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 March 2023, PHMSA issued 7 NOAs, 5 NOPVs, and 6 WLs accompanied by $225,500 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following code sections:…
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Don’t Forget State Enforcement Actions!
Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $470,600 for violations of the Texas Railroad Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC General Counsel webpage.
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, interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Hazardous Liquids operators that have facilities that, in the event of a failure, could affect a High Consequence Area are not required to…
Transportation Security Administration Releases Pipeline Physical Security Considerations
TSA has offered additional considerations for pipeline physical security that align with TSA’s Pipeline Security Guidelines [March 2018, Change 1 (April 2021)]. Operators are encouraged to monitor critical facilities for any suspicious activity and to engage with local authorities to educate them on the location of critical facilities. For a copy of TSA’s “Pipeline Physical…
PHMSA Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) Grant Program
On April 5, 2023, PHMSA announced a historic $196 million in grants for 37 projects spread across 19 states. This new grant program helps improve public safety, protect public health, and reduce methane emissions from natural gas distribution pipes. The Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) grant program provides nearly $1 billion in…
PHMSA Safety of Underground Natural Gas Storage Public Meeting
[Docket No. PHMSA-2023-0009] PHMSA will host a two-day public meeting titled: “Safety of Underground Natural Gas Storage Public Meeting” in Broomfield, Colorado. The purpose of the public meeting is to share important safety information with the public and industry, as well as gather input to inform future rulemaking decisions. The public meeting and forum will…
PHMSA Survey of Voluntary Adoption of API RP 1173 for Gas Distribution Systems
[Docket No. PHMSA-2022-0060] PHMSA has revised the voluntary PSMS implementation survey form for gas distribution operators and is open for a 30-day public comment period ending May 11, 2023. For a copy of the revised form, contact Jessica Foley. Comments can be submitted electronically at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. RCP Offers PSMS Development and Gap AnalysisRCP has extensive…
PHMSA Grants for Pipeline Safety Programs
PHMSA announced more than $25 million available in grant funding through its pipeline and hazardous materials safety programs. These grants are for projects that will train first responders, strengthen safety programs, improve safety, reduce environmental impacts, and educate the public on local safety initiatives. This includes projects that provide support to state inspectors for hazardous…
Texas Railroad Commission POC Electronic Filing
Effective September 1, 2023, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) will no longer accept hard copy filings of Plan of Correction (POC) letters by mail. Pipeline operators must submit POC letters, including completion documentation, by email to Safety@rrc.texas.gov or online using the RRC’s Pipeline, Inspection, Permitting and Evaluation System (RRC PIPES) available on the RRC…
Did you know?
DID YOU KNOW? Natural gas and the nation’s natural gas infrastructure is essential for a thriving agriculture sector in the United States, benefiting farmers and consumers alike. From the fertilizer used in fields and the fuel used to run equipment, to the energy to process, store and transport our nation’s food supply to feed 330…
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 2023, PHMSA issued 3 NOAs, 1 NOPSO, 4 NOPVs, and 11 WLs accompanied by $76,100 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following…
April | National Safe Digging Month
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is excited to launch several new tools and graphics to support your outreach this April – including their new Excavator Toolkit and 2023 National Safe Digging Month (NSDM) press release. Visit CGA’s new Excavator Toolkit page to download a range of resources that you can use to meet the “50…
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, interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: Must centrifugal pumps injecting liquids into a pipeline have high pressure shutdown devices? A: It depends on the “dead head” pressure of…
Gas Gathering / Type R (Reporting Regulated) Annual Report Training
The Pipeline Safety Institute has developed an e-Learning course designed to give gas gathering operators a comprehensive understanding of how to report asset data required for the Type R Gas Gathering Annual Report form (Form F7100.2-3), which is submitted in the PHMSA portal. This course is Ideal for gas-gathering operators that are new to the…
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 PHMSA’s maps show a liquid HCA, such as a drinking water source, in a certain location, must liquid operators assume…
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 January 2023, PHMSA issued 4 NOAs, 7 NOPVs, and 4 WLs accompanied by $788,608 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following code sections:…
Did you know?
DID YOU KNOW? About the gas cooking safety…
DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshops (In Person)
Our training events are now available at a new location! PSI Training Courses are now hosted at the RCP Offices or at the PRCI Technology Development Center, both located in Houston. Be sure to join us this April 25-27, 2023 at the PRCI Technology Development Center to participate in our informative & interactive DOT Pipeline…
TRRC Notice to Oil & Gas and Pipeline Operators: Updates to Form CI-D and Form CI-X Online Filing System
Effective January 31, 2023, the Railroad Commission of Texas (TRRC) will launch updates to the online system used to file the Form CI-D, Acknowledgement of Critical Customer/Critical Gas Supplier Designation, and Form CI-X, Critical Designation Exception Application. The updates to the online filing system provide a more efficient process when submitting the required forms. Reminder:…
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Proposed Amendments
Office of Conservation – Pipeline Division Title 43 The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Office of Conservation is proposing to amend LAC 43: XIII. The proposed changes will reorganize the affected sections, combine the carbon dioxide rules in Title 43 with those in Title 33, and amend the regulations in Title 43. Additionally, the damage…