In This Issue

DOT Special Permits

The federal pipeline safety laws allow a pipeline operator to request PHMSA to waive compliance with any part of the federal pipeline safety regulations. The DOT has published a notice to provide a list of requests they have received from pipeline operators seeking relief from compliance with certain pipeline safety regulations. Included with the list of waiver requests, PHMSA provided notice that they are changing what they will call a decision granting such a request to a “special permit”. At the conclusion of the each waiver comment period, PHMSA will evaluate each request individually to determine whether to grant a special permit or deny the request.