PHMSA has posted a report form for gas distribution pipeline operators to submit that describes their progress on implementation of API 1173, Pipeline Safety Management Systems. Submittal of this form is voluntary and not a regulatory requirement for gas distribution operators. PHMSA is required to collect this data to comply with Sec. 205. Pipeline safety…
July 2023
PHMSA Gas Leak Detection and Repair Comment Extension
[Docket No. PHMSA-2021-0039] The deadline to submit comments in response to PHMSA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Pipeline Safety: Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair, which was published in the Federal Register Volume 88, Number 96, on Thursday May 18, 2023, must be filed by August 16, 2023 (See related article in the May 2023 Edition…
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Updates
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission filed several updates to their state pipeline regulations on May 24, 2023. More specifically, under Title 170, Article 5 Gas Utilities, Rule 3. Minimum Safety Standards for the Transportation of Gas, Hazardous Liquids, Carbon Dioxide Fluids, and Related Pipeline Facilities, the following items were addressed: If you are an operator…
Texas Railroad Commission Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 5 (CO2) Rules
The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) will host a public comment hearing on the proposed amendments to Chapter 5, relating to Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which are part of the RRC’s ongoing application to the United States Environmental Protection Agency for enforcement primacy of the Class VI Underground Injection Control Program. To view the proposed rules,…
Texas Railroad Commission O&G Monitoring and Enforcement Plan
The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) commissioners approved the agency’s Oil and Gas Monitoring Plan for Fiscal Year 2024. The new plan includes goals to accurately demonstrate the Commission ’s oil and gas monitoring and enforcement activities and to strategically use the oil and gas monitoring and enforcement resources. It focuses on developing a framework…
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 May 2023, PHMSA issued 4 NOAs, 13 NOPVs, and 3 WLs accompanied by $2,680,792 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following code sections:…
Don’t Forget State Enforcement Actions!
Pipeline operators and excavators in Texas were fined $329,244 for violating the Texas Railroad Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Visit the RRC General Counsel webpage for more information on the violations and corresponding penalties.
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, including interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: I am replacing pipeline segments by installing new pipe in a pipe rack to allow for a major highway reconstruction. If…
Did you know?
DID YOU KNOW? About the Furnace Rule… The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed a rule, known as the Furnace Rule, that would ban the sale of non-condensing furnaces found in millions of American homes.