On April 5, 2002, RSPA published a proposed rule to address producer-operated natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines that cross into State waters without first connecting to a transporting operator’s facility on the OCS. This proposed rule would also address the procedures by which producer operators could petition for approval to operate under RSPA regulations governing pipeline design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Comments on the subject of this proposed rule must be received on or before June 4, 2002 (docket RSPA-99-6132). For additional information, contact L.E. Herrick by telephone at (202) 366-5523, by fax at (202) 366-4566, by mail at U.S. Department of Transportation, RSPA, DPS-10, room 7128, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, or via e-mail le.herrick@rspa.dot.gov.
The main proposed change in the rule would add the following exemption:
Pipelines on the Outer Continental Shelf that are producer-operated and cross into State waters without first connecting to a transporting operator’s facility, upstream (generally seaward) of the last valve on the last production facility (excluding pipeline risers and associated safety equipment). Producing operators may petition the Administrator, or designee, for approval to operate under RSPA regulations governing pipeline design, construction, operation, and maintenance
The complete text of the proposed rule is available on RCP’s website HERE.