If SCADA fails, equipment may have to operate manually by ________.

When SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems fail, the operations that are typically automated may need to be managed manually to ensure the continuity and safety of operations. In such situations, field personnel are the individuals best suited to take over manual operations.

Field personnel have the necessary training and knowledge to handle equipment directly, monitor its status, and make decisions to ensure operational integrity. They are physically present at the site, allowing them to respond quickly to any issues that may arise during manual operation, such as equipment malfunctions or safety concerns. Their proximity to the equipment and understanding of its operational environment position them ideally to manage the situation effectively until SCADA is restored or other automated systems can take over.

The other options, while relevant to the operational ecosystem, do not have the direct responsibility or capability to operate equipment manually in the event of a SCADA failure. Control center personnel may have oversight and operational responsibilities from a distance but are not physically present to engage with the equipment. Local authorities are typically involved in regulatory and safety compliance matters rather than day-to-day operational control. PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) plays a role in regulatory oversight but is not involved in the direct operation of equipment.