EPA Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, and 10 have proposed a new NPDES general permit for stormwater discharges from industrial activity, also referred to as the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP). This proposed permit will replace the existing permit covering industrial sites in EPA Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10…
December 2005
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing
Proposed rule: Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs [Docket OST-2003-15245] The Department of Transportation is proposing to amend certain provisions of its drug and alcohol testing procedures to change instructions to laboratories, medical review officers, and employers with respect to adulterated, substituted, diluted, and invalid specimen results. These proposed changes are intended…
Texas Railroad Commission Launches Public GIS Map Viewer
Using data generated from the Geographic Information System of the Texas Railroad Commission, the commission has created an online viewer that allows the public to view GIS data for the state of Texas. This system provides interactive search capabilities and map views of pipeline, survey, and well location data. RRC pipeline and well location data…
Marine Maps Available Online
The National Ocean Service has launched an online site publishing interactive Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs) to give mariners more timely and accurate information in the rapidly changing marine environment. Targeted at improving marine safety and reducing the risk of accidents, interactive RNCs make updated charts available to the mariner faster and with greater accuracy than…
SCADA Safety Study
The National Transportation Safety Board has released its conclusions and recommendations from a study designed to examine how pipeline companies use SCADA systems to monitor and record operating data and to evaluate the role of SCADA systems in leak detection. The study was prompted by the number of hazardous liquid accidents in which leaks went…
RCP Services Spotlight – RCP Auditing, Due Diligence and Expert Witness Services
RCP’s approach to audits and assessments is typically either consultative or enforcement oriented depending upon the client’s needs. The consultative approach is typically viewed by clients as a cooperative effort that assesses regulatory compliance status in concert with operational and maintenance issues. This method provides feedback on existing management practices versus industry standards. The consultative…
Texas Damage Prevention Regulations
The Texas Legislature approved three separate bills in the last legislative session that all give the Railroad Commission of Texas new authority to promulgate regulations for damage prevention programs, including enforcement powers. The RRC is moving quickly in this area, and plans to hold one or more meetings early in 2006 to begin the rulemaking…
Integrity Management Services
RCP can assist pipeline operators with ongoing compliance management and engineering associated with your IMP. This includes direct assessment strategies, tool and vendor selection, ILI/ECDA report analysis, corrosion control programs, repair strategies, and IMP/risk model updates. For more information on how RCP can support your ongoing IMP needs, Click Here.
OPS Issues FAQs for Gas IMP
FAQ-207: Pro-rating ASME B31.8S intervals (11/10/2005)Question: If a pipeline operating below 30% SMYS was pressure-tested at 1.5 times MAOP, can the reassessment interval in ASME B31.8S Table 3 be prorated?Answer: If a hydrostatic pressure test was performed per Subpart J requirements, then the operator may use a seven-year reassessment interval. Extended intervals may be achieved…
Need to Update Your Current Operator Qualification Program?
We have the expertise to update your current operator qualification program to satisfy the upcoming regulation change and inspection protocols. Click Here to request more information.
API Issues New Pipeline Welding Standard
The American Petroleum Institute has issued the 20th edition of API Standard 1104, Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities. The standard covers the welding of butt, fillet, and socket welds in carbon and low-alloy steel piping used in the compression, pumping, and transmission of crude petroleum, petroleum products, fuel gases, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. Where…
O&M Manual Up-To-Date?
RCP has the tools and expertise to develop comprehensive procedures that you need to protect your people, facilities, and environment. Click Here
Gas Gathering Line Definition – Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
The following is a reminder concerning this open regulatory issue: PHMSA has recently proposed new definitions for gas gathering, based on API RP-80, that should clarify the difference between production, gas gathering, and transmission. PHMSA has also developed a new risk classification system, based on pipeline pressure and population density, to determine which of the…
Need to make sure your Public Awareness Program meets API RP 1162 standards?
RCP can conduct a gap analysis of your current program that includes a self assessment of your Public Awareness Programs. This final product will help you to meet API RP 1162 standards. We can provide turnkey implementation, mail-outs, evaluations, and tracking of your program. For more information, call or click here.
Public Awareness, Pipeline Safety, and OQ Meeting Reminders
For details of these meetings, see the November issue of DOT Pipeline Compliance News. Pipeline Safety Workshop on Public Awareness Programs for Operators (Houston) The Dec. 7-8 workshop, which will focus on hazardous liquid and gas transmission operators, will be held at the Hilton America, 1600 Lamar Street, Houston, TX 77010. Hotel reservations under the…
RCP’s Fantastic 1-Page Version of New SPCC Regulation
The deadline for SPCC Plan revisions is fast approaching, February 17, 2006! RCP has developed a 1-page version (in tiny type) of the new SPCC regulations, to be revised as per the April 17, 2003 rule modification. To receive a complimentary copy along with a CD of valuable SPCC Reference Materials Click Here to request…
EPA Releases SPCC Guidance for Regional Inspectors
On Dec. 2, EPA released the SPCC Guidance for Regional Inspectors. The guidance document is intended to assist regional inspectors in reviewing a facility’s implementation of the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule at 40 CFR part 112. With its publication, EPA seeks to establish a consistent understanding among regional EPA inspectors on how…
EPA Amends SPCC Rule
On Dec. 5, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed modifications and compliance extensions for the oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. EPA is proposing to streamline requirements for qualified facilities, qualified oil-filled operational equipment, and airport mobile refuelers. The proposal also offers a separate extension of the compliance date for farms and the removal…