PHMSA’s FAQs to clarify, explain and promote better understanding of issues concerning integrity assessment of Underground Natural Gas Storage can be found on PHMSA’s Pipeline Technical Resources webpage.
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Underground Natural Gas Storage Interim Final Rule
[Docket No. PHMSA-2016-0016; Amdt. Nos. 191-24; 192-122] On December 19, 2016, PHMSA issued its Underground Natural Gas Storage (UGS) Interim Final Rule (IFR) regulations for all underground natural gas storage facilities constructed on or before July 18, 2017, including solution mined salt caverns, depleted reservoirs, and aquifer storage facilities, to address safety issues related to…
Fundamentals of Transmission Pipeline Operations Workshop
May 17 – 18, 2017 RCP is now offering a 2-day course that is designed to give a comprehensive overview of gas and liquid energy transmission pipelines and how they are operated and maintained. It is appropriate for both technical and non-technical personnel who are new to the energy transmission pipeline industry, as well as…
Save the Dates!
RCP Workshop Schedule for 2017 DOT Gas & Liquid Pipeline Workshop: March 21-23 (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) Fundamentals of Pipeline Operations Workshop: May 24-25 (Wednesday & Thursday) Pressure Test Workshop: June 20-21 (Tuesday & Wednesday) Visit our training website for updates, registration, and hotel information.
2017 Pipeline Conference Schedule (February thru May)
Have you registered and confirmed your reservations for these upcoming conferences? RCP will be attending the following conferences. We hope to see you there! Pipeline Pigging and Integrity Management (PPIM) ConferenceFebruary 27 – March 2, 2017George R. Brown Convention Center – Hall A3 / Houston, TXVisit RCP Booth #329 / Be our Guest and Click…
Operator Qualification, Cost Recovery, Accident and Incident Notification, Etc.
[Docket No. PHMSA-2013-0163] PHMSA is amending the pipeline safety regulations to address requirements of the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 (2011 Act), and to update and clarify certain regulatory requirements. Among other provisions, PHMSA is adding a specific time frame for telephonic or electronic notifications of accidents and incidents and…
DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop – Gas & Liquid
March 21 – 23, 2017 Join us March 21-23, 2017 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…
On-Shore Hazardous Liquid Pipelines – Final Rule?
[Docket No. PHMSA-2010-0229; Amdt. No. 195-102] On January 12, 2017, PHMSA posted the text of a pending final rule concerning hazardous liquid pipelines. The corresponding NPRM was published on 10/13/2015. This pending final rule has not yet actually been published in the Federal Register, and will no doubt undergo further review and possibly revision under…
Washington UTC Director of Pipeline Safety Position
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is seeking an experienced individual to lead its pipeline safety program that enhances public safety through compliance inspections, technical assistance to local governments and pipeline operators, public education, and enforcement. Alan Rathbun, current Director of Pipeline Safety, plans to retire in May. For more information on the position…
Operators Encouraged to Register for Public Awareness Study
Registration is now open for the 2017 Public Awareness Program Effectiveness Research Study (PAPERS). PAPERS is a national public awareness effectiveness survey developed and sponsored by API, AOPL and INGAA to assist pipeline operators in meeting the regulatory requirements for effectiveness measurement and evaluation of public awareness programs. The deadline to register is May 31st.…
ASME B31Q Pipeline Personnel Qualification
The ASME B31Q Pipeline Personnel Qualification Standard (part of the ASME B31 suite of pipeline standards) establishes the requirements for developing and implementing an effective Pipeline Personnel Qualification Program. The technical standards committee met in February to continue work on updates for the 2018 edition. Additionally, the committee discussed a variety of other operator qualification…
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 242 Amending the Underground Utility Line Protection Law
Pennsylvania General Assembly introduced Senate Bill 242 into committee on January 26, 2017. The bill seeks to amend the Underground Utility Line Protection Law of December 10, 1974 (P.L.852, No.287) by further defining the duties of facility owners, the One Call system, excavators, designers, and project owners. The bill also provides further definition of penalties,…
Florida Regulation Updates
On February 17, 2017 the State of Florida published an update to their gas pipeline regulations found in Division 25 Chapter 12. This update adopts and incorporates by reference the 49 CFR 191, 192 and 199 through the most recent version. Note the previously adopted version of the federal regulations was 2011. These changes are…
DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop – Gas & Liquid
March 21 – 23, 2017 Join us March 21-23, 2017 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…
Grammar Police on the March in California
Several revisions were recently made to California Public Resources Code, Title Division 7.8 – Oil Spill Prevention and Response. A reference to another section of the CA Code was updated from (k) to (n). All the other changes were limited to changing the word ?which? to ?that?. So there?s that, apparently.
Audit Assistance
Has the DOT or a State agency 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 audit preparation and will help you identify opportunities for…
Annual Inspections of Intra-State Liquid Pipelines and Operators in California
As a result of the May 19, 2015 pipeline incident at Refugio Beach in Santa Barbara County that spilled over 100,000 gallons of crude oil and impacted over 25 miles of coastline and ocean water, the State of California has mandated the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to adopt regulations and conduct annual…
PHMSA Underground Natural Gas Storage Comment Period Ended
On December 19, 2016, PHMSA published the Safety of Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities Interim Final Rule [81 Federal Register 91860] (See related article in the January edition of the DOT Pipeline Compliance News.) This IFR is effective January 18, 2017 and currently sets a timeline for implementation of API RP 1170, sections 9, 10,…
2017 Pipeline Conference Schedule
Have you registered and confirmed your reservations for these upcoming conferences? RCP will be attending the following conferences. We hope to see you there! AGA Pipeline Safety Management Systems WorkshopApril 12 – 13Omni Jacksonville, Florida This workshop will feature presentations and case studies from pipeline operators, regulators, and service providers. Presentations will focus on information…
April is National Safe Digging Month
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is a member-driven association of individuals, organizations and sponsors in every facet of the underground utility industry. CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices. Damage prevention starts with one phone call, and since 2007 the phone number for that…