RCP can provide written direct assessment procedures to comply with DOT 195 and 192 Regulatory requirements for stress corrosion cracking, internal corrosion and external corrosion threats. The procedures are custom written to meet the individual client needs, threats and operating philosophy in accordance to NACE RP 502, ASME B31.8S and other NACE recommended practices that…
July 2004
Development of Class Location Change Waiver Criteria
OPS has announced the criteria that they will use in considering waiver applications submitted by operators of natural gas pipeline segments that have experienced a change in class location. A class location change results from new construction in the vicinity of a pipeline segment and, in the absence of a waiver, triggers a requirement that…
ISPS Code Compliance Deadline, July 1, 2004
Ports and shipping lines must meet a July 1st deadline for compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. The ISPS Code is a comprehensive, mandatory security regime for international shipping and port operations. To comply with the regulations, all ships will be subject to a verification and certification audit. This includes ship security assessments, ship[…
Regulation Updates to 49 CFR Parts 191, 192, 195, and 199
As part of an effort to periodically update the pipeline safety regulations RSPA has issued a final rule to incorporate most of the recent editions of the voluntary consensus standards and specifications referenced in the Federal pipeline safety regulations. These changes allow pipeline operators to utilize the most current technology, materials, and industry practices in…
NESHAP for stationary reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE)
The EPA has promulgated national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for stationary reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) with a site-rating of more than 500 brake horsepower (HP). The EPA proposed the NESHAP for stationary RICE on December 19, 2002, and received 64 comment letters on the proposal. A background information document (BID) (“National…
The Use of N11 Codes and Other Abbreviated Dialing Arrangements – Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
The Federal Communications Commission seeks comment on various abbreviated dialing arrangements that could be used by state “One Call” notification systems in compliance with the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (the Pipeline Safety Act). The FCC seeks comment on whether an N11 code, a code using a leading star or number sign, or another…
DOT Implements Changes to 46 CFR 310, Merchant Marine Training
The Department of Transportation Maritime Administration is publishing an interim final rule on Merchant Marine Training (46 CFR 310), effective July 8, 2004. In their summary of the rule, the Maritime Administration states that these changes will update “the Maritime Education and Training regulations to conform with … the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal…
Pipeline De-Watering Bulletin
OSHA and OPS have jointly developed an advisory bulletin to increase awareness of the hazards involved in pipeline de-watering and to encourage employers and workers to refocus their energies on ensuring proper procedures are followed during the process. De-watering of pipelines is a process conducted following the construction of the pipelines. The bulletin was designed…
NACE International’s Pipeline Integrity Direct Assessment Seminar
NACE International presented a Pipeline Integrity Direct Assessment Seminar in Houston, TX on June 23-25. The seminar addressed external corrosion direct assessment, internal corrosion direct assessment and stress corrosion cracking. It provided a detailed description of the four-step process and the tools available to implement direct assessment. NACE Task Groups are currently in the process…
Passage of Internal Inspection Devices – Gas Pipelines
Years ago, the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) published a regulation requiring that new gas transmission lines and sections of existing transmission lines in which pipe or components are replaced be designed and constructed to accommodate the passage of instrumented internal inspection devices. On January 30, 1995 (60 FR 7133; Feb. 7, 1995), RSPA…
OPS Issues NPRM for Public Education Programs for Hazardous Liquid and Gas Pipeline Operators
The Research and Special Programs Administration’s (RSPA) Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) proposes to require all gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators to develop and implement public education programs based on the provisions of the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 1162, Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators. API RP 1162 provides guidance on development,…
API Petitions DOT/OPS: Integrity Management Rule Changes
The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Association of Oil Pipeline (AOPL) have submitted two petitions to DOT/OPS to amend Title 49 CFR Part 195.452. While most API member companies are primarily engaged in the transportation of hazardous liquids, some of the members do operate small amounts of gas pipelines that are subject to the…
DOT Profile – David D. Wint – RCP’s Newest Project Manager-Integrity Management
“Direct Assessment is relatively new bringing together both the old and the latest technology that is instrumental in Pipeline Integrity Management and dramatically impacts other pipeline operation programs”, says David Wint, RCP’s newest Integrity Management Project Manager. With over 20 years in the pipeline industry, David adds tremendous value to RCP. He specializes in the…