Natural gas is critical to maintaining electric reliability in the U.S. As the largest source of electricity in the United States, natural gas accounted for nearly 40% of the kilowatt hours of electricity produced in the U.S. in 2022. Some power plants use natural gas to power steam boilers, combustion turbines, or both, which then…
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PHMSA Extends Public Comment Period for Proposed Pipeline Safety Measures
[Docket No.: PHMSA–2022–0085] PHMSA has extended the public comment period for a notice published on March 25, 2024 (89 FR 20751), which requested feedback on proposed changes to PHMSA forms. These changes aim to gather data on the use of rupture mitigation valves and blending hydrogen gas with other natural gases in pipelines. These adjustments…
Q&A Section
Do you have questions? RCP’s SMEs have the answers. Information will be posted here for questions we often get from clients or discussions we have with regulators regarding interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: To clarify, has there been a final approved and implemented requirement for Management of Change processes for DISTRIBUTION companies? A: No,…
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 March 2024, PHMSA issued 7 NOAs, 7 NOPVs, and 6 WLs accompanied by $353,300 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following code sections: …
AMPP Releases Guide 21569-2024: A Blueprint for Corrosion Control Compliance with PHMSA Regulations
AMPP’s latest release, Guide 21569-2024, offers a comprehensive roadmap for pipeline operators to align with PHMSA’s revised regulations on corrosion control. Developed by industry experts, this guide provides practical strategies for compliance with enhanced safety measures, benefiting both US and international gas transmission pipeline operators. It addresses critical aspects such as integrity management, repair criteria,…
PHMSA 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195 Periodic Updates to Final Rule
[Docket No. PHMSA-2016-0002; Amdt. Nos. 192-135, 195-107] In April of 2024, PHMSA sent “Pipeline Safety: Periodic Updates of Regulatory References to Technical Standards and Miscellaneous Amendments” to the Federal Register for publication of a final rule amending the Federal pipeline safety regulations to incorporate by reference all or parts of more than 20 new or…
PHMSA Extends Feedback Deadline for GPAC Public Meeting Proceedings
PHMSA has published the voting slides and transcripts from the March 25– 29 GPAC meeting, which covered the NPRM for Class Location Change Requirements and the NPRM for Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair. Those slides and meeting transcripts can be found here. On April 10, 2024, PHMSA extended the comment submission deadline for the…
Did you know?
The American pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors could not continue to operate as they do without natural gas and other petrochemicals. The loss of these vital feedstocks and energy sources would cripple the production of vital supplies, make sanitary care vastly harder, and raise the cost of pharmaceuticals for customers. Learn more about the critical role…
Arkansas Rule D-23 – General Rule for the Regulation of Underground Natural Gas Storage Projects
The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (“OGC”) has proposed amendments to Commission General Rule D-23, “General Rule for the Regulation of Underground Natural Gas Storage Projects.” Specifically, the rule amendments are promulgated to provide for the underground storage of other gases, such as carbon oxides, ammonia, hydrogen, nitrogen, and noble gas. The OGC accepted comments up until…
Summary of Proposed PHMSA Form Updates
[Docket No.: PHMSA-2022-0085] Stay in the loop with the latest PHMSA proposed form changes as of March 25, 2024. Our summary provides essential insights to keep you informed and prepared. For a copy of this notice from the Federal Register, please contact Jessica Foley.
Missouri Updates Department of Commerce and Insurance Rules: What You Need to Know!
The State of Missouri has amended the rules in the Department of Commerce and Insurance, Division 4240 – Public Service Commission, Chapter 40 – Gas Utilities and Gas Safety Standards, effective March 1, 2024. These rule changes address amendments by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety, 49 CFR Parts 191…
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 February 2024, PHMSA issued 1 CAO, 6 NOAs, 6 NOPVs, and 6 WLs accompanied by $307,942 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following…
Q&A Section
Do you have questions? RCP’s SMEs have the answers. Information will be posted here for questions we often get from clients or discussions we have with regulators regarding interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: Do I have to do ILI on newly constructed pipe? A: Yes, hydro is the baseline – don’t have to ILI…
Featured Service
TaskOp Highlight: MOC Module TaskOp, RCP’s reliable Workflow & Asset Management Application, features a fully integrated Management of Change (MOC) Module. Designed to meet the requirements of 49 CFR 192, 195, and PHMSA’s RIN2, Gas Mega Rule regulations as documented in § 192.13, this Module allows users to electronically oversee their company’s management of change process. TaskOp’s…
Did you know?
Smart energy policies should include ways to reduce energy consumption by utilizing current energy infrastructure efficiently and planning for our energy future in a way that protects consumer choice. This strategy would balance energy needs and ultimately ensure energy infrastructure is secure and economically viable for future generations. Learn more by clicking here.
The Enforcement Corner
The Enforcement Corner summarizes recent PHMSA enforcement actions, indicating where PHMSA is focusing its enforcement efforts and the fines they are proposing for various types of violations. In January 2024, PHMSA issued 2 NOAs, 4 NOPVs, and 3 WLs, accompanied by $81,800 in proposed fines. Significant proposed fines were attributed to the following code sections:…
Q&A Section
Do you have questions? RCP’s SMEs have the answers. Information will be posted here for questions we often get from clients or discussions we have with regulators regarding interpretations and pending regulatory deadlines. Q: If a liquid pipeline operator installs the wrong style of gasket in a flange during a maintenance repair, and then the…
EPA Grants Louisiana Class VI Primacy Over Carbon Storage Wells
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy’s announcement on December 29th, regarding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granting Class VI primacy to the state for regulating carbon storage wells, marks a significant milestone in Louisiana’s carbon capture efforts. For further details on this development, you can find more information here.
National Academy of Sciences Valve Report
As part of the Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020, PHMSA was directed under Section 119 to have the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (The National Academies) to conduct a study of potential methodologies or standards for the installation of automatic or remote-controlled shut-off valves on existing…
2024 D&A Random Rate, MIS Reporting Data
Docket No. PHMSA-2023-0116 On December 8th, 2023, PHMSA published in the Federal Register a notice announcing that it has determined the minimum random drug testing rate for covered employees will remain at 25 percent during calendar year 2024. Of special note, for calendar year 2023 reporting, DOT is introducing MFA login procedures for submitting D&A…