The Department of Homeland Security (DHS or Department) issued this interim final rule (IFR) pursuant to Section 550 of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 (Section 550), which provided the Department with authority to promulgate “interim final regulations” for the security of certain chemical facilities in the United States. This rule establishes risk-based performance…
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TSA Announces Availability of Pipeline Security Awareness Training Materials
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced the availability of pipeline security awareness training materials for employees and neighbors: Pipeline Security Awareness for the Pipeline Industry Employee – Training CDThrough its Pipeline Corporate Security Review Program, TSA’s Pipeline Security Division determined that improved security awareness training for pipeline company employees would be useful. To increase…
Damage Prevention Plans
RCP can develop or update your Damage Prevention plan. For more information about how RCP can assist you with your Damage Prevention Plan, click here.
Washington State Enacts More Stringent Pipeline Control Measures
OLYMPIA, Washington – On April 20, 2007, Governor Chris Gregoire signed the first major revision to Washington’s pipeline safety act since 2001. Substitute Senate Bill 5225 passed in the House 98-0, and in the Senate 48-0. The law, which takes effect in July, will: Increase the maximum penalties for pipeline safety violations from $25,000 to…
PHMSA Launches Enforcement Transparency Website
PHMSA has launched a new website intended to provide greater public access to enforcement activities. The website provides reports that can be sorted in a variety of ways. The yearly Listing of Cases Initiated report lists all of the enforcement Cases initiated by PHMSA in a given year, beginning in 2002. The yearly tables include…
Need to Update Your Current Operator Qualification Program?
We have the expertise to update your current operator qualification program utilizing the most recent PHMSA inspection protocols and advisory bulletins. For more information on how RCP can support your ongoing OQ Program needs, click here.
PHMSA Announces Workshop on “Prevention Through People” (PTP)
This notice announces the first public workshop on PHMSA’s “Prevention Through People” (PTP) initiative. This workshop will gather information about noteworthy pipeline safety and integrity practices in control room operations, including measures for managing human risk factors such as fatigue. The information gathered will be used to develop an approach to control room management that…
PHMSA Issues Study on Burial of Submerged Pipelines [Docket No. PHMSA-97-3001]
PHMSA has completed a study titled “Burial of Submerged Pipelines”, which addresses the hazards to navigation from offshore submerged pipelines. The study found that since 1990 there have been 58 reported instances of a vessel or its equipment striking a submerged pipeline offshore, and 64 reported instances where a submerged pipeline was either uncovered or…
PHMSA Issues Final Rule on Design and Construction Standards to Reduce Internal Corrosion in Gas Transmission Pipelines
The DOT/PHMSA has issued a final rule requiring operators to use design and construction features in new and replaced gas transmission pipelines to reduce the risk of internal corrosion. The rulemaking proceeding was initiated in response to a 2003 recommendation of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and corresponding advice of the Technical Pipeline Safety…
PHMSA Issues Advisory Bulletin ADB-07-01 Senior Executive Signature & Certification of IMP Performance Reports
On December 29, 2006, the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act was signed into law. The law, known as the PIPES Act, includes a provision requiring the senior executive officers of pipeline operating companies to certify annual and semiannual pipeline integrity management program performance reports. This advisory provides information to assist pipeline operators with…
DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop – May 15, 2007
RCP will be hosting our very popular workshop on DOT Pipeline Compliance on May 15 in Houston, TX. Join us for an informative, lively, and interactive workshop on DOT Pipeline Compliance. This workshop has been attended by hundreds of pipeline personnel, with excellent feedback. The workshop provides an overview of the DOT pipeline regulations, and…
Clean Water Act Definition of “Waters of the United States”
EPA and the Corps of Engineers have jointly issued a legal memorandum on the EPA website, June 5, 2007, that interprets the June 19, 2006 Supreme Court decision in the consolidated cases Rapanos v. U.S. and Carabell v. U.S. (known as the “Rapanos” decision). The guidance is being released to Corps of Engineers and EPA…
RCP Services Spotlight: Integrity Management Implementation Services and Ongoing, Long-Term Support
RCP still provides the same Professional Engineers and Regulatory Experts you have come to rely on for all your compliance needs, as well as implementation assistance and ongoing, long-term support. From data mining and data entry to the yearly maintenance of DOT required Operation & Maintenance manuals and Operator Qualification programs, RCP has the people,…
NTL No. 2007-G16 Effective Date: May 14, 2007 Hurricane and Tropical Storm Effects Reports to MMS
The Minerals Management Service recently issued Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL) No. 2007-G16, effective May 14, 2007, concerning reporting requirements of hurricane and tropical storm effects for pipeline and oil production facilities on the OCS. This NTL supersedes NTL No. 2006-G19, effective October 25, 2006, on this subject. It provides clarification on using the…
Damage Prevention Plans
RCP can develop or update your Damage Prevention plan. For more information about how RCP can assist you with your Damage Prevention Plan, contact Jessica Roger.
TRRC New Chapter 18 – Underground Pipeline Damage Prevention Back to Top
The Texas Railroad Commission staff has recommended adoption of §§18.1 – 18.12 of the new Chapter 18, entitled Underground Pipeline Damage prevention (with changes to the proposed versions published December 22, 2006) relating to: Scope, Applicability, and General Provisions; Definitions; Excavator Notice to Notification Center; Excavator Obligation to Avoid Damage to Underground Pipelines; Operator and…
Need to update your SPCC plan?
RCP has developed hundreds of SPCC plans for all types of facilities and is intimately familiar with all the relevant regulations and guidance documents. For assistance with your SPCC plan revisions, contact Jessica Roger at RCP.
EPA Extension for SPCC Compliance Dates
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Final Rule to extend the dates by which facilities must prepare or amend Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans, and implement those Plans. Under 40 CFR §112.3, this action extends the SPCC compliance dates for all facilities until July 1, 2009. This action allows the EPA time…
MMS Notice to Pipeline ROW Holders in the OCS Coastal Zone Management Program Requirements for OCS ROW Pipeline Applications
The Minerals Management Services (MMS) has issued NTL 2007-G20 to provide notice and assistance regarding compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) regulations at 15 CFR 930, Subpart D, as they pertain to OCS ROW pipeline applications to the MMS, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region (GOMR). Effective date: May 25, 2007. Subpart D of…
Will the Proposed Safety Requirements for Rural Low-Stress Pipelines in Unusually Sensitive Areas affect your pipeline operations?
RCP can conduct a detailed USA analysis of your low-stress liquid pipelines to determine if this SNPRM will affect your company. For more information, contact, Jessica Roger.