RCP is pleased to welcome John Gale as an Executive Consultant. John joins RCP after a distinguished career with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, where he spent over 40 years, including 18 years with the Office of Pipeline Safety. During his time at PHMSA, John served as Director…
April 2026
URS Safety Alert: Virginia Pipeline Joining and Welding Issues
A new safety alert highlights recurring issues observed during pipeline construction, inspections, and failure investigations across Virginia. The focus is on pipeline joining and welding practices, where improper execution can create long-term integrity risks. Common issues include mitered plastic joints, inadequate ditch space for proper joining, and improper root bead welding practices such as “hinging”…
URS Safety Alert: Virginia Electrical Expansion May Impact Pipeline Integrity
A new safety alert from the Virginia State Corporation Commission highlights growing risks tied to expanding electrical infrastructure. As electrical demand increases, utilities are adding new transmission lines, upgrading existing lines, and reconductoring systems to boost capacity. These changes can create AC interference when lines are near underground metallic pipelines, which can disrupt cathodic protection…
PHMSA Seeks Public Input on Enforcement Procedures
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is opening the door for industry feedback on its enforcement process. PHMSA’s Office of Pipeline Safety maintains a public document outlining its Section 4 Administrative Enforcement Processes. This resource walks through each step of an enforcement case, from initial action through final resolution. For the first time,…
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 regarding interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: The proposed PHMSA language states that we still have to do a post-construction coating check within 6 months. It just moved…
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 March 2026, PHMSA issued 7 NOAs, 8 NOPVs, and 7 WLs accompanied by $494,700 in proposed fines. Please note: RCP maintains a detailed database of all PHMSA…
Offshore Drilling Oversight Change
The U.S. Interior Department plans to merge two offshore drilling regulators, a shift from reforms made after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Officials say the move will streamline permitting and improve coordination. Critics argue it could weaken independent safety oversight and reintroduce risks that led to the 2010 disaster. The decision reflects the ongoing balance…
Regulatory Watch: Key Dates & Deadlines
Welcome to Regulatory Watch! In this monthly update, we’ll keep you informed on proposed rule comment periods, effective dates, and upcoming deadlines for various compliance requirements. Have questions about an upcoming deadline? Please reach out to Jessica Foley for assistance!
Featured Service
TaskOp Highlight: Underground Gas Storage RCP has earned a worldwide reputation for providing professional engineering services and regulatory expertise to oil and gas operators, including underground gas storage in depleted reservoirs, aquifers and salt caverns. We have the RESOURCES, SOFTWARE and the KNOWLEDGE to assist clients with building, implementing, and improving comprehensive operational integrity management…
2026 Conference News
NGA Spring Operations Conference 2026April 21-22, 2026 | Saratoga Hilton | Saratoga Springs, NY This operations-related conference helps to address current issues, from workplace safety to new technology applications. The 2026 Conference will include sessions on damage prevention, emissions reductions, emerging fuels and technology, and many other relevant topics. In addition, there will be general…
PSI Training Schedule
DATE COURSE FEE May 19-21, 2026 Advanced DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop (49 CFR 192 & 195) $2,150 August 4-6, 2026 DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop (49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195 & 199) $2,150 On-Demand DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop (49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195 & 199) $2,150 On-Demand Fundamentals of Pipeline Pressure Testing (Gas &…