The responsibility for providing technical support in managing the integrity of a pipeline system, including its facilities, is usually assigned to a group dedicated to that task. The size and structure of the group will vary depending on the amount and diverse nature of the company's pipeline facilities and the degree to which it contracts support from outside contractors and consultants. The principal activities and responsibilities of this functional group, however, will remain fairly consistent, irrespective of the previous considerations and will comprise the following broad support tasks:

1. Develop and manage the IMP (protecting existing/newly added facilities), in cooperation...