September 2018

Texas RRC New Pipeline Safety Director

The Railroad Commission of Texas announced that Stephanie Weidman has been appointed Pipeline Safety Director effective September 1, 2018. She will continue to serve in a dual role in her position as Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Program Director for the Commission’s Oversight and Safety Division. Weidman represents the Commission before PHMSA, the National…

PHMSA Staff Appointment

[From AGA’s Weekly Update] PHMSA this week announced the appointment of Massoud Tahamtani as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Policy and Programs with PHMSA’s Office of Pipeline Safety. Massoud is a career public servant, with over 38 years of service. He brings with him extensive leadership experience through his tenure as Director of the Division…

PHMSA, FERC Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Safety Review and Permitting Process for LNG Facility Proposals

On Friday, August 31, 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced that the two agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate the siting and safety review of FERC-jurisdictional LNG facilities. PHMSA is responsible for standards governing the location…

Meeting of the Voluntary Information-Sharing System Working Group

[Docket No. PHMSA-2016-0128] The Voluntary Information-sharing System (VIS) Working Group will convene on October 3, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. at U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590 to discuss and identify recommendations to establish a voluntary information-sharing system. Members of the public who wish to attend…

PHMSA Notice: Gas & Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Risk Models

[Docket No. PHMSA-2018-0050] PHMSA published this notice seeking public comments on a report developed to support improvements in gas and hazardous liquid pipeline risk models titled “Pipeline Risk Modeling-Overview of Methods and Tools for Improved Implementation” (Pipeline Risk Modeling Report). Pipeline risk models are a foundational part of the assessment of operational pipeline risk. Federal…

PHMSA Revisions to OPID Assignment Request and National Registry Notification

[Docket No. PHMSA-2018-0078] PHMSA published a notice & request for comments for the revision of the Operator Assignment Request (PHMSA F 1000.1) and National Registry Notification (PHMSA F 1000.2) currently approved under OMB control number 2137–0627. PHMSA intends to revise the OPID Assignment Request form and its instructions by adding ‘‘Underground Natural Gas Storage’’ as…

2018 Industry Conference Schedule

PIPELINE SMS INDUSTRY TOOLS WORKSHOPOctober 10, 2018San Luis Hotel, Galveston, TX API STORAGE TANK CONFERENCE & EXPOOctober 15-18, 2018Hyatt Regency Austin, TexasStop by RCP’s Booth #10 API Storage Tank Conference & Expo will give attendees an opportunity to learn about new and existing industry codes and standards, and to hear about emerging trends from industry…