Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued two regulatory updates and a revised enforcement policy affecting gas transmission pipelines and hazardous materials transportation.
One update revises federal class location requirements for gas transmission pipelines. The change permits operators to apply risk-based integrity management practices as an alternative to certain pipeline replacements and pressure reductions. PHMSA estimates the revision will reduce annual compliance and maintenance costs by approximately $461 million and lower maintenance-related emissions by an estimated 1.3 billion cubic feet per year.
A second update amends hazardous materials transportation regulations related to fuel shipments by cargo tank. The revision allows the use of alternative inspection technologies and reinstates specific placarding exemptions for certain fuel movements. PHMSA estimates the changes will reduce annual compliance costs by $145.3 million.
PHMSA also issued a revised enforcement policy allowing regulated entities to request temporary deferrals of certain compliance activities in regions subject to a nationally declared energy emergency. The policy applies to limited areas, including parts of the West Coast, Northeast, and Alaska. Applicants must demonstrate that any deferral will not compromise safety.