[Docket No. PHMSA–2017–0152; Amdt. No. 195–104] Effective Monday, October 24, 2022, PHMSA issued a limited enforcement discretion relative to the Unusually Sensitive Areas (USA) Interim Final Rule (IRF). [See related article in the January Edition of the DOT Pipeline Compliance News.] PHMSA will exercise its discretion to refrain from taking enforcement action against hazardous liquid…
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PHMSA’s Annual Incident Report Changes
[Docket No. PHMSA-2021-0054] Here is a summary of the changes that are being proposed to current reports. Excavation Damage Information Collection in Annual Reports In 2018, the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) updated its Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) which collects excavation damage data including root causes. PHMSA plans on realigning their Annual Report form for…
PHMSA Pipeline Safety 49 CFR Part 192.3 Correction
[Docket No. 2011-0023; Amdt. No. 192-132; RIN 2137-AF39] Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: Repair Criteria, Integrity Management Improvements, Cathodic Protection, Management of Change, and Other Related Amendments In the Rule Document published in the Federal Register Doc. C1-2022-17031, appearing on pages 52224-52279, in the issue of Wednesday, August 24, 2022, make the following correction to…
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 September 2022, PHMSA issued 3 WLs, 2 NOAs, and 7 NOPVs accompanied by $746,900 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following code sections:…
Iowa Utilities Division – Proposed Rule on Biogas Gathering
[Docket No. RMU-2022-0010] The Iowa Utilities Board (herein Board) proposes to amend Chapter 10, “Intrastate Gas Pipelines and Underground Gas Storage,” Iowa Administrative Code. This proposed rule making requires companies proposing to construct renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities that render natural gas from landfills and animal operations (such as dairies) and that interconnect with intrastate…
New Jersey Natural Gas Pipeline Readoption and Proposed New Rule
[BPU Docket No. GX22020048] The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has proposed changes to its Natural Gas Pipelines regulations and for a general reauthorization of those regulations. New requirements cover the frequency and type of emergency response drills, construction requirements for plastic pipe, new requirements for incident reporting, new requirements for classifying gas leaks,…
Did you know?
Electric stoves need to be replaced more often than gas stoves. Instead of wondering when a household’s energy supply needs to be replaced, natural gas consumers can comfortably cook meals at any given time. For more information, visit https://www.apga.org/advocacy
Underwater Inspection Procedures & Inspection Interval Risk Model Updates
As a reminder, now that hurricane season has just about ended, this is a good time to evaluate your pipelines in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and see if their risk profiles have changed. It has been a quiet year for hurricanes this year, but it has been a busy year for several…
Pipeline Mapping Tools Webinar
This webinar from the Pipeline Association for Public Awareness (PAPA) was designed to help public officials learn how online pipeline mapping tools can help promote the safe development of their community and aid in emergency response planning. The webinar is applicable for emergency managers, emergency officials, first responders, land planners, public officials, developers and permitters.…
Unpacking the RIN2 Gas Mega Rule Free Webinar
In this webinar, RCP will provide an overview of the requirements found within PHMSA’s recent rule update, commonly referred to as “RIN2, Gas Mega Rule” published on August 4, 2022. This amendment is related to the Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: MAOP Reconfirmation, Expansion of Assessment Requirements and Other Related Amendments rulemaking issued on October…
Did you know?
As our industry works to advance a zero-incident future, community engagement and industry programs like Pipeline SMS help educate operators and the public on actions they can take to protect their communities and the environment. Over the summer, API updated RP 1162, Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators, building on lessons learned and reflecting the…
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 August 2022, PHMSA issued 8 WLs, 7 NOAs, 1 NOPSO, and 7 NOPVs accompanied by $118,200 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following…
PHMSA Pipeline Safety: Information Collection of API RP 1173 for Gas Distribution Systems
[Docket No. PHMSA–2022–0060] The PIPES Act contains a provision for PHMSA to prepare a report for Congress on the status of the implementation of safety management systems in the gas distribution industry. PHMSA is proposing to conduct a one-time information request of gas distribution operators whether they are implementing safety management systems. PHMSA is requesting…
PHMSA NPRM for Periodic Standards Update and Miscellaneous Changes
On August 29th, PHMSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to incorporate by reference 28 updated industry standards and make several non-substantive edits and clarifications to certain other provisions of Parts 191, 192 and 195. PHMSA incorporates more than 80 consensus standards by reference into the pipeline safety regulations, many of which become outdated…
TRRC Accepting Public Comment on Critical Designation of Natural Gas Infrastructure Rule
The Texas Railroad Commission (TRRC) is accepting public comment on proposed amendments to 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §3.65, relating to Critical Designation of Natural Gas Infrastructure. The proposed rule amendments simplify the rule language and process for designating certain natural gas facilities and entities critical during energy emergencies as specified in House Bill 3648…
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 July 2022, PHMSA issued 3 WLs, 2 NOAs, and 5 NOPVs accompanied by $2,156,100 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following code sections:…
Did you know?
Investors View Natural Gas Utilities as Desirable Investments Investors continue to see natural gas utilities as a great investment, according to a new report commissioned by the American Gas Association and the Canadian Gas Association. The report presents foundational background, analysis, and learnings from qualitative interviews with members of the investment community, which indicate that investors feel that…
Fundamentals of Pressure Testing (eLearning Course)
Check out our latest eLearning course on Fundamentals of Pressure Testing at the Pipeline Safety Institute. In this course, you will be guided through the processes of designing, planning, executing, and evaluating/validating a pressure test. This course is designed for attendees from a variety of backgrounds including engineers, field techs, and other pipeline professionals. Certificates…
Pipeline Safety Institute
Welcome to the Pipeline Safety Institute – your one-stop destination for pipeline compliance training. Whether you are new to the industry, an experienced oil & gas professional that needs a refresher, or you want to take a deep dive into the latest regulation changes, you have come to the right place. Training topics cover pipeline…
PHMSA Final Rule: Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines (RIN2)
[Docket No. PHMSA-2011-0023; Amdt. No. 192-132] RIN 2137-AF39 Note that the following is intended to provide a synopsis of the rule making and should not be used as the sole source of compliance planning or associated activities. Summary On August 4th, PHMSA sent to the Federal Register for publication a final rule revising the Federal…