September 2004

MOU on Pipeline Repair Permitting Streamlining

A copy of the “Memorandum of understanding on coordination of environmental reviews for pipeline repair projects” is now available on the web at: http://www.etf.energy.gov/pdfs/PipelineMOU.pdf. This document explains in general terms how various federal agencies have agreed to work together to expedite permits and authorizations as necessary for pipeline repairs. It envisions the use of the…

OSHA Whistleblower Webpage

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created The Whistleblower Program webpage at: http://www.osha.gov/dep/oia/whistleblower/index.html. The new page consolidates a variety of whistleblower information, such as links to the implementing regulations, the Office of Administrative Law Judges, and the Administrative Review Board. This site provides a single source for obtaining detailed information on the 14…

EPA SPCC Plan Extension

The EPA has granted an 18 month extension to the new SPCC plan requirements. The actual text of the rule extension / modification is given below. § 112.3 Requirement to prepare and implement a Spill, Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan. If your onshore or offshore facility was in operation on or before August 16, 2002,…

Marketing Snoops on your pipeline?

OPS recently issued the following advisory bulletin concerning unauthorized excavations and installation of monitoring equipment on pipelines: Advisory Bulletin (ADB-04-03) To: Owners and operators of gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines. Subject: Potential for unauthorized excavations and the installation of acoustic monitoring devices or other data acquisition devices on pipeline facilities. Purpose: To ensure that…

DOT Pipeline Compliance / Integrity Assessment Workshop September 28 – 30, 2004 – Houston Early Registration-on or before September 6, 2004.

RCP will conduct a 3-day workshop on DOT Pipeline Regulations on September 28 – 30 in Houston. Day 1 of this workshop will present an overview of all the current DOT regulations for pipeline operators. Day 2 will review recent integrity management initiatives and national standards (ASME, NACE, API) for liquid gas pipelines including ECDA/ICDA,…