RCP’s 20th anniversary is coming up in February . If you are going to be in Houston in February, please let us know so we can extend a special invitation to one of our events. Be on the lookout for other special events throughout the year.
January 2015
PAPA Pipeline Safety Video
The Pipeline Association for Public Awareness, with Underground Focus magazine, has developed a new pipeline safety video for excavators. It can be viewed on the Association’s Vimeo channel at this link: Pipelines. PAPA encourages operators to use it as appropriate, and plans to have DVD versions available soon. For further information contact jeff.farrells@pipelineawareness.info.
Damage Prevention Plans
RCP can develop or update your Damage Prevention plan. For more information about how RCP can assist you with your Damage Prevention Plan, contact Jessica Foley.
New Mexico State Damage Prevention Regulation Changes
New Mexico changed its Pipeline Safety Excavation Damage Prevention Regulations on December 30, 2014. A positive response registry system must be developed, and utility members must now submit positive responses for requested locates. The changes also provide additional clarification of the locate process, wide area locates, bid conferences, and updated one-call request timelines. Failures to…
Kansas Gas Regulations Revisions
On December 26, 2014 the Kansas Corporation Commission made the following changes to their regulations governing natural gas pipelines found in Agency 92 Article 11: Added definitions for “Town border station” Revised definition for “Yard line” Updated Section 82-11-4 to adopt applicable federal regulations in effect as of October 1, 2013 from 2010 with the…
RCP’s Web-Based Compliance Management Systems
RCP’s Compliance Management System (CMS) is an invaluable tool for managing all aspects of regulatory workflow. Some examples of how our clients are using the CMS include: O&M Scheduling and Data Acquisition; Cathodic Protection Inspection and Data Management; One-Call Screening and Ticket Management; Repair / Replacement Programs; Operator Qualification Administration and Workflow Integration; Leak Life…
PHMSA Projected Rulemaking Dates
The Department of Transportation (DOT) publishes a Significant Rulemaking Report that reflects the revised dates for the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) rulemakings. There are indications that there will be major changes in 2015. A quick reference table for the pipeline safety regulations is provided below with a short description of each rulemaking after…
FERC Final Rule Natural Gas Act Pipeline Maps
[Docket No. RM14-21-000; Order No. 801] The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Final Rule, revising 18 CFR Part 154 regulations concerning interstate natural gas pipeline maps. As proposed in its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (see related article in the “DOT Pipeline News” August 2014 edition), FERC is permanently eliminating the requirements that pipelines…
BOEM Issues Final Rule Increasing Offshore Oil Spill Liability Limits
[Docket No. BOEM-2012-0076] The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a Final Rule increasing the limit of liability for damages caused by responsible parties related to oil spills from offshore facilities, other than deepwater ports, under the Oil Spill Pollution Act of 1990. This rule adjusts the limit of liability to reflect the significant…
Periodic Updates of Regulatory References to Technical Standards and More!
[Docket No. PHMSA–2011–0337] The Department of Transportation/Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a Final Rule effective March 6, 2015, regarding standards incorporated by reference (IBR), as well as other miscellaneous rule amendments for both gas and liquid pipelines. The new rule incorporates about 20 updated standards and 2 new standards: API RP 5LT regarding…
Pipeline Pressure Testing Workshop: January 13-14, 2015
RCP is now offering a 2-day Pipeline Pressure Testing Workshop at its facilities in downtown Houston. The workshop will begin by outlining the objectives for performing a pressure test and how those relate to DOT requirements. The workshop will then build upon these foundations to answer many specific pressure testing questions including: What are the…
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.