Roundup: PHMSA’s gas ”Mega Rule”
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On 24 May 2023, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) third and final part of its gas ”Mega Rule” will be effective. In 2019, the historical ruling was issued as a trilogy of regulations under one umbrella rule developed in response to major gas-explosion events, including the rupture of a natural-gas transmission pipeline in San Bruno, California in 2010, which had devastating effects on lives and the environment.
A controversial beginning
As the first rule of its kind, it was initially controversial within the gas and manufacturing industries. One criticized aspect was the requirement for pipeline operators to identify high-consequence areas (HCAs) or areas where there’s a higher risk of a pipeline incident. Some argued that HCAs were in more deprived locations, whereas others believed these to be in rural parts of the U.S. To resolve this conflict of opinions and avoid unnecessary pipeline restrictions, PHMSA developed clear definitions on what HCAs are. It also instated the periodic assessment of pipelines in populated areas not defined as high consequence.
Parts 1 & 2: Integrity management
Part 1 of the rule requires pipeline operators to implement an integrity management program (IMP) that includes robust, traceable records to prove the state and safety of their pipelines. The IMP must include:
- A risk assessment to assess the potential impacts of a failed pipeline on society, infrastructure, and the environment.
- Regular pipeline inspections and testing to detect potential defects using technologies such as smart pigs or internal cameras. Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) should also be tested to ensure their safety.
- Monitoring and analysis of pipeline data to help identify potential safety issues before they arise.
Part 2 expands on the IMP requirements of Part 1 by introducing a requirement to assess pipelines in HCAs more often. Additionally, a public awareness program has been implemented, so residents and society are informed about the location of and potential risks associated with the pipelines in their hometowns.
Part 3
The third and final part of the ”Mega Rule,” also known as ”Moderate Consequence Area” (MCA) provisions, was issued in August 2022 and will be effective on 24 May 2023. The regulation covers the recording, analysis, and reporting on natural gas lines with smaller diameters to improve the safety of people in areas not yet covered by the rule.
The PHMSA gas ”Mega Rule” will greatly enhance the safety and reliability of natural gas pipelines in the U.S. Both the environment and society will benefit from increased regulations and decreased risk of a pipeline incident. Stronger regulations and processes will improve overall safety through:
- Better pipeline integrity information.
- Improved risk assessments.
- Stronger pipeline inspections.
- Better pipeline safety for the environment and the communities the pipelines serve.
Parts 1, 2, and 3 of PHMSA’s gas “Mega Rule” combine to create a historical step toward improving the security and dependability of natural gas pipelines in the U.S., which will ultimately lead to a safer, protected society and environment.
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