On December 19, 2016, PHMSA published the Safety of Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities Interim Final Rule [81 Federal Register 91860] (See related article in the January edition of the DOT Pipeline Compliance News.) This IFR is effective January 18, 2017 and currently sets a timeline for implementation of API RP 1170, sections 9, 10, and 11; and API RP 1171, sections 8, 9, 10, and 11 by January 18, 2018. PHMSA solicited comments on the IFR before issuing a final rule on the Safety of Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities. The comment period ended on February 17, 2017. Commenters have addressed concerns over the following issues:
- Timeline and implementation
- Requiring all “non-mandatory” language of the recommended practices as mandatory, and
- Incorporating Gas Storage Rules as a part of 49 CFR 192
To read all comments visit the current PHMSA rule docket. For more information, contact Jessica Foley.