About

Mission Statement

To improve pipeline safety for domestic hazardous liquid and gas pipelines through high integrity interactions, thorough investigation and code compliant responses to client’s pipeline safety issues.

Nathan Solem

Company History

In 2006, Nathan took a position as a rate case analyst with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. Shortly after, their Pipeline Safety Program Manager retired, and Nathan was asked to step into the role due to his engineering degree, a necessary qualification for the job. He thrived in this role, appreciating the opportunity to contribute to pipeline safety, initially in South Dakota and later on a national scale with the USDOT Office of Pipeline Safety. During the pandemic, Nathan and his wife purchased a retirement townhome in Tampa, Florida, close to their daughter. In 2022, they decided to relocate. However, OPS policy prevented Nathan from working for the central region of PHMSA OPS while residing in Florida, leading to his retirement. After settling in Tampa, Nathan established Solem Pipeline Safety Consulting LLC in 2023, following through with his plan to continue working in his field after the move.

Qualifications:

  • PHMSA certified inspector for both gas and hazardous liquids
  • 16 years as a regulatory inspector for the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and PHSMA Central Region Office of Pipeline Safety
  • Over 10,000 miles of pipeline inspected
  • Over 150 operators inspected.

Subject matter expert in:

  • Corrosion and cathodic protection
  • Public awareness
  • Distribution Integrity Management

Solem Pipeline Safety Consulting LLC contributes to society by improving the safety of the nations hazardous liquid and gas pipelines.

Expert Witness Services

Compliance with Pipeline Safety Regulations Determination/Opinion

  • Natural gas explosions
  • Oil spills

Scientific function

Evidence

  • Collect, test and evaluate by:
    • Independent examinations
    • Site visits
    • Reviewing evidence
      • Reviewing evidence is our premier expert witness service.  For example, in a natural gas explosion, we can:
          • Review depositions to find:
            • Code compliance issues
            • Types of operator records and procedures mentioned that are needed to determine compliance with gas code
          • Review discovery to find:
            • Code compliance issues
            • Missing records and procedures relevant to case code compliance
          • Help draft discovery requests for needed compliance records and procedures

Forensic function

  • Communication of opinion and its basis to judge and jury by:
    • Expert reports
    • Testimony
    • Evidence
  • Impartial view
    • Provide an impartial and expert view on disputed issues to help clear confusion
  • Resolution
    • Resolve issues before litigation by serving as arbitrators or mediators
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