April 2016

PHMSA Public Workshop on LNG Regulations May 18-19, 2016

[DOCKET NO. PHMSA- 2016-0005] PHMSA will hold a public workshop to solicit input and information on future regulatory changes to the Part 193 regulations governing liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. According to PHMSA, existing regulations may not adequately incorporate risk-based assessments, process safety practices, and technologies that have been developed since the 1970s when most…

National Safe Digging Month

April is National Safe Digging Month (NSDM) and the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) wants to hear about the creative ways that you will be spreading the word about the importance of calling 811 before digging. They’ve created several easy-to-use tools and templates to get you started: Click here to download the NSDM web button. Ask…

Maine Updates Underground Facility Damage Prevention Requirements

Last summer, Maine updated portions of its Underground Facility Damage Prevention Requirements (Maine State Regulations 65-407 Chapter 895) regarding Dig Safe System notifications and OKTODIG database. Effective March 14, 2016, additional updates to the regulation take effect. Excavations must now commence within 30 days of the notification to the Dig Safe System from the previous…

API RP1173 Assessment Services

API recently published a new Recommended Practice (RP) concerning safety management systems for pipelines. API RP 1173 provides pipeline operators with a comprehensive way to make safe operations and continuous safety improvement a constant focus of their operations. The first step for most pipeline operators will be to assess their current safety management system maturity…

PHMSA Oil Spill Response Planning and Preparedness Public Workshop April 12, 2016

[DOCKET NO. PHMSA-2016-0021] The Department of Transportation/Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will hold a public workshop to address oil spill response planning and preparedness. This workshop will include how to harmonize PHMSA’s regulations with the requirements of other agencies, and how operators of onshore oil pipelines can prepare for an oil spill. The public…

Louisiana State Regulation Changes Concerning Salt Dome Storage

UPDATED APRIL 4, 2016 Changes were made to Louisiana state regulations concerning Hydrocarbon Storage Wells in Salt Dome Cavities (43.17.3.3) and Class III (Solution Mining) Injection Wells (43.17.5.33). Salt dome storage development and activity has come under increasing scrutiny at the state and federal levels, and these changes reflect the additional interest in these operations.…

PHMSA Gas Transmission NPRM

[DOCKET NO. PHMSA-2011-0023 RIN 2137-AE72] The Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) intends to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NRPM) to revise the Pipeline Safety Regulations applicable to the safety of onshore gas transmission and gathering pipelines. The proposals within this rule cover many different aspects of the safety of these pipelines, including: New…

Save the Dates!

RCP Workshop Schedule for 2017 DOT Gas & Liquid Pipeline Workshop: March 21-23 (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) Fundamentals of Pipeline Operations Workshop: May 24-25 (Wednesday & Thursday) Pressure Test Workshop: June 20-21 (Tuesday & Wednesday) Visit our training website for updates, registration, and hotel information.