EPA is soliciting public comment on its NPDES Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Activities (MSGP) through Feb. 16, 2006. The proposed permit will replace the MSGP-2000 that expired on Oct. 30, 2005. The proposed permit is available for public comment until Feb. 16. The MSGP covers 29 categories of industrial activity in the five…
January 2006
RCP’s Fantastic 1-Page Version of SPCC Regulation
The Feb. 17, 2006, deadline for SPCC Plan revisions is fast approaching. (Although the deadline may be extended, the extension is not yet final). RCP has developed a 1-page version (in tiny type) of the SPCC regulations that includes the guidance document for inspectors that was issued Dec. 2, 2005. To receive a complimentary copy…
EPA Proposes Amendments to the SPCC Rule
On Dec. 12, 2005, EPA proposed two separate amendments to the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule in the Federal Register. The first (FR EPA-HQ-OPA-2005-0001) streamlines the regulatory requirements for qualified facilities and equipment regulated under 40 CFR part 112. The second (FR EPA-HQ-OPA-2005-0003) extends the SPCC compliance dates for all facilities. EPA is…
Will your SPCC Plan pass an EPA inspection based on the new SPCC Inspectors’ Guidance document?
RCP can conduct a gap analysis of your current SPCC Plan and provide updates and recommendations based on the new SPCC Guidance for Regional Inspectors that was published Dec. 2, 2005. The new guidance document includes more detail than is in many of the plans in use today. RCP can review and update your plan…
Coastal Zone Management Act Federal Consistency Regulations: Final Rule
[Docket No. 030604145-4038-02] The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has revised the federal consistency regulations under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA). For nearly 30 years, the CZMA has met the needs of coastal States, Great Lake States and United States Trust Territories and Commonwealths (collectively referred to as “coastal States” or…
NPDES Stormwater Oil and Gas Exemption – Proposed Rule
On Dec. 30, 2005, the EPA Administrator signed a proposed rule that will exempt most stormwater discharges from oil and gas exploration, production, processing, or treatment operations, or transmission facilities, including associated construction activities, from the requirement to obtain NPDES permit coverage. The proposed rule also encourages operators of oil and gas activities or operations…
Pipeline Safety: Mechanical Damage Technical Workshop
[Docket No. PHMSA-2005-23198] PHMSA and the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) are hosting a workshop to address pipeline safety issues with mechanical damage. This workshop will provide a forum to share information on mechanical damage among pipeline operators, state agencies, technical experts, and the public. Workshop attendees will discuss and see existing and…
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.
PHMSA’s Public Awareness Expectations–API RP 1162
Two workshops on Public Awareness for pipeline operators held recently by PHMSA will help ensure operators’ full compliance with the new public awareness program requirements included in API RP 1162. Presentations can be found at http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/PublicAwarenessWorkshops.htm. PHMSA believes RP 1162 sharpens the focus for operators to invest in effective communications that include messages that are…
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…
Regulation of Liquid Gathering Pipelines
Buck Furrow of OPS gave a presentation at the Dec. 13, 2005, technical advisory committee meetings concerning regulation of rural crude oil gathering pipelines. The existing hazardous liquid pipeline safety regulations regulate non-rural onshore gathering lines. Hazardous liquid gathering lines are currently defined as pipelines that are 8 5/8″ in diameter or less that transport…
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.
Operator Qualifications: Materials Available
Materials presented at the public meeting on operator qualification programs on Dec. 15, 2005, are now available [Docket No. PHMSA-2004-19857]. PHMSA is preparing a report to Congress on the status and results of these programs to ensure the qualifications of individuals performing safety tasks on pipelines. Participants at the meeting discussed progress on operator qualification…
Integrity Management Updates
49 CFR Parts 192 and 195, Docket No. PHMSA-04-18938 At the request of the hazardous liquid pipeline industry, PHMSA has proposed revisions to the current Pipeline Safety Regulations for Pipeline Integrity Management in High Consequence Areas (HCAs). The revisions are to: allow more flexibility in reassessment intervals for hazardous liquid pipelines by adding an eight-month…
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.
Standards Proposed to Reduce Corrosion
9 CFR Parts 192 and 195, Docket No. PHMSA-2005-22642 New rules proposed by the PHMSA would help prevent internal pipeline corrosion, one of the leading causes of incidents in gas transmission pipelines for the past five years. PHMSA – 2005-22642 would add a new section to subpart I—Requirements for Corrosion Control in 49 CFR part…
Register Now for the DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop
Feb. 22–23, Houston, Texas Includes updates on Pipeline Integrity Management, SPCC rules, Public Awareness, Operator Qualification (B31Q) and Underwater Inspection & Reburial of Pipelines RCP will conduct a 2-day workshop on DOT Pipeline Regulations on Feb. 22nd and 23rd in Houston. PROGRAM SCHEDULE: Day 1: Introduction to DOT/OPS Pipeline Regulations Agency jurisdictions – what does…