Gas Gathering Line New Regulatory Requirements

The new regulatory requirements for gas gathering lines include the extension of reporting requirements to all gas gathering pipeline operators and the application of minimum safety requirements to certain gas gathering pipelines with large diameters and high operating pressures. These amendments aim to improve the safety of onshore gas gathering pipelines and address Congressional mandates, Government Accountability Office recommendations, and public input received during the rulemaking process. The final rule does not change the requirements for offshore gas gathering pipelines defined in § 192.9 (b).

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The new regulations also introduce a new Type C gathering line category for gas gathering lines in Class 1 locations that have outside diameters of 8.625 inches or greater and operate at stress levels greater than 20% of specified minimum yield strength (SMYS). Additionally, lines that do not fall into Types A, B, or C are placed into a new category, Type R, which requires incident and annual reporting. Operators can request alternative compliance deadlines with a notification to PHMSA.

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These changes are part of a broader effort to enhance and modernize pipeline safety and environmental standards, aiming to prevent and detect threats to pipeline integrity, improve public awareness of pipeline safety, and improve emergency response to pipeline incidents.