PHMSA has issued an advisory about the accumulation of snow and ice increasing the potential for damage to meters and regulators and other pipeline facilities. Several accidents occurring during the winter of 2007/2008 on natural gas distribution system facilities appear to be related to either the stress of snow and ice or malfunction of pressure control equipment due to ice blockage of pressure control equipment vents. According to PHMSA, exposed piping at metering and pressure regulating stations, at service regulators, and at propane tanks, are at greatest risk.  PHMSA is advising operators of gas pipeline facilities, regardless of whether those facilities are regulated by PHMSA or state agencies, to consider the following steps to address the safety risks from accumulated snow and ice on pipeline facilities:

1. Notify customers and other entities of the need for caution associated with excessive accumulation and removal of snow and ice. Notice should include the need to clear snow and ice from exhaust and combustion air vents for gas appliances to prevent accumulation of carbon monoxide in buildings or operational problems for the combustion equipment.

2. Pay attention to snow and ice related situations that may cause operational problems for pressure control and other equipment.

3. Monitor the accumulation of moisture in equipment and snow or ice blocking regulator or relief valve vents which could prevent regulators and relief valves from functioning properly.

4. The piping on service regulator sets is susceptible to damage that could result in failure if caution is not exercised in cleaning snow from around the equipment. Where possible, use a broom, instead of a shovel to clear snow off regulators, meters, associated piping, propane tanks, tubing, gauges or other propane system appurtenances.

5. Remind the public to contact the gas company or designated emergency response officials if there is an odor of gas present or if gas appliances are not functioning properly. Also remind the public that, if there is a gas or propane odor, occupants should leave the residence immediately and contact their gas company, propane operator or designated emergency response officials.

The full text of the advisory can be downloaded from our website using the following link. Advisory Bulletin Ice and Snow 03.10.08

On March 4, the Pipeline And Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued an advisory bulletin about failures of mechanical couplings and related appurtenances that have raised concerns about safety in natural gas distribution systems. The notice updates information provided in Advisory Bulletin ADB-86-02, and advises owners and operators of gas pipelines to consider the potential failure modes for mechanical couplings used for joining and pressure sealing two pipes together.

Failures can occur when there is inadequate restraint for the potential stresses on the two pipes, when the couplings are incorrectly installed or supported, or when the coupling components such as elastomers degrade over time. In addition, PHMSA warns that leak surveys which fail to identify leaks requiring immediate repair can lead to more serious incidents.

This notice urges operators to review their procedures for using mechanical couplings and ensure coupling design, installation procedures, leak survey procedures, and personnel qualifications meet Federal requirements. Operators should work with Federal and State pipeline safety representatives, manufacturers, and industry partners to determine how best to resolve potential issues in their respective state or region. Documented repair or replacement programs may prove beneficial to all stakeholders involved, according to PHMSA.

Last month APGA filed comments with the Texas Railroad Commission urging the RRC to hold off on proposed changes to Texas pipeline safety regulation regarding risk-based leakage surveys and leak classification criteria. We expect these issues to be included in the upcoming Distribution Integrity Management Programs (DIMP) regulations.

The full text of the advisory can be downloaded from our website using the following link. PHMSA Advisory Compression Couplings 03.04.08

Pipeline Safety Act of 2006

Summary of HR 5782

PHMSA Advisory on brittle failure of plastic pipe (9-6-07)

PHMSA has issued an advisory on brittle failure of plastic pipe, adding two more materials that have been found susceptible to such failures.  The updated advisory bulletin was addressed to owners and operators of natural gas pipeline distribution systems concerning the susceptibility of older plastic pipe to premature brittle-like cracking. PHMSA previously issued three advisory bulletins on this subject: Two on March 11, 1999 and one on November 26, 2002. This advisory bulletin expands on the information provided in the three prior bulletins by listing two additional pipe materials with poor performance histories relative to brittle-like cracking and by updating pipeline owners and operators on the ongoing voluntary efforts to collect and analyze data on plastic pipe performance. Owners and operators of natural gas pipeline distribution systems are encouraged to review the three previous advisory bulletins in their entirety. The older polyethylene pipe materials specifically identified in ADB-02-07 included, but were not limited to:

· Century Utility Products, Inc. products;

· Low-ductile inner wall ``Aldyl A'' piping manufactured by DuPont Company before 1973; and

· Polyethylene gas pipe designated PE 3306

The data now supports adding the following pipe materials to this list:

·      Delrin insert tap tees; and,

·      Plexco service tee Celcon (polyacetal) caps.

Safety Advisory

The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a report on the natural gas explosion that occurred on December 13, 2005 in Bergenfield, New Jersey.  The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) issuing the following advisory bulletin based on the findings in the NTSB report as well a gas line break scenario for training purposes.

NASFM Bergenfield Advisory

NASFM – LDC Gas Line Break Scenario

On March 12 the Pipeline And Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) proposed to amend the pipeline safety regulations to prescribe safety requirements for the operation of certain gas transmission pipelines at pressures over that currently allowed in the regulations. PHMSA would update regulatory standards to reflect improvements in pipeline materials, assessment tools, and maintenance practices, which together have significantly reduced the risk of failure in steel pipeline fabricated and installed over the last twenty-five years. The proposed rule would allow use of an established industry standard for the calculation of MAOP, but limit application of the standard to pipelines posing a low safety risk based on location, materials, and construction. The proposed rule would generate significant public benefits by boosting the potential capacity and efficiency of pipeline infrastructure, while promoting investment in improved pipe technology and rigorous life-cycle maintenance.

A copy of the proposed rule can be downloaded from our website by clicking on the following link. MAOP NOPR 03.12.08

Written comments on the proposed rule must be submitted to PHMSA by May 12, 2008.