PHMSA has published the voting slides and transcripts from the March 25– 29 GPAC meeting, which covered the NPRM for Class Location Change Requirements and the NPRM for Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair. Those slides and meeting transcripts can be found here. On April 10, 2024, PHMSA extended the comment submission deadline for the…
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Did you know?
The American pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors could not continue to operate as they do without natural gas and other petrochemicals. The loss of these vital feedstocks and energy sources would cripple the production of vital supplies, make sanitary care vastly harder, and raise the cost of pharmaceuticals for customers. Learn more about the critical role…
Arkansas Rule D-23 – General Rule for the Regulation of Underground Natural Gas Storage Projects
The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (“OGC”) has proposed amendments to Commission General Rule D-23, “General Rule for the Regulation of Underground Natural Gas Storage Projects.” Specifically, the rule amendments are promulgated to provide for the underground storage of other gases, such as carbon oxides, ammonia, hydrogen, nitrogen, and noble gas. The OGC accepted comments up until…
Summary of Proposed PHMSA Form Updates
[Docket No.: PHMSA-2022-0085] Stay in the loop with the latest PHMSA proposed form changes as of March 25, 2024. Our summary provides essential insights to keep you informed and prepared. For a copy of this notice from the Federal Register, please contact Jessica Foley.
Missouri Updates Department of Commerce and Insurance Rules: What You Need to Know!
The State of Missouri has amended the rules in the Department of Commerce and Insurance, Division 4240 – Public Service Commission, Chapter 40 – Gas Utilities and Gas Safety Standards, effective March 1, 2024. These rule changes address amendments by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety, 49 CFR Parts 191…
The Enforcement Corner
The Enforcement Corner summarizes recent PHMSA enforcement actions, indicating where PHMSA is putting its enforcement efforts and the fines they are proposing for various types of violations. In February 2024, PHMSA issued 1 CAO, 6 NOAs, 6 NOPVs, and 6 WLs accompanied by $307,942 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following…
Q&A Section
Do you have questions? RCP’s SMEs have the answers. Information will be posted here for questions we often get from clients or discussions we have with regulators regarding interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: Do I have to do ILI on newly constructed pipe? A: Yes, hydro is the baseline – don’t have to ILI…
Featured Service
TaskOp Highlight: MOC Module TaskOp, RCP’s reliable Workflow & Asset Management Application, features a fully integrated Management of Change (MOC) Module. Designed to meet the requirements of 49 CFR 192, 195, and PHMSA’s RIN2, Gas Mega Rule regulations as documented in § 192.13, this Module allows users to electronically oversee their company’s management of change process. TaskOp’s…
Did you know?
Smart energy policies should include ways to reduce energy consumption by utilizing current energy infrastructure efficiently and planning for our energy future in a way that protects consumer choice. This strategy would balance energy needs and ultimately ensure energy infrastructure is secure and economically viable for future generations. Learn more by clicking here.
The Enforcement Corner
The Enforcement Corner summarizes recent PHMSA enforcement actions, indicating where PHMSA is focusing its enforcement efforts and the fines they are proposing for various types of violations. In January 2024, PHMSA issued 2 NOAs, 4 NOPVs, and 3 WLs, accompanied by $81,800 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following code sections:…
Q&A Section
Do you have questions? RCP’s SMEs have the answers. Information will be posted here for questions we often get from clients or discussions we have with regulators regarding interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: If a liquid pipeline operator installs the wrong style of gasket in a flange during a maintenance repair, and then the…
EPA Grants Louisiana Class VI Primacy Over Carbon Storage Wells
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy’s announcement on December 29th, regarding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granting Class VI primacy to the state for regulating carbon storage wells, marks a significant milestone in Louisiana’s carbon capture efforts. For further details on this development, you can find more information here.
National Academy of Sciences Valve Report
As part of the Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020, PHMSA was directed under Section 119 to have the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (The National Academies) to conduct a study of potential methodologies or standards for the installation of automatic or remote-controlled shut-off valves on existing…
2024 D&A Random Rate, MIS Reporting Data
Docket No. PHMSA-2023-0116 On December 8th, 2023, PHMSA published in the Federal Register a notice announcing that it has determined the minimum random drug testing rate for covered employees will remain at 25 percent during calendar year 2024. Of special note, for calendar year 2023 reporting, DOT is introducing MFA login procedures for submitting D&A…
GPAC Meeting Notice March 2024
The next Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting will discuss the Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) and Class Location Notice of Proposed Rule Makings (NPRM). The meeting is set to take place March 25-29, 2024. The plan is to start each day at 8:30 AM and continue through Friday until both rules are completed. However,…
2024 Conference News
AGA Operations Conference & Spring Committee MeetingsApril 28-May 2, 2024 | Hyatt Regency Seattle | Seattle, WA The Operations Conference is the natural gas industry’s premier gathering of utilities, distribution, and transmission operators. Leaders and technical experts from across North America and the world attend the event. Developed by gas operators for gas operators –…
2024 PSI Training Schedule
DATE COURSE LOCATION June 11-13, 2024 DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop In-Person RCP Headquarters August 27-29, 2024 DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop In-Person RCP Headquarters 49 CFR Code Book Limited stock available ofprinted code books! 49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195, & 196.
PHMSA Delivers Proposed Rule On Carbon Pipeline Safety To White House OMB
“The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on Feb. 2 delivered a proposed rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget focused on improving the safety of carbon dioxide pipelines. OMB review marks a final stage before a proposed rule is released for public comment.” Erin Voegele, Carbon Capture…
Q&A Section
Do you have questions? RCP’s SMEs have the answers. Information will be posted here for questions we often get from clients or discussions we have with regulators regarding interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: If a liquid pipeline operator installs the wrong style of gasket in a flange during a maintenance repair, and then the…
NTSB has issued its Final Incident Report on the 2021 San Pedro Bay Crude Oil Pipeline Incident
In its final report, NTSB has recommended PHMSA to encourage operators to implement PSMS. The following recommendation was approved by the NTSB Board to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. “Issue an advisory bulletin to all Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration-regulated pipeline owners and operators, promoting the benefits of pipeline safety management systems…