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DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop

SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2018 Join us September 11-13, 2018 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, 196, and 199. It also describes pipeline operations…

PHMSA, FERC to Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Streamline Safety Review and Permitting Process for LNG Facility Proposals

On July 19, 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), announced that the two agencies have agreed to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would refine and shorten the permit application review process for proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities. “PHMSA…

PHMSA Class Location Change Requirements Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

[DOCKET NO. PHMSA–2017–0151] PHMSA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeking public comment on its existing class location requirements for natural gas transmission pipelines as they pertain to actions operators are required to take following class location changes due to population growth near the pipeline. Operators have suggested that performing integrity management measures…

Texas RRC New Pipeline Safety Director

The Railroad Commission of Texas announced that Stephanie Weidman has been appointed Pipeline Safety Director effective September 1, 2018. She will continue to serve in a dual role in her position as Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Program Director for the Commission’s Oversight and Safety Division. Weidman represents the Commission before PHMSA, the National…

PHMSA Staff Appointment

[From AGA’s Weekly Update] PHMSA this week announced the appointment of Massoud Tahamtani as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Policy and Programs with PHMSA’s Office of Pipeline Safety. Massoud is a career public servant, with over 38 years of service. He brings with him extensive leadership experience through his tenure as Director of the Division…

PHMSA, FERC Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Safety Review and Permitting Process for LNG Facility Proposals

On Friday, August 31, 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced that the two agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate the siting and safety review of FERC-jurisdictional LNG facilities. PHMSA is responsible for standards governing the location…

Meeting of the Voluntary Information-Sharing System Working Group

[Docket No. PHMSA-2016-0128] The Voluntary Information-sharing System (VIS) Working Group will convene on October 3, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. at U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590 to discuss and identify recommendations to establish a voluntary information-sharing system. Members of the public who wish to attend…

PHMSA Notice: Gas & Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Risk Models

[Docket No. PHMSA-2018-0050] PHMSA published this notice seeking public comments on a report developed to support improvements in gas and hazardous liquid pipeline risk models titled “Pipeline Risk Modeling-Overview of Methods and Tools for Improved Implementation” (Pipeline Risk Modeling Report). Pipeline risk models are a foundational part of the assessment of operational pipeline risk. Federal…

PHMSA Revisions to OPID Assignment Request and National Registry Notification

[Docket No. PHMSA-2018-0078] PHMSA published a notice & request for comments for the revision of the Operator Assignment Request (PHMSA F 1000.1) and National Registry Notification (PHMSA F 1000.2) currently approved under OMB control number 2137–0627. PHMSA intends to revise the OPID Assignment Request form and its instructions by adding ‘‘Underground Natural Gas Storage’’ as…

2018 Industry Conference Schedule

PIPELINE SMS INDUSTRY TOOLS WORKSHOPOctober 10, 2018San Luis Hotel, Galveston, TX API STORAGE TANK CONFERENCE & EXPOOctober 15-18, 2018Hyatt Regency Austin, TexasStop by RCP’s Booth #10 API Storage Tank Conference & Expo will give attendees an opportunity to learn about new and existing industry codes and standards, and to hear about emerging trends from industry…

PHMSA Awards $3.8 Million to 11 Universities to Support Pipeline Safety Tech Research

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) announced that it is providing a total of $3,855,575 to 11 universities as part of its Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) for pipeline safety research and innovation. The awards will go to: Arizona State University, The Ohio State University, The University of Akron,…