PHMSA ANPRM on Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on whether changes are needed to the regulations governing the safety of gas transmission pipelines. In particular, PHMSA is considering whether integrity management (IM) requirements should be changed, including adding more prescriptive language in some areas, and whether other issues related to system integrity should be addressed by strengthening or expanding non-IM requirements. Among the specific issues PHMSA is considering concerning IM requirements is whether the definition of a high-consequence area (HCA) should be revised, and whether additional restrictions should be placed on the use of specific pipeline assessment methods. With respect to non-IM requirements, PHMSA is considering whether revised requirements are needed on new construction or existing pipelines concerning mainline valves, including valve spacing and installation of remotely operated or automatically operated valves; whether requirements for corrosion control of steel pipelines should be strengthened; and whether new regulations are needed to govern the safety of gathering lines and underground gas storage facilities. Comments are due December 2, 2011. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-08-25/html/2011-21753.htm