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PAPA Pipeline Safety Video

The Pipeline Association for Public Awareness, with Underground Focus magazine, has developed a new pipeline safety video for excavators. It can be viewed on the Association’s Vimeo channel at this link: Pipelines. PAPA encourages operators to use it as appropriate, and plans to have DVD versions available soon. For further information contact jeff.farrells@pipelineawareness.info.

New Mexico State Damage Prevention Regulation Changes

New Mexico changed its Pipeline Safety Excavation Damage Prevention Regulations on December 30, 2014. A positive response registry system must be developed, and utility members must now submit positive responses for requested locates. The changes also provide additional clarification of the locate process, wide area locates, bid conferences, and updated one-call request timelines. Failures to…

Kansas Gas Regulations Revisions

On December 26, 2014 the Kansas Corporation Commission made the following changes to their regulations governing natural gas pipelines found in Agency 92 Article 11: Added definitions for “Town border station” Revised definition for “Yard line” Updated Section 82-11-4 to adopt applicable federal regulations in effect as of October 1, 2013 from 2010 with the…

RCP’s Web-Based Compliance Management Systems

RCP’s Compliance Management System (CMS) is an invaluable tool for managing all aspects of regulatory workflow. Some examples of how our clients are using the CMS include: O&M Scheduling and Data Acquisition; Cathodic Protection Inspection and Data Management; One-Call Screening and Ticket Management; Repair / Replacement Programs; Operator Qualification Administration and Workflow Integration; Leak Life…

PHMSA Projected Rulemaking Dates

The Department of Transportation (DOT) publishes a Significant Rulemaking Report that reflects the revised dates for the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) rulemakings. There are indications that there will be major changes in 2015. A quick reference table for the pipeline safety regulations is provided below with a short description of each rulemaking after…

BOEM Issues Final Rule Increasing Offshore Oil Spill Liability Limits

[Docket No. BOEM-2012-0076] The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a Final Rule increasing the limit of liability for damages caused by responsible parties related to oil spills from offshore facilities, other than deepwater ports, under the Oil Spill Pollution Act of 1990. This rule adjusts the limit of liability to reflect the significant…

Periodic Updates of Regulatory References to Technical Standards and More!

[Docket No. PHMSA–2011–0337] The Department of Transportation/Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a Final Rule effective March 6, 2015, regarding standards incorporated by reference (IBR), as well as other miscellaneous rule amendments for both gas and liquid pipelines. The new rule incorporates about 20 updated standards and 2 new standards: API RP 5LT regarding…

RCP’s Web-Based Compliance Management Systems

RCP’s Compliance Management System (CMS) is an invaluable tool for managing all aspects of regulatory workflow. Some examples of how our clients are using the CMS include: O&M Scheduling and Data Acquisition Cathodic Protection Inspection and Data Management Management of Change (MOC) Process Repair / Replacement Programs Operator Qualification Administration and Workflow Integration Leak Life…

Spring 2015 Conference Schedule

Have you registered and confirmed your reservations for these upcoming conferences? RCP will be attending. We hope to see you there! AGA 2015 Transmission Pipeline WorkshopMarch 18 -19, 2015Omni San Diego Hotel, San Diego, CA This workshop will feature presentations and case studies from pipeline operators, regulators and service providers. Presentations will focus on areas…

Guidance on Emergency Response Planning & Communications with Emergency Responders

The Transportation Research Board (TRB), in cooperation with PHMSA, recently released the “Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines” to aid operators and emergency responders in how to share appropriate content in advance of a pipeline emergency. The TRB, after analyzing recent incidents, found that communication is crucial in…

Oklahoma Proposed Rule for Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety

[RM 201500003] The Transportation Division of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission has recommended the Commission amend its Gas & Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety rules set forth in the Oklahoma Administrative Code (“OAC”) 165:20 to add a new Subchapter 17 to require operators of pipelines and pipeline systems to comply with the Oklahoma Underground Facilities Damage Prevention…

Ohio Gas Pipeline Regulation Updates

[Docket No. BOEM-2012-0076] The Ohio Public Utilities Commission updated their gas pipeline safety rules located in Chapter 16 of Title 4901 on January 21, 2015. In addition to minor editorial changes, the following more significant items were updated: Added a requirement to rule 4901:1-16-04 to utilize leak detection equipment when classifying leaks. The regulation defines…

Hazardous Liquid Spill Reporting – Proposed Instruction Changes Concerning Volumes Spilled / Recovered

[Docket No. 2015-0004] PHMSA is proposing to change the instructions for the Hazardous Liquids Accident Report Form, PHMSA F 7000-1, concerning Questions 9 and 11 in “Part A: General Report Information”, beginning in 2015. These changes are part of an effort by PHMSA to clarify the reporting of product consumed by fire or intentionally removed…