PHMSA Publishes Pipeline Reference Update NPRM

On Friday the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register (78 49996-50014). This NPRM is being used to update the pipeline safety regulations for miscellaneous changes to various materials incorporated by reference and make minor, non-substantive changes to the regulations.

Materials Incorporated by Reference

PHMSA is announcing that it has successfully negotiated with the below list of organizations to ensure that their publications that have been incorporated by reference are publicly available in accordance with requirements of Section 24 of the “Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011” (Pub. L. 112-90, January 3, 2012). While this NPRM was being drafted Congress lessened the impact of that legislation when it passed HR 2576 (PL 113-30, note this has not yet been published by the GPO) earlier this month. This will apparently not have a significant impact on operations at PHMSA.

• American Petroleum Institute (API).

• American Gas Association (AGA).Show citation box

• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

• Gas Technology Institute (GTI).

• Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc. (MSS).

• NACE International (NACE).

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

This NPRM includes the adoption of a new reference; API Recommended Practice 5LT, “Recommended Practice for TruckTransportation of Line Pipe,” (First edition, March 1, 2012). This will be referenced in §192.65 and §195.207.

PHMSA is also including the incorporation of ASTM D2513-09a, “Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings,” (December 1, 2009). PHMSA is not including section 4.2 pertaining to rework material in that adoption. This ASTM will be referenced in §§ 192.59 (d); 192.63 (a); 192.123 (e); 192.191 (b); 192.281 (b); 192.283 (a); Item 1, Appendix B to Part 192.

PHMSA is not proposing to incorporate the following updated versions of reference documents:

• API Recommended Practice 1162, “Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators”; and

• API Standard 653-2001, “Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction” (3rd edition, 2001)

PHMSA is proposing to update the references to the following publications (new version listed):

• API Recommended Practice 5L1, “Recommended Practice for Railroad Transportation of Line Pipe,” (7th Edition, September 2009);

• API Recommended Practice 5LW, “Transportation of Line Pipe on Barges and Marine Vessels,” (3rd edition, September 2009);

• ANSI/API Specification 5L/ISO 3183, “Specification for Line Pipe,” ANSI/API Specification 5L/ISO 3183 “Specification for Line Pipe” (45th edition, December 1, 2012);

• ANSI/API Specification 6D, “Specification for Pipeline Valves,” (23rd edition, April 1, 2008, effective October 1, 2008), includes Errata 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (2011) and Addenda 1 and 2 (2011);

• API Specification 12F, “Specification for Shop Welded Tanks for Storage of Production Liquids,” (12th edition, October 2008, including errata 2008);

• API Standard 620, “Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks” (11th edition, February 2008, addendum 1, March 2009), and addendum 2 (2010);

• API Standard 650, “Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage” (11th edition, June 2007), includes addendum 1 (November 2008), addendum 2 (November 2009), addendum 3 (August 2011), and errata (February 2012);

• API Standard 2000, “Venting Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Storage Tanks Non-Refrigerated and Refrigerated,” (6th edition, November 2009);

• ASTM A53/A53M-10, “Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless,” (October 2, 2010);

• ASTM A106/A106M-10, “Standard Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service,” (July 15, 2008);

• ASTM A333/A333M-11 (2011), “Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Steel Pipe for Low-Temperature Service,” (April 1, 2011);

• ASTM A372/A372M-10, (reapproved 2005), “Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Forgings for Thin-Walled Pressure Vessels,” (October 1, 2010);

• ASTM A671/A671M-10, “Standard Specification for Electric-Fusion-Welded Steel Pipe for Atmospheric and Lower Temperatures,” (April 1, 2010);

• ASTM A672-09, “Standard Specification for Electric-Fusion-Welded Steel Pipe for High-Pressure Service at Moderate Temperatures,” (October 1, 2009);

• ASTM A691-09, “Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Pipe, Electric-Fusion-• Welded for High-Pressure Service at High Temperatures,” (October 1, 2009);

• MSS SP-44-2010, Standard Practice, “Steel Pipeline Flanges,” (2010 edition);

• MSS SP-75-2008, “Specification for High Test Wrought Butt Welding Fittings,” (2009 edition);

• NACE Standard SP0502-2010, Standard Practice, “Pipeline External Corrosion Direct Assessment Methodology,” (June 24, 2010);

• NFPA-30 (Fire) (2012), “Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code,” includes Errata 1, Errata 2 (2012 edition, June 20, 2011); and

• NFPA-70 (2011), “National Electrical Code,” includes Errata 1, Errata 2 (2011 edition, approved September 24, 2010);

Minor Clarifications and Edits

PHMSA is making minor, non-substantive modification or edits to the below listed sections.

• Section 192.283(a)(1)(i);

• Section195.452(l);

• Section 199.111;

Public Comments

PHMSA is soliciting public comments on this NPRM. Comments may be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal (www.Regulations.gov; Docket # PHMSA-2011-0337). Comments need to be submitted by October 15^th, 2013.