Since we last reported on PHMSA’s projected rulemaking dates (January 2016 edition of the DOT Pipeline Compliance News), there have been several changes to the projected publications dates for regulations that will affect gas and liquid pipelines. A quick reference table for the pipeline safety regulations that are affected is provided below with a short…
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Pipeline Pressure Testing Workshop: August 16-17, 2016
RCP is now offering a 2-day Pipeline Pressure Testing Workshop at its facilities in downtown Houston. The workshop will begin by outlining the objectives for performing a pressure test and how those relate to DOT requirements. The workshop will then build upon these foundations to answer many specific pressure testing questions including: What are the…
Last Call for RCP’s DOT Workshop in 2016!
If you were unable to attend a workshop earlier this year, here’s your final chance in 2016. Join us at our corporate office and dedicated training facility in downtown Houston for RCP’s DOT Gas & Liquid Pipeline Workshop on October 4-6 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Visit our Training Website for registration information and links to hotels in the…
Pipeline Leak Detection-Program Management Webinar
SAVE THE DATE – NOVEMBER 3RD API, along with the support of the API RP 1175 Pipeline Leak Detection-Program Management, Implementation Team, is hosting a Webinar for pipeline operators on November 3rd from 10 – 11:30 AM (CST). For registration details and other information, send your name, company name and contact information to: PipelineLDP@API.org.
Pipeline Safety Trust Conference
OCTOBER 20-21 – NEW ORLEANS Join us in New Orleans at the Hotel Monteleone on October 20-21, 2016, for the annual conference hosted by the Pipeline Safety Trust. This conference provides a unique forum to gather pipeline operators, regulators, local governments and concerned citizens for two days to talk all things pipeline safety. A stroll…
API Pipeline Information eXchange (PIX) and Pipeline Integrity Workshop
OCTOBER 11-12 – HOUSTON, TX The 2016 API Pipeline Information eXchange (PIX) and Pipeline Integrity Workshop will be held at the Hyatt Regency Houston Galleria, 2626 Sage Road, Houston, Texas on October 11 and 12. An agenda at a glance is below. Click here for hotel and registration information. October 11 – PIX: The purpose of…
Audit Assistance
Has the DOT or TRRC notified you of a pending audit? Are your O&M and IMP programs ready for their next PHMSA audit? RCP can review your plans based on Advisory Bulletins and Enforcement Guidelines to ensure compliance. RCP is well versed in PHMSA and TRRC audit preparation and will help you identify opportunities for…
Texas Audit Act §3(a)(4)
There is new legislation in Texas allowing pipeline operators to avoid penalties for violations disclosed. Under the Texas Environmental, Health, and Safety Audit Privilege Act (“Audit Act”), TEX. CIV. STAT. art. 4447cc, persons that conduct voluntary environmental or health and safety audits of regulated facilities and operations can claim immunity from administrative penalties for violations…
Underground Natural Gas Storage Services
RCP has extensive expertise in the underground storage operations and integrity for depleted reservoirs which we would like to put to work for your company. RCP has developed a comprehensive solution that allows underground natural gas storage operators to: Assess current operations against new RP 1171 Develop written standards and procedures for underground natural gas…
PHMSA Advisory Bulletin ADB-2016-05 Clarification of Terms Relating to Pipeline Operational Status / Abandoned Pipelines
[DOCKET NO. PHMSA-2016-0075] PHMSA issued an advisory bulletin to all owners and operators of hazardous liquid, carbon dioxide, and gas pipelines to clarify the regulatory requirements that may vary depending on the operational status of a pipeline. This advisory bulletin identifies regulatory requirements operators must follow for the abandonment of pipelines. Pipeline owners and operators…
DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop – Gas & Liquid
OCTOBER 4-6, 2016 Join us October 4-6, 2016 in Houston at our corporate office and dedicated training facility for an informative, lively, and interactive workshop on DOT Pipeline Compliance topics. The workshop provides an overview of the DOT pipeline regulations in 49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195, and 199. It also describes pipeline operations and engineering concepts.…
PHMSA Pipeline Safety Research and Development Forum
NOVEMBER 16-17, 2016 – CLEVELAND, OH The forum is a 2-day event held periodically to generate a National research agenda that fosters solutions for the various challenges associated with pipeline safety and with protecting the environment. The forum allows public, government and industry pipeline stakeholders to develop a consensus on the technical gaps and challenges…
Pipeline Leak Detection – Program Management Webinar
SAVE THE DATE – NOVEMBER 3RD API, along with the support of the API RP 1175 Pipeline Leak Detection-Program Management, Implementation Team, is hosting a Webinar for pipeline operators on November 3rd from 10 – 11:30 AM (CST). For registration details and other information, send your name, company name and contact information to: PipelineLDP@API.org.
Pipeline Safety Trust Conference
OCTOBER 20-21 – NEW ORLEANS Join us in New Orleans at the Hotel Monteleone on October 20-21, 2016, for the annual conference hosted by the Pipeline Safety Trust. This conference provides a unique forum to gather pipeline operators, regulators, local governments and concerned citizens for two days to talk all things pipeline safety. A stroll…
Ohio Notification Changes for Intra-State Gas Pipelines
The State of Ohio has modified its regulations in Number 4901:1-16 – Gas Pipeline Safety, to change the reporting phone number to 1-844-OHCALL1 (1-844-642-2551), and to require telephonic reports within thirty minutes of discovery unless notification within that time is impracticable under the circumstances. They also updated the version of the federal pipeline safety regulations…
Underground Natural Gas Storage Services
RCP has extensive expertise in the underground storage operations and integrity for depleted reservoirs which we would like to put to work for your company. RCP has developed a comprehensive solution that allows underground natural gas storage operators to: Assess current operations against new RP 1171 Develop written standards and procedures for underground natural gas…
Arizona Damage Prevention Regulation Update
Arizona has updated section 40-360.24. Notice of Damage to Underground Facility, to require immediate notification to 911 for any damage that results in a release. The existing requirements regarding notifications and repairs concerning “any damage to or dislocation of any underground facility…” are unchanged.
PHMSA Publishes Pipeline Civil Penalty Structure Online
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT/PHMSA) announced it has made a pipeline civil penalty framework available on its website. A respondent in an enforcement case may request a proposed civil penalty calculation related to that case. PHMSA also announced that it will, as appropriate, issue higher penalties, which serve…
PHMSA Final Rule Expands Requirement for EFVs
[DOCKET NO. PHMSA-2011-0009; AMDT. NO 192-121] PHMSA issued a preview version of their Final Rule that will expand the requirements for excess flow valves (EFVs) on new and replaced gas distribution pipelines. The Final Rule entitled “Expanding the Use of Excess Flow Valves in Gas Distribution Systems to Applications Other than Single-Family Residences” is expected…
PHMSA Interim Final Rule on Enhanced Emergency Order Procedures
[DOCKET NO. PHMSA-2016-0091] This new enforcement tool will allow the Administrator to issue an emergency order either prohibiting an unsafe condition or practice or imposing an affirmative requirement when an unsafe condition, practice or other activity in the transportation of natural gas or hazardous liquids poses a threat to life or significant harm to property…