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In This Issue

  1. PHMSA NPRM Valve Installation and Minimum Rupture Detection Standards
  2. PHMSA Houston-area Meetings February 25-27
  3. PHMSA publishes final rule: Safety of Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities
  4. Changes to the PHMSA Incident forms for Gas Distribution, Gas Transmission & Gathering, and Liquified Natural Gas Reports
  5. Gas Transmission & Hazardous Liquid Draft FAQs Posted
  6. OMB Public Comments on Improving / Reforming Regulatory Enforcement
  7. TRRC Pipeline Mileage Fees Due April 1
  8. National Pipeline Mapping System Revisions
  9. Pipeline Research & Development Forum
  10. What can TaskOp™ do for you? Webinar
  11. 2020 Industry Conference Schedule

PHMSA NPRM Valve Installation and Minimum Rupture Detection Standards

[Docket No. PHMSA-2013-0255]

PHMSA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), “Amendments to Parts 192 and 195 to Require Valve Installation and Minimum Rupture Detection Standards” is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on February 6th.  PHMSA is proposing to revise the Pipeline Safety Regulations applicable to newly constructed and entirely replaced onshore natural gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines with nominal diameters greater than or equal to 6 inches by requiring operators of these lines to install remote-control or automatic shutoff valves, or equivalent technology in order to mitigate ruptures.

PHMSA is also proposing to revise the regulations regarding rupture detection for certain pipelines in high-consequence and select non-high-consequence areas to shorten pipeline segment isolation times; requirements for valve maintenance and inspection, valve spacing, rupture-mitigation valve risk analysis, post-incident investigation and review, and local 911 notification to help operators achieve better rupture response and mitigation.

Comments will be due 60 days after the NPRM publishes in the Federal Register. For a copy of this NPRM (once it’s published in the Federal Register), contact Jessica Foley.