Gas pipeline operators: PHMSA's Final Rule on Pipeline Safety: Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair requires you to make significant changes to your operations. This final rule represents a significant shift in pipeline safety and environmental oversight, particularly for methane emissions. You should act quickly to align with the new standards and avoid compliance risks.
In this blog post, we summarize the steps you need to take and the key points of the new rule.
What Do You Need to Do?
Here is a summary of the next steps for operators:
Conduct a compliance gap assessment: Compare your current operations to what the new rule requires. (See a summary of those in the next section of this post.)
Invest in advanced leak detection technologies: Evaluate available equipment and integrate it into your leak detection program.
Update pipeline maintenance and leak repair procedures: Ensure they align with the stricter repair timelines.
Develop internal training programs: Ensure personnel are well-trained on new regulations and technologies.
Enhance emissions tracking and reporting processes: Implement systems for real-time monitoring and accurate reporting.
Engage with regulators and industry groups: Stay informed about best practices and compliance strategies.
Key Points of the Gas Leak Detection and Repair Rule
Here are the key points of the rule:
1. Compliance with Leak Detection and Repair Requirements
Operators must implement advanced leak detection technologies that meet new performance standards.
You must detect leaks with commercially available equipment, minimizing reliance on human senses except in specific circumstances (e.g., submerged pipelines).
Regular leak surveys are now required at increased frequencies, particularly for high-risk pipelines, including those in Class 3 and Class 4 locations.
2. Mandatory Leak Repair Timelines
Operators must classify all detected leaks as Grade 1, 2, or 3 and prioritize those that pose significant risks to safety or the environment.
Strict repair timelines are now in place for hazardous leaks, which address a previous regulatory gap that allowed some non-hazardous leaks to go unrepaired indefinitely.
3. Minimization of Methane and Other Gas Emissions
Operators must reduce vented and fugitive emissions from pipelines and facilities, including intentional releases such as blowdowns.
You must design and configure all new and modified pressure relief devices to minimize emissions.
4. Expanded Reporting Requirements
Operators must report all large-volume gas releases, including unintentional leaks and intentional blowdowns that exceed 0.5 MMCF (million cubic feet) over a 96-hour period.
Annual reports now require data on leak grading, repair actions, and estimated methane emissions.
5. Enhancements to Pipeline Maintenance and Inspection Procedures
All operators must revise their inspection and maintenance plans to align with the Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020.
The rule requires replacement or remediation of high-risk pipeline materials known to leak, including cast iron, unprotected steel, and certain historic plastics.
6. Implementation of Advanced Leak Detection Programs
Operators must develop and implement advanced leak detection programs to:
Identify, locate, and classify leaks promptly;
Repair hazardous leaks on a set timeline; and
Ensure compliance with commercially available detection technologies.
7. Impacts on Costs and Operations
Operators must invest in new technologies for compliance.
Increased survey frequencies, stricter repair requirements, and updated infrastructure may lead to higher initial costs, but PHMSA estimates that the rule’s benefits outweigh these costs in terms of public safety, environmental protection, and methane reduction.
Potential financial penalties for non-compliance could be substantial.
8. Training and Qualification of Personnel
Personnel responsible for leak surveys, detection, investigation, and repairs must meet new qualification standards.
Conduct training programs to ensure employees are familiar with advanced leak detection tools and regulatory expectations.
9. Regulatory Timelines and Deadlines
PHMSA issued the rule on January 17, 2025, and it will go into effect 180 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Develop a compliance roadmap to meet deadlines and adjust internal policies, training, and technologies accordingly.
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