Under the 2006 pipeline safety bill, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has new authority to grant special permits in emergency situations. Emergency special permits will be granted under the following conditions:
- If it is in the public interest,
- is not inconsistent with pipeline safety, and
- is necessary to address an emergency caused by a natural or manmade disaster.
Permits will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will not be issued for a period of more than 60 days.
The guidelines and process on how to request an emergency special permit can be found on the PHMSA Website.