In This Issue

PHMSA Extends Deadline for Filing Gas Transmission & Gathering 2012 Annual Reports

[Docket ID PHMSA-2012-0319]

The Department of Transportation/Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued an updated report form and extended the deadline for filing the 2012 gas transmission and gathering annual reports from March 15, 2013 to June 15, 2013. Online submission via the PHMSA Portal is required unless an alternative reporting method is granted by PHMSA. The deadline has been extended because PHMSA made significant changes to the report form. PHMSA anticipates enabling the online submittal of gas transmission and gathering annual reports no later than March 1, 2013, and will notify pipeline operators who submitted calendar year 2011gas transmission and gathering annual reports when the online reporting system is available. The deadline extension does not apply to annual reports for hazardous liquid pipelines.

In addition, certain operators with Operator Identification Numbers (OPID) established prior to January 1, 2011, are required to validate their OPID data before June 30, 2012. PHMSA has determined that a number of operators have not completed their OPID data validations. Therefore, PHMSA is reminding operators to validate their OPID data. PHMSA has also noticed that annual reports submitted by gas transmission and LNG operators contain data that conflicts with other required reports submitted to PHMSA. Operators should review their annual report data to ensure it is accurate and submit supplemental reports to correct errors.

If electronic reporting imposes an undue burden and hardship, an operator may submit a written request for an alternative reporting method to the Information Resources Manager, Office of Pipeline Safety, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, PHP-20, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington DC 20590. The request must describe the undue burden and hardship. PHMSA will review the request and may authorize, in writing, an alternative reporting method. An authorization will state the period for which it is valid, which may be indefinite. An operator must contact PHMSA at 202-366-8075, or by email or make arrangements for submitting a report that is due after a request for alternative reporting is submitted but before an authorization or denial is received. Operators should request and receive authorization from PHMSA prior to the use of alternative reporting methods. Click here for information regarding online Submission Registration Requirements.

For a copy of the updated Annual Report form and/or instructions for filing, contact Jessica Roger.