Regulators and researchers alike have long been trying to accurately estimate leakage rates from natural gas infrastructure, in order to understand the potential effects of such emissions on climate and human health.
Continue Reading New Research Indicates Decreased Methane Emissions from Distribution Pipelines
April 2015
FERC Implements New Cost Recovery Policy for Gas Facility Modifications
By Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP on
Effective October 1, 2015, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will allow interstate natural gas pipelines to seek to recover certain capital expenditures involving changes to pipeline system infrastructure that enhance system reliability, safety and regulatory compliance.
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Crude by Rail Developments
By Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP on
In response to recent crude by rail incidents in the United States and Canada, Congress, PHMSA, NTSB, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and even some railroads have proposed improvements in safety standards for trains transporting crude oil.
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PHMSA Considering Integrity Verification Process for Liquid Pipelines & Report on Repair/Replace of Pre-Code Pipelines
By Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP on
After briefing the industry on the initiative in November 2014, PHMSA initiated a rulemaking docket to consider establishing an Integrity Verification Process (IVP) for hazardous liquid pipelines.
Continue Reading PHMSA Considering Integrity Verification Process for Liquid Pipelines & Report on Repair/Replace of Pre-Code Pipelines
PHMSA Announces Public Workshop on Safety Management Systems
By Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP on
The Agency announced a public workshop to discuss the voluntary Pipeline Safety Management Systems (SMS) national consensus standard on April 22, 2015 in Houston, Texas. This standard, Recommended Practice (RP) 1173, has been in development by the American Petroleum Institute (API) for some time now as a result of the NTSB’s Investigation of the Marshall, Michigan incident. …
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Advisory Regarding Damage to Pipelines from Flooding
PHMSA issued an updated advisory regarding the potential for damage to pipeline facilities caused by severe flooding. Presumably prompted by the January 2015 release to the Yellowstone river in Glendive, Montana, associated with an area of exposed pipeline on the river bottom, the Agency reiterated the nine (9) actions it has set forth in prior advisories to prevent and mitigate damage to pipelines impacted by flooding. …
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