UFO sightings in New Mexico correlate with patents granted in the US. Popularity of the first name Alix correlates with carjackings in the US. Obviously, correlations can tell us a lot while also telling us nothing at all. In this episode of Pipeline Things, we dive into geohazards, geohazard statistics, and how the stories they tell aren’t always what they seem.

Tune in as Rhett Dotson and Christopher De Leon return with The Dirt Merchant to discuss why shark attacks appear to rise with ice cream consumption, and what Alex’s PPIM 2026 paper tells us about the prevalence of landslides and hydrotechnical events over time.

Highlights:

• The use and limitations of the PHMSA significant incident database.

• The impacts of data quality

• The key question: Are we getting better at managing geohazards?

• Is it too soon to tell if our geohazard programs are working?

• How consumer behavior affects industry patterns related to failures.

Bonus: For other fun correlations, visit tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations. It’s a hoot and half if you’re a stat nerd like we are.

Connect:   

Rhett Dotson   

Christopher De Leon   

Alexander McKenzie-Johnson

D2 Integrity   

Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!   

Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.    

D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at sarah.etier@forme-mktg.com.   

Copyright 2026 © D2 Integrity 

Canada may be just across the border, but when it comes to pipeline integrity management, the differences can make it feel like we’re oceans apart. Learn how each country balances the world of politics and regulators, the key differences in engineering approaches, and the distinction between performance versus prescriptive culture.

In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Chris bring on Dr. Nicki Robertson, who is currently standing up D2 Integrity’s Canadian office, to discuss pipeline regulations across borders.

Highlights:

• Key differences and similarities between each country’s regulatory environment
• How each country approaches interpreting regulations
• Relationships between operators and regulators
• Ensuring sound engineering for engineering assessments

Connect:

Rhett Dotson  

Christopher De Leon  

Nicki Robertson

D2 Integrity  

Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  

Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   

D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at sarah.etier@forme-mktg.com.  

Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 

On this episode of the Pipeline Things podcast, Rhett and Christopher sit down with guest Mark Ryan of Phillips 66 to discuss the impact of Part Three of the PHMSA Mega Rule on onshore gas gathering lines, 8-inch and up. The discussion confronts the reality that with its adoption, there are no longer any unregulated gas lines.

Highlights:

• Motivations behind the rule stem from a wide-scale effort to reduce emissions across the pipeline industry.
• Enhanced compliance thresholds for gas gathering lines have introduced challenges and opportunities for pipeline operators, like new classifications and reporting requirements.
• Implications of prescriptive vs. performance-based integrity management as the gas gathering space continues to evolve.

If you haven’t thought of the impact of the Mega Rule on gathering lines before, or if you’re knee deep in the new regulations, this episode is for you.

Connect:

Mark Ryan

Rhett Dotson  

Christopher De Leon

D2 Integrity  

Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  

Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   

D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at sarah.etier@forme-mktg.com.  

Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity