TGA 2023 Operations and Management ConferenceJune 5-8, 2023 | Embassy Suites | San Marcos, TX The Embassy Suites in San Marcos is available to make your hotel reservations for the TGA Conference in June. To receive the TGA group rate of $169.00, YOU MUST mention that you are with the TGA/Texas Gas Association. Registration is…
April 2023
Transportation Security Administration Releases Pipeline Physical Security Considerations
TSA has offered additional considerations for pipeline physical security that align with TSA’s Pipeline Security Guidelines [March 2018, Change 1 (April 2021)]. Operators are encouraged to monitor critical facilities for any suspicious activity and to engage with local authorities to educate them on the location of critical facilities. For a copy of TSA’s “Pipeline Physical…
PHMSA Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) Grant Program
On April 5, 2023, PHMSA announced a historic $196 million in grants for 37 projects spread across 19 states. This new grant program helps improve public safety, protect public health, and reduce methane emissions from natural gas distribution pipes. The Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) grant program provides nearly $1 billion in…
PHMSA Safety of Underground Natural Gas Storage Public Meeting
[Docket No. PHMSA-2023-0009] PHMSA will host a two-day public meeting titled: “Safety of Underground Natural Gas Storage Public Meeting” in Broomfield, Colorado. The purpose of the public meeting is to share important safety information with the public and industry, as well as gather input to inform future rulemaking decisions. The public meeting and forum will…
PHMSA Survey of Voluntary Adoption of API RP 1173 for Gas Distribution Systems
[Docket No. PHMSA-2022-0060] PHMSA has revised the voluntary PSMS implementation survey form for gas distribution operators and is open for a 30-day public comment period ending May 11, 2023. For a copy of the revised form, contact Jessica Foley. Comments can be submitted electronically at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. RCP Offers PSMS Development and Gap AnalysisRCP has extensive…
PHMSA Grants for Pipeline Safety Programs
PHMSA announced more than $25 million available in grant funding through its pipeline and hazardous materials safety programs. These grants are for projects that will train first responders, strengthen safety programs, improve safety, reduce environmental impacts, and educate the public on local safety initiatives. This includes projects that provide support to state inspectors for hazardous…
Texas Railroad Commission POC Electronic Filing
Effective September 1, 2023, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) will no longer accept hard copy filings of Plan of Correction (POC) letters by mail. Pipeline operators must submit POC letters, including completion documentation, by email to Safety@rrc.texas.gov or online using the RRC’s Pipeline, Inspection, Permitting and Evaluation System (RRC PIPES) available on the RRC…
Did you know?
DID YOU KNOW? Natural gas and the nation’s natural gas infrastructure is essential for a thriving agriculture sector in the United States, benefiting farmers and consumers alike. From the fertilizer used in fields and the fuel used to run equipment, to the energy to process, store and transport our nation’s food supply to feed 330…
The Enforcement Corner
The Enforcement Corner summarizes recent PHMSA enforcement actions, indicating where PHMSA is putting its enforcement efforts and the fines they are proposing for various types of violations. In February 2023, PHMSA issued 3 NOAs, 1 NOPSO, 4 NOPVs, and 11 WLs accompanied by $76,100 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following…
April | National Safe Digging Month
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is excited to launch several new tools and graphics to support your outreach this April – including their new Excavator Toolkit and 2023 National Safe Digging Month (NSDM) press release. Visit CGA’s new Excavator Toolkit page to download a range of resources that you can use to meet the “50…
Q&A Section
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, interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: Must centrifugal pumps injecting liquids into a pipeline have high pressure shutdown devices? A: It depends on the “dead head” pressure of…