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Summary The meeting agenda was distributed to those in attendance. Data to Date – Mr. Aaron Dillard of Conoco distributed a Summary Report of the Basin Pipeline Sampling and Testing program. The program ran from 1996 through June of 2000. Enforcement Implementation – Ms. Patti Edens of Equilon Pipeline updated the group on Equilon Pipeline’s efforts to deliver on spec Domestic Sweet and Super Sweet at Cushing. There have been no shutdowns at Cushing due to off spec crude even though a few samples have showed off spec sulfur results. These samples were taken from small, sweet batches that had a large, sour linefill. The linefills, as is Equilon’s custom, were cut to sour tankage, which the samples did not reflect. It is Equilon’s standard operating procedure to cut to protect the sweet. Patti mentioned that NYMEX specifications at Midland should start May 1. NYMEX is considering specifications in addition to gravity and sulfur. Equilon Pipeline suggested 0.4% sulfur at Midland to help ensure on spec arrival at Cushing. Most barrels already arrive at Midland at 0.4 % or less. The decision on the specifications should be made soon. Path Forward - Don Hamilton of Gary Williams and Aaron Dillard shared a draft communication on crude quality with the group. The longer version will be sent to all shippers in the Mid-Continent. It gives background on our quality initiatives thus far and asks everyone’s support in our push to institute parameters in addition to gravity and sulfur as standard quality designations. The short letter is a memo that the shippers are asked to sign. These signed memos will be used to communicate the support of the shipping community for additional quality characteristics. It is intended that the signed memos will be forwarded to a wide population of pipelines in the Mid-Continent. There was some discussion on expanding the boundaries to include other areas, but, most likely, the Mid-Continent will be covered first. Don and Aaron hope to have the letter distributed by end February. This communication to all shippers is the first step in our ultimate goal of a Pipeline Summit on quality. Harry Giles, COQA Facilitator | |