[Docket No. PHMSA-2021-0054]
Here is a summary of the changes that are being proposed to current reports.
Excavation Damage Information Collection in Annual Reports
In 2018, the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) updated its Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) which collects excavation damage data including root causes. PHMSA plans on realigning their Annual Report form for Distribution, Gas Gathering and Transmission, and Hazardous Liquids (HLs) with the DIRT reporting form to reduce burdens and duplications of form data for operators.
PHMSA proposes adding a new part to each annual report, to collect the number of excavation damage events in each root cause category as well as the number of one-call tickets submitted within the year.
PHMSA Incident Reports
PHMSA is changing Part A.4 of the incident report forms from the earliest time and date any Incident reporting criteria was met to instead collect the date/time that consequences occurred rather than when the Operator documented the extent of the consequences.
The term “confirmed discovery” is defined as “when it can be reasonably determined, based on information available to the operator at the time a reportable event has occurred, even if only based on a preliminary evaluation.” PHMSA proposes adding the local time and date of “confirmed discovery” in Part A of this form. This data would enhance the ability of PHMSA and stakeholders to assess operator compliance with PHMSA incident reporting regulations. (Not included for HLs.)
Previously, PHMSA only collected data about exemptions to one-call laws when third party excavation damage was selected. PHMSA plans to expand the one-call law exemption questions when any party is selected in excavation damage accidents (first, second, or third parties). PHMSA will also replace the previous root cause categories to align with the current categories in the CGA DIRT form. (Not included for LNGs.)
PHMSA will update the name of the gas gathering and transmission incident form from “Gas Transmission and Gathering systems” to “Gas Transmission, Gas Gathering, and Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities.”
For HLs accident reports, when “onshore breakout tank or storage vessel” is selected in Part A.14 and “weld” in Part C.3, PHMSA will require answers to Part C.3, sections U and V which include further details about the tank and associated tank parts.
Annual Report for Hazardous Liquid and Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Systems
PHMSA is thinking about modifying Part J, Miles of Pipe by Specified Minimum Yield Strength to include miles regulated under §195.11 and §195.12; or, regulated rural gathering and low-stress rural pipelines. This change will promote consistency with Parts H and I where these same miles are already reported.
Annual Report for Gas Distribution Systems
PHMSA is proposing to remove Part E pertaining to the number of excess flow valves (EFVs) and manual service line shut-off valves. PHMSA has decided to remove this section and determine compliance by observing construction practices and reviewing specific installation records. Information about EFVs and shut-off valves is also collected in any incident report on Distribution systems.