PHMSA recently provided an update on the agency’s current activities. Some notes taken from the presentation are provided below.
- GPAC and LPAC meetings scheduled for October 20-21. Items likely to be discussed include
- Class Location NPRM
- Hazardous Liquid Regulatory Reform
- Standards IBR Update
- Safety of Gas Transmission Lines (RIN 2) scheduled to be finalized late 2021. Major Topics under consideration:
- Repair criteria for both HCA and non-HCA areas
- Extreme weather inspections
- Strengthening assessment requirements
- Corrosion control
- Management of change
- Integrity management clarifications
- Safety of Gas Gathering Lines (RIN 3) scheduled to be finalized late 2021. Major Topics under consideration:
- Revision to the definitions for gas gathering (production, gathering, incidental gathering, elimination of RP 80 reference)
- Data collection for all gas gathering lines (including unregulated gas gathering): Annual reporting and Incident Reporting
- Appropriate regulations for large diameter-high pressure lines and establish minimum set of requirements for pipelines 8.625 inches in diameter and greater
- Rupture Detection and Valve Rule scheduled to be finalized late 2021. Major Topics under consideration:
- Installation of automatic shut-off valves (ASV) or remote controlled valves (RCV) on newly constructed or entirely replaced (2 miles or more) natural gas and hazardous liquid transmission pipelines (with nominal diameters ≥ 6 inches) with the objective of improving overall incident response for new and replaced pipelines
- Operators must be able to detect ruptures within 10 minutes
- Valves must be closed within 40 min of detection or as soon as practicable
- Liquefied Natural Gas NPRM scheduled for mid-2022. Major Topics under consideration:
- Revise 49 CFR Part 193 to incorporate current industry developed standards (via NFPA 59A-2019)
- Address LNG export facilities
- Address small scale LNG facilities
- Incorporate other provisions as necessary
- AGA Petition
- PIPES Act 2020 Section 110
- Standards Update scheduled to be discussed at next GPAC/LPAC meeting (October 2021). Standards to be discussed include:
- API 5 L – 46th edition
- API 1104 – 21st edition
- B31.8 – Nov 2018
- B31.8S – 2016 edition; asks for comments on 2018 edition
- NFPA 58 – 2020 edition
- Liquid Pipeline Regulatory Reform to be discussed at next LPAC meeting (October 2021). Items to be discussed include:
- Submitting information to PHMSA
- Response plan clarifications
- Accident reporting criteria
- Remote monitoring of rectifiers
- Corrections to Integrity Management guidance
- Leak Detection NPRM scheduled for mid-2022. Major Topics under consideration:
- Leak detection issues for gas pipelines addressed in Section 113 & Section 114 of the PIPES Act 2020
- Considering revisions to leak survey frequency, repairs of leak survey and the use of Advance Leak Technology
- Section 114 contains self-executing provision for operators to minimize releases of natural gas
- Per section 114, PHMSA is initiating a study on best available practices to minimize leaks
- Safety of Gas Distribution Pipelines NPRM scheduled for mid-2022. Major Topics under consideration:
- Risks related to the presence of cast iron via DIMP
- Risks related to operation of low-pressure distribution systems
- Communications during a pipeline emergency
- O&M manuals in regard to the handling of over-pressurizations and management of change procedures
- Critical records for ensuring proper pressure controls
- Presence of qualified employees relative to pressure controls
- Assessments and upgrades for district regulator stations
For a pdf copy of the presentation, contact Jessica Foley.