Petition for Reconsideration

In a recent Final Rule, PHMSA delayed indefinitely the effective date of its new amendment to 49 C.F.R. Part 192.305 concerning construction inspections, and agreed to consider an exception to the new requirement in Part 192.153(e) that ASME pressure vessels be pressure tested at 1.5 times MAOP.
Continue Reading New Construction Inspection Rule Delayed Indefinitely; Pressure Vessel Testing Exception Under Consideration

PHMSA has issued a final rule making several significant changes to the Agency’s enforcement procedures. See attached Federal Register pre-publication release of PHMSA Final Rule (Sept. 24, 2013). While this rule purports to comply with various Congressional mandates set forth in the 2012 amendments to the Pipeline Safety Act, it effectively increases and establishes some new Agency enforcement tools.
Continue Reading PHMSA Promulgates Final Rule Regarding Agency Enforcement Procedures