2016-31461: Pipeline Safety: Operator Qualification, Cost Recovery, Accident and Incident Notification, and Other Pipeline Safety Changes

Summary

PHMSA is amending the pipeline safety regulations to address requirements of the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 (2011 Act), and to update and clarify certain regulatory requirements. Among other provisions, PHMSA is adding a specific time frame for telephonic or electronic notifications of accidents and incidents and adding provisions for cost recovery for design reviews of certain new projects, for the renewal of expiring special permits, and setting out the process for requesting protection of confidential commercial information. PHMSA is also amending the drug and alcohol testing requirements, and incorporating consensus standards by reference for in-line inspection (ILI) and Stress Corrosion Cracking Direct Assessment (SCCDA).

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 5 parts of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 49 CFR 190 Pipeline Safety Enforcement and Regulatory Procedures
• 49 CFR 191 Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline; Annual, Incident, and Other Reporting
• 49 CFR 192 Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards
• 49 CFR 195 Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline
• 49 CFR 199 Drug and Alcohol Testing