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In This Issue

  1. Extension of Comment Period – DIMP Coupling Failure Reporting Requirement
  2. DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop – Gas, Liquids, DIMP & Control Room Management
  3. Advisory Bulletin ADB-09-03 – Operator Qualification Programs
  4. Need to Update Your Current Operator Qualification Program?
  5. Florida Pipeline Safety Regulations – Misc. Revisions and Updates
  6. SPCC UPDATE
  7. 2010 ASME International Engineering Congress and Exhibition – Call for Abstracts
  8. Are you ready for a Public Awareness Plan Audit?
  9. PHMSA Pipeline Construction Website
  10. API Pipeline Conference and Cybernetics Symposium April 19 – 22, 2010

Extension of Comment Period – DIMP Coupling Failure Reporting Requirement

[Docket No. PHMSA-RSPA-2004-19854]

On December 4, 2009, PHMSA published a final rule (74 FR 63905) under Docket No. PHMSA-RSPA-2004-19854 amending the Pipeline Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 190-199) to require operators of gas distribution pipelines to develop and implement integrity management programs. In that final rule, PHMSA adopted a requirement that operators report failures of all compression couplings, both plastic and metallic. PHMSA also invited public comment on the requirement to report failure of compression couplings used in metal pipe. Public comments were due by January 4, 2010.

The American Gas Association (AGA) requested that PHMSA extend the comment period for thirty days so that gas utilities have the opportunity to thoroughly review the regulation and draft annual report. AGA went on to say that extending the comment period is the only way to provide PHMSA with the necessary information to establish clear and consistent data. PHMSA agrees that additional time should be allowed and is extending the comment period from January 4, 2010 to February 4, 2010.

Submit comments to http://www.regulations.gov. Comments should be limited to the provisions on reporting failures of mechanical couplings, and should reference Docket No. PHMSA-RSPA-2004-19854.