On March 17, 2021 Regulation 11 Rules Regulating Pipeline Operators and Gas Pipeline Safety was implemented by the Public Utilities Commission. These regulations apply to all public utilities and all municipal or quasi-municipal corporations transporting natural gas or providing natural gas service, all operators of master meter systems, and all operators or pipelines transporting gas in interstate commerce as defined in 49 CFR Part 191.3. These regulations make up the Pipeline Safety Program (PSP) under a cooperative agreement with federal agencies to adopt and create rules to administer and enforce the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act (49 U.S.C. §§ 60101). These regulations describe the requirements for safe construction, operation, maintenance, and integrity management of the following:
- All intrastate pipeline facilities engaged in the transportation of hazardous gases, including natural gas and vaporized liquefied petroleum (LP) gas; and
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities.
These regulations also outline reporting requirements for operators of all facilities and pipeline systems. Some of these are incorporated by reference from 49 CFR Part 191 while others are in addition to the Federal requirements or part of the requirements that were not incorporated.
Lastly, this rule provides additional guidance for preventing damage to pipelines by excavation and complying with integrity regulations.
For more information about this rule or how RCP can assist you with implementation of the compliance programs required within this rule, contact Jessica Foley.