2010 Heath Award Winner

Jerome efforts are being recognized with the receipt of this award on his efforts to obtain a precedent setting waiver to align the frequencies of leak survey and atmospheric corrosion inspections in order to realign Ameren’s safety resources to promote efficiency without compromising safety. Recognizing that system reliability could be improved by more frequent leak surveys and atmospheric corrosion surveys could be more effective by utilizing qualified leak surveyors rather than the historical meter reader approach, Jerome worked diligently on a waiver to increase the frequency of distribution / high pressure leak surveys from five years to four years and extend the frequency of atmospheric corrosion surveys from three to four years. Historical data showing that the impact of atmospheric corrosion on above ground facilities at Ameren would not be compromised by adding one year to the survey cycle was an important fact that helped gain the support of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for the waiver application.

As a result of Jerome’s work he has presented the waiver process and results as it relates to alternate inspection at several conferences and meetings around the country as it relates to the Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP). As a result many operators may choose to explore alternate inspection intervals for leak and atmospheric corrosion surveys.

Jerome Themig – Manager, Gas Compliance – Ameren Corporation began his career in the energy business in 1980. He is a mechanical engineering graduate from Southern Illinois University and started his career as a summer roustabout with Shell Pipeline at the Patoka Tank Farm. Following graduation he spent seven (7) years with Dresser Industries and later joined the Local Distribution Company (LDC) in Illinois as a Gas Field Engineer. He has now been with Ameren for twenty-three (23) years in Gas Operations, Staff Engineering and Supervisory positions. He currently has responsibilities for regulatory compliance both state and federal, standards / materials, public awareness and quality assurance.

2008 Heath Award Winner

“Mr. Arioli’s leadership role in communicating the importance of leak detection and the effective implementation of remedial measures demonstrates a commitment to improving the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible delivery of natural gas,” said AGA President and CEO Dave Parker.

Arioli, a gas distribution supervisor with DTE Energy-MichCon, was recognized for his work in implementing a gas leak detection and rectification program that has not only helped to ensure public and employee safety, but has also resulted in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased cost savings for the DTE Energy-MichCon distribution system.

The annual award recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to leak detection, prevention or repair over the past five years.

Michael Arioli of DTE Energy-MichCon was awarded the 2008 Milton W. Heath Sr. Memorial Award at the AGA 2008 Operations Conference in Phoenix, AZ.

Philip Fowles, a senior engineer for Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, today was named the winner of the American Gas Association's Milton W. Heath Sr. Memorial Award. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to leak detection, prevention or repair during the preceding five years.

Fowles was honored at the AGA 2007 Operations Conference, held this year in Grapevine, Texas from April 24-26. Heath Consultants Incorporated sponsors the award. Fowles was selected for his achievements in developing the Correlation Interference Polarization Spectroscopy and Remote Methane Leak Detection and his involvement in developing Explorer I &II. Fowles’ leadership role conducting research and guiding it to successful field implementation demonstrates a commitment to improve the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of natural gas. His commitment will benefit the natural gas distribution and transmission industry, enhance safety and decrease lost and accounted for gas. Fowles has been with Con Edison for 23 years.

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