PHMSA seeks comments on possible new gas pipeline rules

Aug. 24, 2011
The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking information on whether to propose new natural gas pipeline safety requirements, the US Department of Transportation agency announced.

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking information on whether to propose new natural gas pipeline safety requirements, the US Department of Transportation agency announced. Comments will be accepted for 60 days, PHMSA said on Aug. 24.

It said its advanced notice of possible rulemaking will ask whether certain regulatory exemptions for pipelines constructed before 1970 should be eliminated, and whether pipeline integrity management requirements should be strengthened and broadened.

PHMSA said it is seeking public comments on 14 specific areas related to pipeline integrity management and system integrity. These include whether to propose requirements reducing the operating pressure for some pre-1970 pipelines that previously were exempt from other requirements, it indicated.

Other matters being considered include revising valve requirements for new and existing pipelines, possibly strengthening corrosion control requirements for steel pipelines, and determining whether new regulations governing the safety of gathering lines and underground gas storage facilities are needed, the agency said.

It said that it was issuing the notice in response to US Sec. of Transportation Ray LaHood’s call to action on a range of pipeline safety issues.

Contact Nick Snow at [email protected].