This series explores the importance of pipeline inspection by discussing real-life experiences. Host, Jonathan Pullum, sits down with pipeline industry veteran, Ritch Rappel, who shares some of the lessons he has learned from his time in the field.

Host, Jonathan Pullum, has extensive experience as a researcher, analyst, and consultant in both the public and private sectors. As a congressional aide in the U.S. Senate, Jonathan assessed the impact of key economic and employment data and trends and vetted Presidential appointees. At the U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory in Idaho, he worked on a project to develop an earthquake frequency database to assess seismic hazards in southeast Idaho. He has worked closely with industry geologists conducting research related to sedimentary basins in Northern Saskatchewan and Alberta. He has a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Wyoming, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers University.

Ritch Rappel is a Construction Management Specialist with over 40 years of experience in the industry. During his career he worked as a construction manager on large oil sands projects and was involved in the construction and planning of the Norman Wells Pipeline, Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline Project, and the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Project. Ritch was responsible for improvements in mechanized welding and automated ultrasonic testing when these technologies moved from offshore to onshore use. He has an MBA in Community Economic Development from Cape Breton University, a Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Bachelor’s Degree, and a Diploma in Welding Engineering Technology from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Ritch is currently active with The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) Foundation, the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) Foundation, and American Petroleum Institute (API) committees.