Hans Mertens, Vermont engineering chief, heading to national pipeline safety group

The National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives has named Hans Mertens as its new administrative manager. Mertens is the chief engineer for the Vermont Public Service Department.

NAPSR is an organization of state pipeline safety program experts with the goal of strengthening safety programs through promotion of improved pipeline safety standards, underground damage prevention, education, training, and technology. NAPSR also provides a venue for fostering federal/state partnerships through the 52 state agencies responsible for implementing state and federal pipeline safety programs and enforcing federal and state safety codes that govern the gas and hazardous liquid delivery system.  

Mertens comes to the position after serving as the Director of Engineering Services and Chief Engineer for the Vermont Department of Public Service. In this role, Mertens served as Vermont’s gas pipeline safety program manager.  In addition, he is a past chair of NAPSR’s Eastern Region and served on the Association’s Executive Committee. 

Before joining the Vermont Department of Public Service, Mertens held various industry positions beginning as a District Manager at PSE&G, then Chief Engineer at Consolidate Edison, followed by Vice President of Gas Engineering at Westar (formerly KPL Gas Service) and Vice President of Electric Transmission Services. He earned his engineering degree from NJIT and his MBA from Rutgers University 

“We are fortunate to find someone with Hans’ unique skill set for this important position,” said NAPSR Chairman Paul Metro of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. “The safe and reliable operation of our nation’s pipelines is essential to our country’s well-being. NAPSR provides an important public service by bringing our nation’s safety personnel together so we can share best practices. Hans’ experience as a pipeline safety program manager gives him firsthand knowledge and expertise this job demands.” 

The National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) is a non-profit organization of state pipeline safety officials organized in 1982, who serve to promote pipeline safety in the U.S. and its territories. NAPSR promotes the safe delivery of pipeline products by working closely with U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the industry and interested stakeholders. NAPSR's Board of Directors is the governing body of the organization and is responsible for NAPSR policy.