The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) is considering amending the pipeline safety regulations as they relate to thedefinition of gathering pipelines. In March 2006, PHMSA adopted new regulations defining production/flow, gathering, incidental gathering, and the associated endpoints with these potential pipeline types. The RRC participated in two meetings/workshops in 2006, in Dallas and Houston, in conjunction with the Gas Processors Association and PHMSA to discuss the amended definition of “gathering pipeline” and its applicability. Based on the discussions during these meetings, the RRC is considering changes to the current rules found in 16 T.A.C. §§8.1, 8.5 and 8.101, as they relate to applicability, definitions, and integrity management. The changes would allow continued regulation of all pipelines located in populated areas (class 2 or higher), while at the same time removing the requirement for integrity assessment and management for regulated gathering pipelines to match the federal pipeline regulations.
At this time, the RRC is seeking comments on the suggested changes. The RRC anticipates that at in April, they will evaluate all of the comments received and determine, based on the comments, how to proceed with this effort. Please send your comments by regular mail to Mary McDaniel, Director, Safety Division, P.O. Box 12967, Austin, Texas 78711-2967; by electronic mail to safety@rrc.state.tx.us; or by using the online comment form found at www.rrc.state.tx.us/rules/draftproposed.html by March 30, 2007.
For a copy of this proposal, contact Jessica Roger.