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In This Issue

  1. DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop – February 28, 29 & March 01, 2012
  2. PHMSA Advisory Bulletin (ADB–2012–01) Nat’l Pipeline Registry
  3. Introducing MaxOp*
  4. MAOP Validation Services
  5. PHMSA Misc. Changes to Pipeline Safety Regulations – Extension for Comments
  6. PHMSA Excess Flow Valves in Gas Distribution Systems to Applications Other Than Single-Family Residences – Extension for Comments
  7. EFRD Evaluation
  8. Pennsylvania Pipeline Safety Act 127 Tentative Implementation Order
  9. TRRC Proposed Rule Changes 16 TAC 8 & 18
  10. Pending Audits?
  11. 2012 Industry Conferences at a Glance
  12. PHMSA Leak Detection Workshop March 27 & 28 – Washington, DC
  13. Random Federal Register Notice That Has Nothing To Do With Pipelines

TRRC Proposed Rule Changes 16 TAC 8 & 18

The Texas Railroad Commission (TRRC) has proposed rule changes to Chapter 8 and 18 that would align all penalty guidelines with existing Pipeline Safety penalty guidelines, creating consistency and transparency agency-wide.

16 TAC Chapter 8 – Pipeline Safety Regulations
TRRC proposes to amend §8.135, relating to Penalty Guidelines for Pipeline Safety Violations. The proposed amendments would add violations for rules adopted since the penalty guidelines were initially adopted, and will increase penalties for some violations that are currently in the rule. The matrix will include typical penalty amounts for violations of the statutes cited above or the provisions of a rule adopted or an order, license, permit, or certificate issued under those statutes, as well as guidelines for penalty enhancements based on the severity of the violation, the culpability of the person charged, any prior violations within past seven years, and the amount of previous penalties for violations within the past seven years.

16 TAC Chapter 18 – Underground Pipeline Damage Prevention
TRRC proposes to amend §18.12 relating to Penalty Guidelines, to add new violations to the current list, increase penalty amounts for some violations, and to include provisions for penalty enhancements for certain types of violations.

Comments for both Chapter 8 and 18 Rule changes are due before March 12, 2012 and can be submitted online at the TRRC website.

For a copy of TRRC’s Chapter 8 & 18 proposed rule changes, contact Jessica Roger.