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In This Issue

  1. DOT Pipeline Compliance / Gas Integrity Management Workshop April 6-8, 2004 – Houston Includes updates on the new Gas Pipeline Integrity Management regulations published on Dec 15, 2003 recent and guidance for Operator Qualification and Public Awareness Programs.
  2. Integrity Management Plan Up-to-Date?
  3. Gathering Line Definitions
  4. Outer Continental Shelf Facility Security; Notice of Policy
  5. Pending Audits?
  6. The Department of Homeland Security Announces Voluntary Submittals of Critical Assets (including pipeline systems)
  7. Need A Security Plan or Audit?
  8. MMS Announces New Publication – MMS Ocean Science
  9. MMS Announces the International Workshop on Coatings for Corrosion Protection: Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities, Marine Pipelines & Ship Structures
  10. Acquiring a pipeline?
  11. EPA Issues Final Rule for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): Organic Liquids Distribution (Non-Gasoline)
  12. RCP’s Fantastic 1-Page Version of New SPCC Regulation
  13. RCP Services Spotlight – SPCC & Response Planning Capabilities

Gathering Line Definitions

OPS is currently working to modify the definition of gathering lines, which could have impacts for operators of gas and liquid gathering pipelines. A recent presentation concerning gas gathering pipelines and potential regulations can be found at: www.cycla.com/opsiswc/docs/s8/p0066/GasGatheringPresentation_020504Mtg_TPSSC.ppt.

OPS is considering using a modified class location procedure to determine if a gathering line should be regulated. The length of the class location “rectangle” would be 1000 feet, and the width depends on the % of specified minimum yield strength that the pipeline operates at. If the pipe operates at <20% SMYS, the width of the rectangle would be 100 yards on either side of the pipe. If the pipe operates at >20% SMYS, the width of the rectangle would be 220 yards on either side of pipe. In either case, only 5 or more dwelling units would be required within the rectangle to cause the pipeline segment to become regulated. OPS is also considering “regulation lite” for regulated gathering pipelines – maybe no integrity management, and / or less demanding requirements, and / or longer time to implement.

A recent presentation on liquid gathering can be found at: www.cycla.com/opsiswc/docs/s8/p0066/LiquidGatheringPresentation_020304Mtg_THLPSSC.ppt

For liquid gathering pipelines, OPS could extend oversight to:

  • All high stress pipelines regardless of location and diameter.
  • Change the diameter of gathering from 8” to 6”.
  • Regulate those gathering lines that could affect Unusually Sensitive Areas (USA’s) and Commercially Navigable Waterways (CNW’s)