Citing concerns that intrastate and small gas transmission pipeline operators may not be accurately identifying high consequence areas (HCAs) as part of their integrity management programs (IMP), PHMSA issued yet another advisory to the industry on December 12, 2016. In its seventh advisory issued this year, PHMSA explains the need for further guidance on the methodology based on recent inspections as well as a Safety Recommendation issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in 2015 (NTSB Recommendation P-15-06, issued in conjunction with the Board’s Safety Study of implementation of gas transmission integrity management rules).
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December 2016
Underground Natural Gas Storage Interim Final Rule Issued
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PHMSA has issued an interim final rule (IFR) to establish – for the first time ever – minimum federal standards for underground natural gas storage facilities. The IFR imposes significant new requirements in a short timeframe for “downhole facilities,” including wells, wellbore tubing and casings at underground natural gas storage facilities.
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Agencies Emphasize Pipeline Security in Response to October Acts of Sabotage
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Posted in PHMSA, Pipeline Safety Act
In coordination with the TSA, PHMSA issued an advisory to remind the industry of the importance of safeguarding pipeline facilities and monitoring SCADA systems for indications of unauthorized access or interference with pipeline operations.
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GPAC Public Meetings to Discuss PHMSA Gas Rule Rescheduled
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PHMSA has rescheduled the public meetings of the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) for January 11-12, 2017. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss PHMSA’s proposed gas mega rule and the underlying regulatory analysis. The meetings were previously scheduled for December 7-8, 2016, but have been rescheduled based on the availability of committee members and resources.
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