mr. E. Scott Heath, President and CEO, is proud to announce that the City of Monroe, NC 43-mile natural gas transmission pipeline project construction is underway. The 12” steel pipeline will connect the City’s natural gas system to the Williams Transco pipeline and serve as the primary source of natural gas to the City. The project has had to overcome many political obstacles and we are happy to be getting started. The pipeline project will allow the City to deliver more than double the amount of natural gas currently allowed under its existing contract, and the debt service for the pipeline project will be less than or equal to what the City currently pays. Once the debt service is retired, the City will see more than $2.5 million per year in savings. PSNC Energy has joined the project and will be a partial owner of the pipeline with the City of Monroe. The pipeline project will ensure that PSNC Energy has the necessary infrastructure in place to better serve its customers in Iredell and Cabarrus counties.

Heath and Associates provided detailed engineering plans, specifications, pipe sizing optimization, permitting, and additional guidance for the project. Heath and Associates began working on this project with the City of Monroe in 2001. The project plans and specifications were completed in late 2008. The project was bid on December 19, 2008 and awarded in three (3) parts to Appling Boring Company, Inc., Patterson & Wilder Construction Company, Inc., and Foremost Pipeline Company in January 2009. The project began on March 4, 2009 and is scheduled to be completed by December 18, 2009. Heath and Associates is providing the construction management oversight for the project. Mr. Kelly Kinnett, P.E. is serving as the Project Manger.

Heath and Associates is looking forward to working with both the City of Monroe and PSNC Energy and to the successful completion of the project.

Press Release:

March 23, 2009, Shelby, North Carolina

Mr. E. Scott Heath, President, is proud to announce that the year 2008 completed Heath and Associates’ 49th year in operation. The year 2008 was another successful year with the company posting positive earnings for the twenty-fifth consecutive year. Heath and Associates worked for eighteen clients in seven states in 2008.

Press Release:
April 18, 2008, Shelby, North Carolina

The Three Rivers SWA Landfill Gas Pipeline Construction is Complete

Heath and Associates, Inc., is proud to announce that the Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority Landfill Gas Pipeline project has been competed. As the landfill trash decomposes over time, methane gas is typically released into the atmosphere. This project captures the methane gas, treats it, and delivers the gas to the Kimberly Clark Beech Island facility. The 12” MDPE, SDR 13.5 pipeline transports the gas 16 miles from the Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority landfill to Kimberly Clark. The gas is used by Kimberly Clark as a fuel to operate the manufacturing plant. Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. (SBT) served as the project developer for the project and Heath and Associates engineered the pipeline project.

Heath and Associates began working on this project with SBT in early 2007. Heath and Associates provided feasibility analysis as well as detailed engineering plans and specifications for the project. The project plans and specifications were completed and the project was bid in March 2007. Patterson & Wilder Construction Company, Inc., was awarded the project and construction began on October 8, 2007. The pipeline construction and activation of the pipeline was successfully completed on March 15, 2008. Heath and Associates provided the construction management oversight for the pipeline project. Mr. Scott Heath, P.E. served as the Project Manger and Mr. Robert Miller served as the Project Coordinator.

Heath and Associates will continue involvement with the pipeline operations by providing SBT, the pipeline operator, with an Operations and Maintenance Plan, a Public Awareness Plan, an Integrity Management Plan, and an Operator Qualification Plan and Training.

The project successfully reduces greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, generates new revenue for the Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority, and reduces the industry’s energy costs and provides price stability. The environmental benefits of the project are equivalent to removing 41,000 vehicles from the roadway and saving 23,000,000 gallons of gas per year.
 

Press Release:

March 18, 2008, Shelby, North Carolina

Mr. E. Scott Heath, President, is proud to announce that the year 2007 completed Heath and Associates’ 48th year in operation. The year 2007 was another successful year with the company posting positive earnings for the twenty-fourth consecutive year. Heath and Associates worked for twenty-two clients in eight states in 2007.

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Press Release:

July 13, 2007, Shelby, North Carolina

APGA’s Security and Integrity Foundation Selects Heath and Associates, Inc., as Technical Consultant for Developing a Model Distribution Integrity Management Plan.

Mr. E. Scott Heath, President of Heath and Associates, Inc., is proud to announce that Heath and Associates has contracted with the American Public Gas Association’s Security and Integrity Foundation (SIF) to provide consulting services related to Distribution Integrity Management.  APGA’s Security and Integrity Foundation is developing a Model Distribution Integrity Management Plan to help natural gas operators better manage their system and comply with new safety regulations.  New regulations anticipated to be proposed by the Federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will require all natural gas utilities to develop and follow a written Integrity Management Plan.  The Model Distribution Integrity Management Plan will include software to assist the operator with evaluating system integrity and develop programs to improve safety.  

The SIF selected Heath and Associates and Houston based Technical Toolboxes Inc. to assist with the development of the model plan and software.   Heath and Associates will serve as a technical consultant to the project.  Technical Toolboxes, and their subcontractor ViaData LP, will be the software developer and also provide consulting services.  As a technical consultant, Heath and Associates will help develop the core logic, risk rankings, author language for the written plan, and interface with the software developers.   The development of the model plan will be a collaborative effort with SIF personnel, consultants, and an advisory group.  The advisory group is composed of Federal and State pipeline safety representatives, and technical staff from a variety of municipal natural gas systems.  The model plan is intended to be an efficient, cost effective method of complying with the new regulations that Pipeline Safety representatives will support.

Heath and Associates is honored to be selected to provide guidance to the SIF for the model plan.  Heath and Associates is an engineering and management consulting firm that has extensive experience in the development of Integrity Management Programs for gas transmission pipeline operators.  Heath and Associates has a long history of assisting operators with the development of other regulatory compliance programs such as Operation and Maintenance Plans, Operator Qualification Plans, and Public Awareness Plans. 

Press Release:

May 16, 2007, Shelby, North Carolina

Mr. E. Scott Heath, President, is proud to announce that the year 2006 completed Heath and Associates’ 47th year in operation.  The year 2006 was another successful year with the company posting positive earnings for the twenty-third consecutive year.  Heath and Associates worked for twenty clients in seven states in 2006.

Press Release:

May 16, 2007, Shelby, North Carolina 

Office Manager Celebrates 10th year Service Anniversary

Heath and Associates, Inc., is proud to celebrate another ten-year service anniversary.  Debbie Sumpter passed her ten year service date with Heath and Associates in April 2007. A native of Shelby and working most of her life in Cleveland County, she began her career at Heath after working 10 years in Gastonia, NC.  Debbie serves as Office Manager for the firm overseeing all the daily office administration activities.  Debbie is married to Dale Sumpter. She has a daughter Niki Champion, and two step-children Jason and Toni.  They also have two grandchildren, ages 5 and 2 and a new grandson due in August.  She along with her husband and their little dog, Abbey enjoy the outdoors.

Heath and Associates is an Engineering and Management Consulting Firm that provides services to the natural gas industry.  In 2006, Heath and Associates worked for 22 natural gas systems in 7 states. 

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Press Release: 

January 17, 2007, Shelby, North Carolina

HEATH AND ASSOCIATES, INC. – Shelby, NC – HEATH ANNOUNCES NEW PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER

Heath and Associates, is proud to announce that Tommy H. Setzer passed the Engineering Principles and Practices examination in October 2006.  Tommy joined Heath and Associates in November 1995 and has become a registered engineer in North Carolina.  Tommy is a vital part of our operation and we are thrilled that he has obtained his Professional Engineering License.  Mr. Setzer is a 1993 graduate of the University of North Carolina in Charlotte (BSCE).  Tommy is very grateful for the support of his coworkers, his wife, daughter, and Sunday School co-teacher who gave him encouragement while he studied.  He plans to register and practice engineering in South Carolina and Tennessee to support the company’s business plan.

Press Release:

May 25, 2006,Shelby, North Carolina

Heath and Associates, Inc., Offers Public Awareness Plans and Related Consulting Services to Gas System Operators.

Heath and Associates, Inc., is offering to assist operators in the development of a Public Awareness Program for their system that will be required by 49 CFR Part 192.616 as of June 20, 2006.  Heath and Associates has a long history of assisting operators with the development of other regulatory compliance programs such as Operations and Maintenance Plans, Operator Qualification Plans, and Integrity Management Programs. 

Background

On May 19, 2005, OPS issued a final rule requiring pipeline operators to develop and implement public awareness programs consistent with the requirements of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (PSIA) and the guidance provided by the American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 1162, "Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators". Under the regulations, operators of gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities must carry out continuing programs to educate the public on:  

• The use of a One-Call notification system prior to excavation, and other damage prevention activities;

• The possible hazards associated with unintended releases from the pipeline facility;

• The physical indications that such a release may have occurred;

• What steps should be taken for public safety in the event of a pipeline release; and

• How to report such an event.

Operators must include in their programs' activities to advise affected municipalities, school districts, businesses, and residents located near pipelines. Of significance is the requirement that operators must review their programs for effectiveness and enhance the programs as necessary.

The American Public Gas Association (APGA) has provided its members with a template to use for the development of a Public Awareness Plan.  The template addressed most of the rule, but needs some improvements to address both the requirements of API RP 1162 and Part 192.616 (Part 192 Amendment 99) as well.

Heath and Associates Assistance

Heath and Associates, Inc., has developed additional materials to supplement and complete the APGA Public Awareness Plan template.  The Heath and Associates enhancements include the following:

• Supplemental text to address requirements of API RP 1162 and Part 192.616.

• Justification language for non-compliance to RP 1162.

• Guidelines and self-audit measures that assist operators with implementation of a Public Awareness Program.

• Sample Materials for distribution.

• Provisions for measuring effectiveness and documenting the results.

• A series of forms to document the plan implementation.

If you are interested in Heath and Associates assisting you with the customization of your PA Plan, please contact Scott Heath at 877/252-2347.  Heath and Associates can provide a complete, customized PA Plan, or supplement your efforts to develop your own PA Plan format.

We appreciate the opportunity to present this service to you.  Heath and Associates regulatory compliance manuals (O&M, OQ, and IMP) are highly respected by various State Public Service Commissions and we believe that our Public Awareness Plans will be also. We invite you to inquire about our services at your convenience.

Press Release:

May 24, 2006, Shelby, North Carolina:

Heath and Associates, Inc. Becomes LMOP Industry Partner 

Press Release:

January 23, 2006, Shelby, North Carolina:

Heath and Associates, Inc. Celebrates 10^th Year Service Anniversary For Two Employees

Heath and Associates, Inc., is proud to celebrate the ten-year service anniversary of two employees.  Todd P. Clapp and Tommy H. Setzer past their ten year service dates with Heath and Associates in late 2005.

Todd Clapp began his career after obtaining an Associates Degree in Architectural Design from Gaston College.  Todd oversees the electronic drafting and graphic design activities of the firm.  Todd also maintains the corporate website and coordinates the information technology activities within the company.  Todd is married to Carol Clapp, and they have two children, Destani and Lilah. Todd is very active in his church, First Assembly of God in Gastonia, and enjoys physical fitness activities. 

Tommy Setzer has a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte.  Tommy is primarily responsible for system design and project management.  Tommy also performs a variety of technical support activities to aid in company rate studies, load forecasting and gas supply studies, flow modeling, operator qualification, and pipeline integrity management.  Tommy is married to Becky Setzer, and they have one daughter Rebecca.  Tommy is very active in his church, Lattimore Baptist, and has developed several software programs for educational use.