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In This Issue

  1. Critical Energy Infrastructure Information: Final rule
  2. Federal Advisory Committee Meeting: Electronic Transmission and Storage of Drug Testing Information
  3. O&M Manual Up-To-Date?
  4. Cost-Benefit Study of Excess Flow Valve Installation on Gas Service Lines – Notice of study availability and request for public comments
  5. Oil and Gas Construction Activity Storm Water NPDES Permit Deadline Extension
  6. Air Permit Needs?
  7. Revised Texas Community Liaison Rule
  8. Texas Pipeline Construction – Proposed Notification Rule
  9. RCP’s Fantastic 1-Page Version of New SPCC Regulation
  10. Texas Proposed Rule – Discontinuation of Service
  11. Texas Proposed Rule – Direct Assessment Approval
  12. Pipeline Integrity Management in High Consequence Areas (Gas Transmission Pipelines) – notice of extension of comment period
  13. Integrity Management Plan Up-to-Date?
  14. Pipeline Safety Definitions – Louisiana Department of Natural Resources; Office of Conservation
  15. Louisiana DEQ – Postponement of Permit Deadline for Oil and Gas Construction Activities
  16. Interested in Web-Based Compliance Management Systems?
  17. Final rule – Security Requirements for Offerors and Transporters of Hazardous Materials
  18. Offshore Crane Operations and Safety Conference 2003
  19. Acquiring a pipeline?

Texas Proposed Rule – Direct Assessment Approval

The Railroad Commission of Texas proposes to amend �8.101 (relating to Pipeline Integrity Assessment and Management Plans for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines) to provide an alternative means for approval of the use of direct assessment by hazardous liquids and natural gas pipeline operators as an assessment tool. Currently, �8.101(b)(1) requires that a hearing be held in all instances in which a pipeline operator’s integrity assessment plan lists direct assessment or other methods of assessment not specifically listed in the rule as the assessment methodology. In addition, the Commission proposes to adopt new �8.103, relating to Procedures and Standards for Approval of Certain Methodologies for Integrity Management Assessment, which sets forth procedures for reviewing operators’ requests for approval of direct assessment and other technology options listed in �8.101(b)(1).

The Commission proposes to amend �8.101(b)(1)(C) to remove the mandate for a hearing when an operator requests approval of direct assessment or other technology options not specifically listed in �8.101(b)(1). Under the proposed amendment, Pipeline Safety staff would work with the operators to review requests for approval of direct assessment plans and, upon the concurrence of both the operator and the Pipeline Safety staff, would present to the Commission a recommendation of approval of the assessment methodology and an agreed order. If the operator and the Pipeline Safety staff do not reach agreement regarding the method or methods of assessment, the operator would still have the opportunity for a hearing as provided in proposed new �8.103.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Rules Coordinator, Office of General Counsel, Railroad Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 12967, Austin, Texas 78711-2967; online at www.rrc.state.tx.us/rules/commentform.html; or by electronic mail to rulescoordinator@rrc.state.tx.us. The Commission will accept comments for 60 days after publication in the Texas Register and should refer to Gas Utilities Docket No. 9378. The Commission cannot guarantee that comments submitted after the deadline will be considered. For further information, call Mary McDaniel at (512) 463-7058. The status of Commission rulemakings in progress is available at www.rrc.state.tx.us/rules/proposed.html. The full text of the proposed rule can be downloaded from RCP’s website here through the DOT Gateway.