[Docket No. PHMSA-2017-0151; Amdt. No. 192-155]
PHMSA has published a new Final Rule for operators of certain gas transmission pipelines that have a change in class location to allow integrity management principles to be applied to the affected segments in lieu of historical treatment of derate, replace or request special permits to operate. The following table provides a summary of the new Final Rule.
| Subject | Final Rule |
|---|---|
| Applicability | Section 192.611(a)(4) authorizes an IM alternative for managing class location changes that affect certain eligible gas transmission line segments in Class 3 locations. |
| Eligibility | Section 192.3 defines the eligible Class 3 segments that may use the IM alternative. That definition excludes segments that (1) contain bare pipe; (2) contain wrinkle bends; (3) have a longitudinal seam formed by lap welding or another method with a joint factor below 1.0; or (4) have experienced an inservice leak or rupture due to cracking on the segment or a pipe with similar characteristics within 5 miles. A segment that experiences an in-service rupture or leak from the pipe body cannot continue using the IM alternative. |
| Subpart O Compliance | An eligible Class 3 segment applying the IM alternative must be designated as a high consequence area and comply with the requirements in Subpart O. |
| Initial Programmatic Requirements | Requirements An operator must comply with certain initial programmatic requirements within 24 months to use the IM alternative. Those requirements address: (1) integrity assessments and remediation, (2) pressure testing, (3) material records verification, (4) rupture mitigation valves, (5) cathodic protection and coating, and (6) depth of cover. An operator must also provide a notification to PHMSA. |
| Recurring Programmatic Requirements | Requirements. An operator must comply with certain recurring programmatic requirements to use the IM alternative. Those requirements address: (1) gas quality, (2) close interval surveys, (3) patrolling, (4) leak surveys, (5) line markers, (6) class location studies, (7) shorted casings, and (8) exposed pipe and weld surface examinations. |
| Other Requirements | MAOP of a segment using the IM alternative may not exceed a hoop stress corresponding to 72 percent of specified minimum yield strength. An operator of an eligible Class 3 segment may use the IM alternative to restore a previously established MAOP after complying with certain uprating and initial programmatic requirements. |
For a copy of the Final Rule or to learn how RCP can help operators of gas transmission lines apply these IM principles to eligible class location segments, contact Jessica Foley.