AGA Operations Conference & Spring Committee MeetingsApril 28-May 2, 2024 | Hyatt Regency Seattle | Seattle, WA The Operations Conference is the natural gas industry’s premier gathering of utilities, distribution, and transmission operators. Leaders and technical experts from across North America and the world attend the event. Developed by gas operators for gas operators –…
November 2021
2023 Conference News
In-person conferences are back in full swing! Visit us at our booth at both API & AGA where we will have plenty of swag and an opportunity to win a bottle of RCP’s 25th Anniversary Single Barrel Jack Daniel’s. API 2023 Pipeline Conference and ExpoMay 1-3, 2023 | JW Marriott Nashville, TN Registration is now open.…
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 December 2021, PHMSA issued 1 NOA and 1 NOPV with no proposed penalties at this time. Please note: Pipeline operators may disagree in whole or in part…
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 November 2021, PHMSA issued 5 NOAs, 12 NOPVs, and 6 WLs accompanied by $1,323,347 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following code sections:…
Gas Gathering Final Rule
[Docket No. PHMSA-2011-0023] PHMSA has provided an advanced copy of what will be the Final Rule for regulated gas gathering pipelines once published in the Federal Register (expected November 15, 2021). The rule (Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Gathering Pipelines: Extension of Reporting Requirements, Regulation of Large, High-Pressure Lines, and Other Related Amendments) was originally…
Mandatory Revisions to Gas Pipeline O&M Manuals by December 27, 2021
As a reminder, there are mandatory revisions to gas pipeline O&M manuals due by December 27, 2021. The PIPES Act of 2020 (Section 113) contains self-executing provisions requiring pipeline facility operators to update their inspection and maintenance plans to address the elimination of hazardous leaks and minimization of releases of natural gas (including, and not…
TSA Extends Comment Period for Security Directive
The Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Safety Administration has extended the comment period for its security directive of May 26, 2021, concerning Critical Pipeline Operators. The agency is requesting comments if the proposed information request is necessary and has a practical utility at the agency. The agency is also collecting comments about the accuracy of…
Colorado Proposed Gas Pigging Regulations
Colorado is proposing new environmental regulations that may impact the midstream gas pipeline segment. The new regulations define the midstream gas pipeline segment as the pipe between the well and the transmission pipeline. The purpose of the proposed regulations is to reduce the quantity of greenhouse gases, primarily methane, and volatile organic compounds emitted from…
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Proposed Regulation Changes
[RM#20-03] The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is proposing a draft set of changes and additions to the 170 IAC 5-3. Many of the changes are clarifications to the existing regulations and modifications to 49 CFR 192. These clarifications include more precise definitions, providing detailed examples and specific reporting requirements. The proposed definition changes include ‘operator’…
Nevada New Pipeline Safety Regulations to Conduct Annual Leak Detection Surveys
[Docket No. 19-09011] The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) adopted proposed regulations for annual leak surveys for all distribution systems. Nevada becomes the first state in the nation to apply such a standard to every type, vintage and mile of distribution pipe. These regulations were approved by the state Legislative Commission on October 22, 2021. The PUCN opened…
New York Proposed Rulemaking: More Specific Requirements for Operator Qualification to Work on Pipelines
The New York Public Service Commission is considering revisions to certain sections of 16 NYCRR Part 255 to make the provision of natural gas service safer in New York State with better qualified pipeline workers. For a copy of the proposed rulemaking, contact Jessica Foley.
API’s Facility Integrity Workshop Date Change
API is postponing the Facility Integrity Workshop, initially scheduled for November 10, 2021, to January 19, 2022. The workshop will remain as a virtual event. All existing registrations remain in effect. If you prefer to receive a refund, please contact registrar@api.org. The postponement will provide additional time for coordination across the API Pipeline Integrity Group…
Pipeline Transportation: Hydrogen and Emerging Fuels R&D Virtual Public Meeting
PHMSA is holding a virtual public meeting and forum titled: “Pipeline Transportation and Emerging Fuels R&D Public Meeting and Forum.” The public meeting and forum will serve as an opportunity for pipeline stakeholders to discuss research gaps and challenges in pipeline safety and emerging fuels, including hydrogen transportation. It will also serve as a venue for…
Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law
On January 2, 2022 amendments to the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law go into effect. These changes affect both the operator and excavator. When an operator receives a notification request to mark a pipeline and determines their pipeline and facilities are not affected and do not need marking, they must let the…
DOT Pipeline Compliance Virtual Workshop
Nov 15-17, 2021 Join us virtually, November 15-17, 2021 for an informative and interactive online workshop on DOT Pipeline Compliance topics. This Workshop will give a brief overview of the new rules, in addition to our standard overview of the DOT pipeline regulations in 49 CFR 191, 192, 194, 195, 196, and 199. It also…