July 2026 Issue
In This Issue
- PHMSA Releases Gas Transmission Pipelines Repair Criteria NPRM
- PHMSA Announces Summer Research & Development Public Debriefs
- PHMSA Advisory Bulletin: Guidance for Enhancing the Effectiveness of Distribution Integrity Management Programs
- PHMSA Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Updates to Pipeline Reporting Forms
- Updated D&A Testing Collection Procedures
- Regulatory Watch: Key Dates & Deadlines
- Featured Service
- The Enforcement Corner
- Did You Know?
- Q&A Section
- 2026 Conference News
- PSI Training Schedule
PHMSA Releases Gas Transmission Pipelines Repair Criteria NPRM
On July 8, 2026, PHMSA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would modernize the federal repair criteria for hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines. If adopted, these would be the first significant updates to the repair requirements in nearly 20 years.
The proposal is intended to better align the regulations with current engineering practices, inspection technologies, and repair methods while reducing unnecessary operational disruptions. PHMSA estimates the proposed changes could save pipeline operators approximately $390 million over time by allowing greater flexibility in evaluating and repairing certain pipeline conditions without compromising safety.
Among the proposed changes are updates to repair criteria for dents, gouges, cracks, corrosion, and other anomalies identified during integrity assessments. The rule would also revise repair schedules, clarify existing requirements, and incorporate modern engineering assessment methods that have become common throughout the industry.
This proposed rule follows PHMSA’s 2025 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which sought public feedback on opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the current repair regulations.
Pipeline operators, engineers, and integrity management professionals should review the proposal carefully to understand how the revisions may affect inspection programs, repair decision-making, and compliance strategies. Comments on the proposed rule are due by September 8, 2026.
Click here to view the full NPRM. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Foley.
PHMSA Announces Summer Research & Development Public Debriefs
PHMSA’s Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) has announced a series of upcoming virtual events, including Pipeline Safety Research & Development (R&D) public debriefs and a joint meeting of the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (GPAC) and the Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (LPAC).
Don’t Miss: The joint GPAC/LPAC advisory committee meeting on July 30, 2026, where 13 Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) will be discussed. The meeting notice is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026.
The R&D public debriefs will highlight recently completed research on topics including leak detection, geohazard monitoring, underground gas storage, hydrostatic testing, and nondestructive examination technologies.
| Date | Research Topic | Register |
| July 20 | Prioritizing Safety—Best Practices in LNG Webinar: Guidelines for Auditing Process Safety Management Systems (CCPS) | More Info |
| July 21 | Innovative Leak Detection Methods for Gas and Liquid Pipelines | More Info |
| July 21 | Design and Placement of Compact Service Regulators | More Info |
| July 22 | Accelerating Pipeline Leak Detection Quantification Solutions Through Transparent and Rigorous Scientific Validation | More Info |
| July 30 | Joint Meeting of the Gas and Liquid Pipeline Advisory Committees | More Info |
| August 12 | Rapid Ultraviolet (UV) Cured Adhesive for Gas Main Cured-in-Place-Lining (CIPL) | More Info |
| August 19 | A Comprehensive Study of Barriers for Underground Natural Gas Storage Wells | More Info |
| August 25 | Hydrostatic Retesting Optimization for Older Liquid Pipelines | More Info |
| August 26 | Assessment of Nondestructive Examination (NDE) and Condition Monitoring Technologies for Defect Detection in Non-Metallic Pipe | More Info |
| August 27 | Dynamic Geohazard Risk and Decision Support Platform | More Info |
| August 27 | Monitoring the Long-Term Compatibility of VCI and CP Associated Components | More Info |
| September 2 | Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Tanks Without Bottom Fill | More Info |
Each meeting includes a presentation of the project’s findings, an overview of its safety benefits, and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. The completed research reports are intended to provide practical guidance that operators can use to improve pipeline integrity, reduce risk, and support regulatory compliance.
Registration information, meeting agendas, and final project reports are available through PHMSA’s Pipeline Safety Research & Development Program.
PHMSA Advisory Bulletin: Guidance for Enhancing the Effectiveness of Distribution Integrity Management Programs
PHMSA issued a new Advisory Bulletin (ADB 26-06) to remind owners and operators of gas distribution systems of the distribution integrity management program (DIMP) requirements under 49 CFR part 192, subpart P. The guidance is intended to improve implementation of DIMP risk evaluations by addressing factors such as high-risk infrastructure, interactive threats, and leak management effectiveness. In addition, the guidance urges pipeline operators to adopt the most appropriate risk models for use within their integrity management programs, with full consideration of probabilistic risk models.
The Advisory Bulletin highlights recent updates to The Guide for Gas Transmission, Distribution, and Gathering Piping Systems (ANSI/GPTC Z380.1, 2022 edition) addressing interactive threats, system degradation over time, and leak investigation procedures. For a copy of the Advisory Bulletin or to inquire how RCP can support the review of your company’s DIMP risk assessment methodology, contact Jessica Foley.
PHMSA Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Updates to Pipeline Reporting Forms
PHMSA has proposed revisions to several pipeline safety reporting forms used by gas, hazardous liquid, and carbon dioxide pipeline operators. The updates are intended to improve the quality, consistency, and usefulness of the information submitted to the agency, helping PHMSA better identify safety trends, evaluate risks, and prioritize oversight activities.
Among the proposed changes are updates to incident, accident, and annual reporting forms, along with revisions to the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) information collection. PHMSA states that many of the changes are designed to clarify existing reporting requirements, reduce ambiguity, and capture more complete data without creating significant new reporting burdens for operators.
Pipeline operators should review the proposed revisions to determine whether any changes may affect their reporting processes. Stakeholders have until August 17, 2026, to submit comments before PHMSA considers the updates for final approval.
Click here to view the full NPRM. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Foley.
Updated D&A Testing Collection Procedures
DOT issued a minor update to its drug and alcohol testing rules to address a temporary gap related to oral fluid testing.
While oral fluid testing was approved in a previous rule, it cannot yet be used because certified laboratories are not in place. This update ensures that in situations where oral fluid testing would have been required, employers should continue using directly observed urine testing for now.
Once oral fluid testing becomes fully available, DOT will allow an 18-month transition period for employers to implement it where needed.
Overall, this update does not change current practices—it simply keeps existing procedures in place until oral fluid testing can be realistically adopted.
Click here to view the full NPRM. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Foley.
Regulatory Watch: Key Dates & Deadlines
Welcome to Regulatory Watch! In this monthly update, we’ll keep you informed on proposed rule comment periods, effective dates, and upcoming deadlines for various compliance requirements.
Final Rule Stage
| Final Rule | Regulatory Agenda | Federal Register Document |
| Safety of Gas Distribution Pipelines and Other Pipeline Safety Initiatives | 2137-AF53 | PHMSA-2021-0046 |
| Coastal Ecological Unusually Sensitive Areas | 2137-AF31 | PHMSA-2017-0152, Amdt. No. 195-104 |
| Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair | 2137-AF51 | PHMSA-2021-0039 |
| Cost Recovery for Siting Reviews for LNG Facilities | 2137-AF61 | PHMSA-2022-0118 |
Sprint I
To further the Administration’s deregulatory policies, PHMSA has published in today’s Federal Register twenty-eight (28) separate rulemaking actions affecting the pipeline safety regulations (PSR; Parts 190-199). Click here to access the documents.
| Pipeline Safety: Rationalize Special Permit Conditions | PHMSA proposes to amend its special permit procedures to ensure permit conditions are directly tied to the specific pipeline safety regulations being waived. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 190 |
| Pipeline Safety: Rationalize Calculation of Regulatory Filing and Compliance Deadlines | PHMSA will clarify that regulatory filing and compliance deadlines falling on weekends or Federal holidays automatically move to the next business day. | DFR | 49 CFR Part 190 |
| Pipeline Safety: Adjust Annual Report Filing Timelines | PHMSA will amend annual reporting requirements to move the gas pipeline annual report submission deadline from March to June. | DFR | 49 CFR Part 191 |
| Pipeline Safety: Property Damage Definition for Incident Reporting | PHMSA will clarify incident reporting property damage calculations for gas pipelines and update hazardous liquid accident reporting thresholds using inflation-adjusted criteria. | DFR | 49 CFR Parts 191 & 195 |
| Pipeline Safety: Exception for In-Plant Piping Systems | PHMSA proposes to clarify that in-plant piping systems are not subject to federal pipeline safety regulations. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 192 |
| Pipeline Safety: Codify Enforcement Discretion on Incidental Gathering Lines | PHMSA proposes to codify enforcement discretion clarifying that restrictions on the historical incidental gathering line exemption apply only to newly constructed lines. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 192 |
| Pipeline Safety: Eliminate Burdensome Coating Assessment Deadlines | PHMSA proposes to replace prescriptive deadlines for coating damage assessments and remediation with a requirement that activities be completed before the pipeline is placed in service. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 192 |
| Pipeline Safety: Atmospheric Corrosion Reassessment for Pipeline Replacements | PHMSA proposes to remove the 3-year reassessment interval following replacement of atmospheric corrosion defects and allow use of the standard 5-year reassessment interval. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 192 |
| Pipeline Safety: Harmonize Class Change Pressure Test Requirements | PHMSA proposes to reduce the minimum pressure test duration following certain class location changes from 8 hours to 4 hours, aligning with existing Subpart J requirements. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 192 |
| Pipeline Safety: Clarify MAOP Reconfirmation Testing Records | PHMSA will issue a technical correction clarifying that operators may use pre-1970s pressure test records when reconfirming MAOP under §192.624. | Final Rule | 49 CFR Part 192 |
| Pipeline Safety: Remote Sensing Technologies for ROW Patrols | PHMSA will explicitly allow right-of-way patrols to be conducted using unmanned aircraft systems, satellites, and other remote sensing technologies. | DFR | 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195 |
| Pipeline Safety: Technical Standards Updates and Amendments | PHMSA will update incorporated standards and make technical amendments in response to an industry petition for reconsideration. | Final Rule | 49 CFR Part 192 |
| Pipeline Safety Program: Update of Standards Incorporated by Reference | PHMSA issued multiple direct final rules updating incorporated industry consensus standards used throughout Parts 192 and 195, replacing outdated editions with current versions. | Multiple DFRs | 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195 |
Sprint II
The following is a summary of the 40 rulemakings that PHMSA published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2026. If any adverse comment is received to a DFR PHMSA must rescind the rule and repropose. Click here to access the documents.
| Pipeline Safety and Hazardous Materials Safety: Amendments to PHMSA Procedural Regulations | PHMSA proposed miscellaneous amendments to procedural regulations governing informal rulemaking for both pipeline safety and hazardous materials programs. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 190 |
| Pipeline Safety: Interpretation Request Procedures | PHMSA amended interpretation procedures to require publication of interpretation requests on its website and provide an opportunity for public comment. | Final Rule | 49 CFR Part 190 |
| Pipeline Safety: Declaratory Order Procedures | PHMSA established formal procedures for issuing declaratory orders through a new section in Part 190. | Final Rule | 49 CFR Part 190 |
| Pipeline Safety: Consent Orders | PHMSA clarified that consent agreements may be used to resolve enforcement actions, including cases involving civil penalties. | Final Rule | 49 CFR Part 190 |
| Pipeline Safety: Adjustment to OPID Notifications for Construction | PHMSA proposed adjusting the inflation-based threshold that triggers OPID notifications for certain construction and facility modification activities. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 191 |
| Pipeline Safety: Eliminating Limitations on Welders and Welding Operators | PHMSA proposed allowing welders qualified through non-destructive testing methods to perform compressor station welding activities currently subject to additional restrictions. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 192 |
| Pipeline Safety: Material Properties Verification During MAOP Reconfirmation | PHMSA proposed clarifying that material testing at pressure test manifold sites is not required when traceable, verifiable, and complete material records already exist. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 192 |
| Pipeline Safety: Electronic Retention of Part 194 Response Plans | PHMSA amended regulations to allow operators to maintain electronic copies of response plans instead of paper copies. | DFR | 49 CFR Part 194 |
| Pipeline Safety: Remote Monitoring of Rectifiers | PHMSA proposed allowing remote monitoring technologies for rectifiers used in external corrosion control programs. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 195 |
| Pipeline Safety: Clarifying Hazardous Liquid High-Consequence Area Designations | PHMSA amended HCA guidance to clarify spill considerations in agricultural fields and reorganize threat identification guidance. | DFR | 49 CFR Part 195 |
| Pipeline Safety: Timeframe to Make Rupture-Mitigation Valves Operational | PHMSA proposed extending the deadline for placing rupture-mitigation valves into operation from 14 days to 90 days after a pipeline enters service. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 192 |
| Pipeline Safety: Hazardous Liquid Valve Maintenance Schedule | PHMSA proposed allowing operators to implement risk-based valve maintenance schedules, subject to a maximum inspection interval of one year. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 195 |
| Pipeline Safety: Property Damage Definition for Incident Reporting | PHMSA proposes revising property damage thresholds for reportable gas and hazardous liquid pipeline incidents and clarifying applicability to telephonic notifications. | NPRM | 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195 |
| Pipeline Safety: Remote Sensing Technologies for ROW Patrols | PHMSA proposes clarifying that unmanned aerial systems, satellites, and other remote-sensing technologies may be used to satisfy right-of-way patrol requirements. | NPRM | 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195 |
| Pipeline Safety: Adjust Annual Report and NPMS Filing Timelines | PHMSA proposes extending annual report and NPMS submission deadlines for gas pipeline and storage operators to June 15 each year. | NPRM | 49 CFR Part 191 |
| Pipeline Safety: Editorial Corrections and Clarifications | PHMSA issued multiple final rules correcting editorial errors, updating references, removing obsolete submission methods, and improving regulatory clarity. | Final Rules | Various |
| Pipeline Safety: Update of Standards Incorporated by Reference | PHMSA issued multiple direct final rules updating incorporated industry consensus standards, including NFPA, ASTM, MSS, NACE, and ASME standards. | Multiple DFRs | 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195 |
Have questions about an upcoming deadline? Please reach out to Jessica Foley for assistance!
Featured Service
CorrosionIQ is a complete corrosion compliance and integrity management platform for pipeline operators.
From cathodic protection monitoring and CIS surveys to remediation tracking and compliance reporting, CorrosionIQ brings every component of your corrosion program together in a single system.
Collect data, manage inspections, track corrective actions, analyze trends, and demonstrate compliance with confidence.
Everything Your Corrosion Program Needs
CorrosionIQ covers the full corrosion lifecycle:
- Corrosion Work Management
- Cathodic Protection Monitoring
- CIS, DCVG, ACVG & ACCA Surveys
- Corrosion Remediation Tracking
- Corrosion Analytics & Reporting
- Dynamic Alignment Sheets
- GIS Mapping & Spatial Analysis
- Mobile Data Collection
- Compliance Documentation & Audit Support
Whether you’re managing transmission, gathering, distribution, hazardous liquid, or underground storage assets, CorrosionIQ provides a single source of truth for your entire corrosion program—helping your team spend less time managing data and more time protecting pipeline integrity.
Built for Pipeline Compliance
CorrosionIQ supports corrosion control requirements under 49 CFR Part 192 and 49 CFR Part 195, including:
- Cathodic protection (§192.463, §192.465, §195.573)
- Internal corrosion control (§192.475–§192.476, §195.579)
- Atmospheric inspections (§192.481, §195.583)
- External corrosion control (§192.451–§192.459, §195.551–§195.559)
- Integrity management programs (§192.907–§192.951, §195.452)
- Inline inspection and direct assessment (§192.921, §192.923, §195.452)
- Anomaly evaluation and repair (§192.933, §195.452)
- Reassessment intervals (§192.939, §195.452)
- Recordkeeping and documentation (§192.491, §195.589)
All requirements are tracked, scheduled, and documented in one place.
Why It Works
Most corrosion programs are spread across multiple systems. CorrosionIQ brings everything together so your team can:
- See the full picture
- Identify risk earlier
- Manage work in one place
- Reduce manual effort
- Stay compliant without the scramble
The Enforcement Corner
The Enforcement Corner summarizes recent PHMSA enforcement actions, indicating where PHMSA is putting its enforcement efforts and the fines they are proposing for various types of violations.
In June 2026, PHMSA issued 1 CAO, 2 NOA, 0 NOPVs, and 3 WLs accompanied by $0 in proposed fines.
Please note:
- Pipeline operators may disagree in whole or in part with each proposed violation cited by PHMSA.
- Proposed Civil Penalties (PCP) may be reduced or eliminated before an enforcement action becomes final.
- A Corrective Action Order (CAO) usually addresses urgent situations arising out of an accident, spill, or other significant, immediate, or imminent safety or environmental concerns.
- A Notice of Amendment (NOA) is frequently a result of a difference of opinion regarding written procedure requirements.
- A Notice of Proposed Safety Order (PSO) addresses pipeline integrity risks that may not constitute a hazardous facility requiring immediate corrective action (see Corrective Action Order described above), but do need to be addressed over time.
- A Notice of Probable Violation (NOPV) is not proof that a violation actually occurred.
- Proposed Compliance Orders (PCO) frequently document actions the pipeline operator already planned to do.
- Warning Letter (WL) is an official notice by PHMSA that an operator needs to make improvements but that no further enforcement is proposed for those findings at this time.
RCP maintains a detailed database of all PHMSA enforcement actions dating back to 2007 and is routinely asked for data analysis of various enforcement actions. For more information on how RCP can assist with enforcement action data analysis services, contact Jessica Foley.
Need to respond to a PHMSA enforcement action?
Need to know if your enforcement action is an outlier, or par for the course?
RCP maintains a detailed database of all PHMSA enforcement actions and their resolution which enables us to compare and contrast individual enforcement actions to nationwide actions and trends. We can help put things into context to ensure an effective reply for each citation. For more information on how RCP can assist with enforcement action data analysis services, contact Jessica Foley.
Did You Know?
Many PHMSA enforcement cases stem from documentation deficiencies rather than physical pipeline defects. If an operator cannot demonstrate compliance through records, PHMSA may determine the requirement was not met.
Click here to learn more.
Q&A Section
Do you have questions? RCP’s SMEs have the answers. Information will be posted here for questions we often get from clients or discussions we have with regulators regarding interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines.
Q: When does PHMSA consider a pipeline to be “abandoned” rather than “out of service”?
A: A pipeline that is temporarily out of service is not necessarily abandoned. PHMSA considers factors such as the operator’s intent, whether the pipeline may return to service, and whether the abandonment requirements in the regulations have been completed. Operators should document the status of out-of-service pipelines and ensure they meet all applicable regulatory requirements.
Ask the Experts
Do you have a question for the experts at RCP? Submit your question using this form. If your question is selected for a future newsletter, you will be eligible for a gift of your choice from RCP’s online Store.
Upcoming Deadlines:
- And as a reminder, the “Stay of Enforcement” does not mean regulators don’t expect work toward getting compliance activities in place can be ignored.
If we can help, contact Jessica Foley.
2026 Conference News
AGA Strengthening Contractor Partnerships in Gas Construction Ops Workshop
August 4-5, 2026 | GTI Energy Headquarters | Des Plaines, IL
The AGA’s Strengthening Contractor Partnerships in Gas Construction Operations Workshop, hosted at GTI Energy, is a collaborative, in-person workshop designed to bring together natural gas utilities, construction contractors, and industry leaders to advance contractor performance, safety culture, and operational excellence. This interactive workshop will focus on strengthening the working relationship between operators and their contractors, with an emphasis on improving communication, aligning expectations, and sharing leading practices that enhance construction quality, workforce competency, and overall project outcomes. Participants will engage in facilitated discussions, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, and practical sessions addressing key challenges facing today’s gas construction environment, including contractor oversight, workforce considerations, safety performance, and field execution.
Click here to register for this event.
We’re Sponsoring!
Join us on-site where Chris Foley will be demonstrating TestApp and showcasing how it streamlines pressure testing with real-time data collection, analysis, and reporting.
LGA Pipeline Safety Conference
August 10-13, 2026 | Hilton New Orleans Riverside | New Orleans, LA
The Louisiana Gas Association (LGA) Pipeline Safety Conference is one of the premier pipeline safety events in the country, bringing together pipeline operators, regulators, consultants, and industry service providers to discuss the latest regulatory developments, safety initiatives, operational challenges, and emerging technologies. The conference features multiple days of educational sessions, networking opportunities, exhibitor engagement, and presentations from industry leaders focused on improving pipeline safety and compliance. Held August 10–13, 2026, at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans, the event provides attendees with valuable insights into current pipeline safety issues and best practices across the natural gas industry.
Click here to register for this event.
We’re Exhibiting & Speaking!
Join RCP at the Louisiana Gas Association Pipeline Safety Conference. Chris Foley, Jessica Foley, Tina Hollowell, and Chris McLaren will be on-site throughout the event and look forward to connecting with attendees.
Be sure to attend Chris McLaren’s presentations:
Pipes Acts of 2026
Tuesday, August 12 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
DIMP
Wednesday, August 13 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Stop by and visit with our team to discuss pipeline safety, compliance, integrity management, and the latest industry developments.
PSI Training Schedule
|
DATE |
COURSE | FEE |
|
Aug. 4-6, 2026 |
DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop (49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195 & 199) |
$2,150 |
|
Sep. 22-24, 2026 |
Pipeline Safety Audit Training (Comprehensive training with technical and soft skills) |
$2,150 |
| Nov. 17-19, 2026 |
DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop (49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195 & 199) |
$2,150 |
FREE LIVE WEBINAR ALERT!
Unpacking the Key Updates in API RP 1170 & 1171, 2nd Edition
Join RCP and the Pipeline Safety Institute for a FREE webinar exploring the 2nd Editions of API RP 1170, Design and Operation of Solution-mined Salt Caverns Used for Natural Gas Storage and API RP 1171, Functional Integrity of Natural Gas Storage in Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Aquifer Reservoirs.
On July 22, industry experts Phil Baker and Stephen Nowaczewski will discuss key updates, compliance practices and evaluate how their existing programs align with the revised requirements.
WEBINAR RECORDING
Pipeline Safety: Unpacking the Class Location Change Requirements
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in this informative webinar. The session recording is posted to our YouTube channel. Please watch, like, and subscribe to our channel!
You asked and we listened!
Advanced DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop is on the calendar!
This intensive and interactive 3-day, in-person workshop is designed for those who have previously completed our DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop and are ready to take their knowledge to the next level.
New Workshop Alert!
Prepare Your Team for Pipeline Safety Audits with Confidence!
Our 3-day Pipeline Safety Audit Workshop is tailored for professionals responsible for the safe operation of hazardous liquid and natural gas pipelines. Designed for groups of 10-15 participants, this interactive training…
On-Site Training Request
We have conducted on-site training for oil and gas companies for over 25 years and can provide customized workshops for companies with groups of five or more.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you.
Sincerely,
W. R. (Bill) Byrd, PE
President
RCP Inc.