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In This Issue

  1. PHMSA Pipeline Safety: Information Collection of API RP 1173 for Gas Distribution Systems
  2. PHMSA NPRM for Periodic Standards Update and Miscellaneous Changes
  3. TRRC Accepting Public Comment on Critical Designation of Natural Gas Infrastructure Rule
  4. The Enforcement Corner
  5. Did you know?

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 July 2022, PHMSA issued 3 WLs, 2 NOAs, and 5 NOPVs accompanied by $2,156,100 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following code sections:

  • $31,400 – 49 CFR 195.555 – Supervisor Qualifications
  • $46,600 – 49 CFR 192.619(a)(3) – Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure
  • $362,800 – 49 CFR 192.917(a)(1) – Threat Identification
  • $425,000 – 49 CFR 192.937(c)(1) – Pipeline Assessment: In-Line Inspections
  • $36,600 – 49 CFR 194.107(c)(1)(viii) – Response Plans: Equipment Testing
  • $141,300 – 49 CFR 195.310(a) – Pressure Test Records
  • $81,500 – 49 CFR 195.402(a) – Procedure Manual
  • $36,600 – 49 CFR 195.402(c)(13) – Procedures: Reviewing Work Performed
  • $36,600 – 49 CFR 195.402(d)(5) – Procedures: Abnormal Operations Review
  • $64,600 – 49 CFR 195.405(a) – Breakout Tanks: Ignition Protection
  • $122,600 – 49 CFR 195.430(a) – Firefighting Equipment
  • $310,000 – 49 CFR 195.432(b) – Breakout Tank Inspections
  • $31,400 – 49 CFR 195.452(i)(1) – IMP: Consequence Mitigation
  • $64,600 – 49 CFR 195.452(l)(1) – IMP: Pipeline Records
  • $263,000 – 49 CFR 195.573(d) – Breakout Tanks: CP Inspections
  • $81,500 – 49 CFR 195.753(e) – External Corrosion Control
  • $20,000 – 49 CFR 195.589(a)(2) – Cathodic Protection Records

Please note:

  1. Pipeline operators may disagree in whole or in part with each proposed violation cited by PHMSA. 
  2. Proposed Civil Penalties (PCP) may be reduced or eliminated before an enforcement action becomes final.
  3. A Corrective Action Order (CAO) usually addresses urgent situations arising out of an accident, spill, or other significant, immediate, or imminent safety or environmental concern.
  4. A Notice of Amendment (NOA) is frequently a result of a difference of opinion regarding written procedure requirements.
  5. A Notice of Proposed Safety Order (NOPSO) addresses pipeline integrity risks that may not constitute a hazardous facility requiring immediate corrective action (see Corrective Action Order described above),but do need to be addressed over time.
  6. A Notice of Probable Violation (NOPV) is not proof that a violation actually occurred.
  7. A Proposed Compliance Order (PCO) frequently documents actions the pipeline operator already planned to do.
  8. Warning Letter (WL) is an official notice by PHMSA that an operator needs to make improvements but that no further enforcement is proposed for those findings at this time.

RCP maintains a detailed database of all PHMSA enforcement actions dating back to 2007 and is routinely asked for data analysis of various enforcement actions. For more information on how RCP can assist with enforcement action data analysis services, contact Jessica Foley.

Need to respond to a PHMSA enforcement action?
Need to know if your enforcement action is an outlier, or par for the course? 
RCP maintains a detailed database of all PHMSA enforcement actions and their resolution which enables us to compare and contrast individual enforcement actions to nationwide actions and trends.  We can help put things into context to ensure an effective reply for each citation.  For more information on how RCP can assist with enforcement action data analysis services, contact Jessica Foley.