Industry organizations urge PHMSA to modernize pipeline safety regulations

As a key federal agency works to improve pipeline safety and reduce greenhouse gas emissions GPA Midstream and four other gas-related organizations are urging a true modernization of the rules.

GPA Midstream and allied associations filed joint comments on proposed changes in pipeline classifications by location Aug. 27 with the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The group filing comments included Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, American Public Gas Association, American Gas Association and American Petroleum Institute.

In the comments, the organizations informed PHMSA that the rulemaking process on the Class Final Rule is a significant opportunity to modernize pipeline safety regulations by taking advantage of advancements in pipeline safety, reliability and methane emissions savings. The technologies and approaches to pipeline safety PHMSA is using to change class location requirements are based on outdated methods and technology from the 1950s.

If PHMSA codifies the alternate use of integrity management programs, which have shown great success, the benefits would far outweigh a burdensome reclassification. Operators have demonstrated the ability to manage risk with far more precise systems and technologies than what existed when the code was initially implemented more than years ago.

As GPA first presented at the PHMSA's Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee meeting in late March, by extending integrity management requirements to class location changes, operators will be able to redeploy resources from unnecessary projects, such as pipe replacements, to projects that can meaningfully advance safety and reduce emissions.

Eliminating unnecessary replacements could reduce methane emissions by about 287,000 metric tons during a 15-year period. That aligns with PHMSA's and industry's objectives to cut methane emissions and improve pipeline safety with modern pipeline risk management requirements established by current regulations.

The modernization suggested by GPA Midstream and industry allies allow operators to improve reliability of service by avoiding unnecessary shutdowns and pressure reductions. That would help meet rising demand for energy while reducing the need to construct new infrastructure.