Do you have questions? RCP’s SMEs have the answers. Information will be posted here for questions we often get from clients or discussions we have with regulators regarding interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines.
Q: What burial depths are pipelines required to maintain after installation?
A: Pipeline installation burial depths are not a maintenance requirement. After installation, pipeline cover may be lost and pipeline depths may be less than the installation requirement. The operator is required to ensure that their pipelines are safe, whatever their existing depth. Acceptable approaches to address shallow pipelines may include warning signs, farming / tilling restrictions in agreement with the landowner, concrete caps, and / or continued monitoring.
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Upcoming Deadlines:
- The deadline to submit written comments in response to PHMSA’s forthcoming NPRM on Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Distribution Pipeline and Other Pipeline Safety Initiatives will be 60 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. Comments may be filed at https://www.regulations.gov/ Docket No. PHMSA-2021-0046.
- And as a reminder, the “Stay of Enforcement” does not mean regulators don’t expect work toward getting compliance activities in place can be ignored.
If we can help, contact Jessica Foley.