MMS Penalties in Year 2000

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) regulates some pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico and other OCS waters. The MMS recently published a summary of the fines paid in the year 2000 for violations of their regulations. In total, 66 fines were paid, totalling $1,780,721, for an average fine of $26,980. Some of the pipeline fines include:

  • The SDV on the bi-directional pipeline was bypassed – $22,000
  • The PSHL protecting the departing oil pipeline was bypassed – $5,000
  • Pipeline leak detection system was not operated and maintained properly – $48,000

The entire report is available on RCP’s website here.

Another Meeting Cancellation

The Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee Meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 13, 2001, at the Dulles Marriot is cancelled. OPS hopes to reschedule this meeting in the near future.

NESHAP Correction

On June 17, 1999, the EPA issued the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants from oil and natural gas production facilities and the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants from natural gas transmission and storage facilities (64 FR 32610). On June 29, 2001, EPA issued technical corrections to clarify intent and correct errors in these national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) (66 FR 34548). On September 27, 2001, the EPA corrected an error in the June 29, 2001 technical corrections for the Natural Gas Transmission and Storage Facilities NESHAP. This correction was made to reinstate a portion of the first sentence in §63.1270(a) that was mistakenly deleted during the editing process for the June 29, 2001 technical corrections. Reinstatement of this language will make it clear that the natural gas transmission and storage facilities NESHAP only applies to natural gas transmission and storage facilities that are major sources of HAP, and that transmission and storage systems are subject to the rule up to a final end user only when a local distribution company is not present.

40 CFR Section 63.1270 is amended by revising the first sentence of paragraph (a) introductory text to read as follows:

§63.1270 Applicability and designation of affected source.

(a) This subpart applies to owners and operators of natural gas transmission and storage facilities that transport or store natural gas prior to entering the pipeline to a local distribution company or to a final end user (if there is no local distribution company), and that are major sources of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) emissions as defined in §63.1271. * * *

Acquiring a pipeline?

RCP can provide due diligence audits to help you ensure that potential compliance issues have been addressed before the sale is final.

IMP Workshop Postponed

The Integrity Management Program workshop planned for October 10-11, 2002, has been postponed indefinitely. OPS is continuing their work on a new OPS Integrity Management Program website, and plans to use the website to communicate information about implementation of the hazardous liquid integrity management rules. OPS will broadcast an announcement on the debut of the new IMP website shortly. Please direct related questions either to Beth Callsen (202.366.4572) or to Jeff Wiese (202.366.2036), or jeff.wiese@rspa.dot.gov.

Revisions to Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations

As expected, the OPS / RSPA has conformed their pipeline facility drug and alcohol testing regulations with DOT’s ‘‘Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs.’’ In addition, they have changed the format of the regulations to make them easier to apply and understand. The purpose of these changes is to make the regulations clearer and consistent with DOT’s drug and alcohol testing policies. This Final Rule takes effect September 11, 2001. This action is consistent with the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued April 30, 2001 (66 FR 21506) (reference RCP's May 2001 newsletter and links for additional background information). The revised drug and alcohol testing regulation can be downloaded from RCP's website here.

Help Wanted

Know someone with regulatory expertise who is interested in full or part time work? Our recruiting coordinator would be glad to get their resume! Have them sent to chandra@your-rcp.com, or FAX to 713-655-8083.

Ongoing Resources

These articles are maintained and updated as new information becomes available.

Last Updated: October 2026

Regulatory Watch: Key Dates & Deadlines

Welcome to Regulatory Watch! In this monthly update, we’ll keep you informed on proposed rule comment periods, effective dates, and upcoming deadlines for various compliance requirements.

2137-AF63Proposed Rule Stage

Administrative Rulemaking Regulatory Procedures

Proposed
Final
Implementation
Regulatory Agenda2137-AF63
Federal Register DocumentPHMSA-2026-1555
Regulatory WatchImplementation Stage

All Liquid HCA segments capable of ILI § 195.452(n)

Proposed
Final
ImplementationJul 2, 2040
Regulatory AgendaNot available
Federal Register DocumentNot available
2137-AF45Proposed Rule Stage

Amendments to Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities

Proposed
Final
Implementation
Regulatory Agenda2137-AF45
Federal Register DocumentPHMSA-2019-0091
2137-AF61Final Rule Stage

Cost Recovery for Siting Reviews for LNG Facilities

Proposed
Final
Implementation
Regulatory Agenda2137-AF61
Federal Register DocumentPHMSA-2022-0118
2137-AF51Final Rule Stage

Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair

Proposed
Final
Implementation
Regulatory Agenda2137-AF51
Federal Register DocumentPHMSA-2021-0039
Regulatory WatchImplementation Stage

Gas Transmission: Assessments Outside HCAs § 192.710

Proposed
Final
ImplementationJul 3, 2034
Regulatory AgendaNot available
Federal Register DocumentNot available
2137-AF37Proposed Rule Stage

Oil Spill Response Plans, Accident Notifications, Inspections and Investigations and other Miscellaneous Pipeline Safety Changes

Proposed
Final
Implementation
Regulatory Agenda2137-AF37
Federal Register DocumentPHMSA-2018-0047
2137-AF52Proposed Rule Stage

Pipeline Operational Status

Proposed
Final
Implementation
Regulatory Agenda2137-AF52
Federal Register DocumentNA
2137-AF44Proposed Rule Stage

Repair Criteria for Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines

Proposed
Public comments ClosedCloses Sep 8, 2026
Final
Implementation
Regulatory Agenda2137-AF44
Federal Register DocumentPHMSA-2025-0019
2137-AF60Proposed Rule Stage

Safety of Carbon Dioxide and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines

Proposed
Final
Implementation
Regulatory Agenda2137-AF60
Federal Register DocumentNA
2137-AF53Final Rule Stage

Safety of Gas Distribution Pipelines and Other Pipeline Safety Initiatives

Proposed
Final
Implementation
Regulatory Agenda2137-AF53
Federal Register DocumentPHMSA-2021-0046

Sprint I & II Update

To further the Administration’s deregulatory policies, PHMSA has published in today’s Federal Register twenty-eight (28) separate rulemaking actions affecting the pipeline safety regulations (PSR; Parts 190-199). Click here to access the documents.

Rulemaking Description Stage Code
Pipeline Safety: Rationalize Special Permit Conditions PHMSA proposes to amend its special permit procedures to ensure permit conditions are directly tied to the specific pipeline safety regulations being waived. NPRM 49 CFR Part 190
Pipeline Safety: Rationalize Calculation of Regulatory Filing and Compliance Deadlines PHMSA will clarify that regulatory filing and compliance deadlines falling on weekends or Federal holidays automatically move to the next business day. DFR 49 CFR Part 190
Pipeline Safety: Adjust Annual Report Filing Timelines PHMSA will amend annual reporting requirements to move the gas pipeline annual report submission deadline from March to June. DFR 49 CFR Part 191
Pipeline Safety: Property Damage Definition for Incident Reporting PHMSA will clarify incident reporting property damage calculations for gas pipelines and update hazardous liquid accident reporting thresholds using inflation-adjusted criteria. DFR 49 CFR Parts 191 & 195
Pipeline Safety: Exception for In-Plant Piping Systems PHMSA proposes to clarify that in-plant piping systems are not subject to federal pipeline safety regulations. NPRM 49 CFR Part 192
Pipeline Safety: Codify Enforcement Discretion on Incidental Gathering Lines PHMSA proposes to codify enforcement discretion clarifying that restrictions on the historical incidental gathering line exemption apply only to newly constructed lines. NPRM 49 CFR Part 192
Pipeline Safety: Eliminate Burdensome Coating Assessment Deadlines PHMSA proposes to replace prescriptive deadlines for coating damage assessments and remediation with a requirement that activities be completed before the pipeline is placed in service. NPRM 49 CFR Part 192
Pipeline Safety: Atmospheric Corrosion Reassessment for Pipeline Replacements PHMSA proposes to remove the 3-year reassessment interval following replacement of atmospheric corrosion defects and allow use of the standard 5-year reassessment interval. NPRM 49 CFR Part 192
Pipeline Safety: Harmonize Class Change Pressure Test Requirements PHMSA proposes to reduce the minimum pressure test duration following certain class location changes from 8 hours to 4 hours, aligning with existing Subpart J requirements. NPRM 49 CFR Part 192
Pipeline Safety: Clarify MAOP Reconfirmation Testing Records PHMSA will issue a technical correction clarifying that operators may use pre-1970s pressure test records when reconfirming MAOP under §192.624. Final Rule 49 CFR Part 192
Pipeline Safety: Remote Sensing Technologies for ROW Patrols PHMSA will explicitly allow right-of-way patrols to be conducted using unmanned aircraft systems, satellites, and other remote sensing technologies. DFR 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195
Pipeline Safety: Technical Standards Updates and Amendments PHMSA will update incorporated standards and make technical amendments in response to an industry petition for reconsideration. Final Rule 49 CFR Part 192
Pipeline Safety Program: Update of Standards Incorporated by Reference PHMSA issued multiple direct final rules updating incorporated industry consensus standards used throughout Parts 192 and 195, replacing outdated editions with current versions. Multiple DFRs 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195

The following is a summary of the 40 rulemakings that PHMSA published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2026. If any adverse comment is received to a DFR PHMSA must rescind the rule and repropose. Click here to access the documents.

Rulemaking Description Stage Code
Pipeline Safety and Hazardous Materials Safety: Amendments to PHMSA Procedural Regulations PHMSA proposed miscellaneous amendments to procedural regulations governing informal rulemaking for both pipeline safety and hazardous materials programs. NPRM 49 CFR Part 190
Pipeline Safety: Interpretation Request Procedures PHMSA amended interpretation procedures to require publication of interpretation requests on its website and provide an opportunity for public comment. Final Rule 49 CFR Part 190
Pipeline Safety: Declaratory Order Procedures PHMSA established formal procedures for issuing declaratory orders through a new section in Part 190. Final Rule 49 CFR Part 190
Pipeline Safety: Consent Orders PHMSA clarified that consent agreements may be used to resolve enforcement actions, including cases involving civil penalties. Final Rule 49 CFR Part 190
Pipeline Safety: Adjustment to OPID Notifications for Construction PHMSA proposed adjusting the inflation-based threshold that triggers OPID notifications for certain construction and facility modification activities. NPRM 49 CFR Part 191
Pipeline Safety: Eliminating Limitations on Welders and Welding Operators PHMSA proposed allowing welders qualified through non-destructive testing methods to perform compressor station welding activities currently subject to additional restrictions. NPRM 49 CFR Part 192
Pipeline Safety: Material Properties Verification During MAOP Reconfirmation PHMSA proposed clarifying that material testing at pressure test manifold sites is not required when traceable, verifiable, and complete material records already exist. NPRM 49 CFR Part 192
Pipeline Safety: Electronic Retention of Part 194 Response Plans PHMSA amended regulations to allow operators to maintain electronic copies of response plans instead of paper copies. DFR 49 CFR Part 194
Pipeline Safety: Remote Monitoring of Rectifiers PHMSA proposed allowing remote monitoring technologies for rectifiers used in external corrosion control programs. NPRM 49 CFR Part 195
Pipeline Safety: Clarifying Hazardous Liquid High-Consequence Area Designations PHMSA amended HCA guidance to clarify spill considerations in agricultural fields and reorganize threat identification guidance. DFR 49 CFR Part 195
Pipeline Safety: Timeframe to Make Rupture-Mitigation Valves Operational PHMSA proposed extending the deadline for placing rupture-mitigation valves into operation from 14 days to 90 days after a pipeline enters service. NPRM 49 CFR Part 192
Pipeline Safety: Hazardous Liquid Valve Maintenance Schedule PHMSA proposed allowing operators to implement risk-based valve maintenance schedules, subject to a maximum inspection interval of one year. NPRM 49 CFR Part 195
Pipeline Safety: Property Damage Definition for Incident Reporting PHMSA proposes revising property damage thresholds for reportable gas and hazardous liquid pipeline incidents and clarifying applicability to telephonic notifications. NPRM 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195
Pipeline Safety: Remote Sensing Technologies for ROW Patrols PHMSA proposes clarifying that unmanned aerial systems, satellites, and other remote-sensing technologies may be used to satisfy right-of-way patrol requirements. NPRM 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195
Pipeline Safety: Adjust Annual Report and NPMS Filing Timelines PHMSA proposes extending annual report and NPMS submission deadlines for gas pipeline and storage operators to June 15 each year. NPRM 49 CFR Part 191
Pipeline Safety: Editorial Corrections and Clarifications PHMSA issued multiple final rules correcting editorial errors, updating references, removing obsolete submission methods, and improving regulatory clarity. Final Rules Various
Pipeline Safety: Update of Standards Incorporated by Reference PHMSA issued multiple direct final rules updating incorporated industry consensus standards, including NFPA, ASTM, MSS, NACE, and ASME standards. Multiple DFRs 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195

Have questions about an upcoming deadline? Please reach out to Jessica Foley for assistance!

Last Updated: October 2026

Conference News

Jan252027

Pipeline Pigging and Integrity Management Conference

▦ January 25, 2027 – January 28, 2027⌖ George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX

The 39th International Pipeline Pigging & Integrity Management Conference (PPIM) will take place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. The event brings together pipeline operators, engineers, and industry professionals to explore advancements in pipeline inspection, integrity management, risk assessment, and emerging technologies.…

ExhibitingBooth 524
RCP Team Attending
Heather RoarkHeather RoarkSales & Marketing Coordinator
Jessica FoleyJessica FoleyVice President
Featured Presentations
Topic to be determined
Chris McLaren
Chris McLarenExecutive Consultant
October 27, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Event Details
Last Updated: October 2026

PSI Training Schedule

Date Training Course Price Registration
Nov 17 – Nov 19, 2026 DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop $2,150 SOLD OUT
Feb 16 – Feb 18, 2027 Pipeline Safety Audit Training $2,150 Register →
Feb 23 – Feb 25, 2027 Advanced Pipeline Risk Assessment Workshop $2,150 Register →
Mar 23 – Mar 25, 2027 DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop $2,150 Register →

WEBINAR RECORDING!
Unpacking the Key Updates in API RP 1170 & 1171, 2nd Edition

RCP and the Pipeline Safety Institute offered a free webinar exploring the 2nd Editions of API RP 1170, Design and Operation of Solution-mined Salt Caverns Used for Natural Gas Storage and API RP 1171, Functional Integrity of Natural Gas Storage in Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Aquifer Reservoirs. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in this informative webinar. The session recording is posted to our YouTube channel. Please watch, like, and subscribe to our channel!

WEBINAR RECORDING
Pipeline Safety: Unpacking the Class Location Change Requirements

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in this informative webinar. The session recording is posted to our YouTube channel. Please watch, like, and subscribe to our channel!

You asked and we listened!

Advanced DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop is on the calendar!

This intensive and interactive 3-day, in-person workshop is designed for those who have previously completed our DOT Pipeline Compliance Workshop and are ready to take their knowledge to the next level.

New Workshop Alert!

Prepare Your Team for Pipeline Safety Audits with Confidence!

Our 3-day Pipeline Safety Audit Workshop is tailored for professionals responsible for the safe operation of hazardous liquid and natural gas pipelines. Designed for groups of 10-15 participants, this interactive training…

On-Site Training Request

We have conducted on-site training for oil and gas companies for over 25 years and can provide customized workshops for companies with groups of five or more.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss our services with you.

Sincerely,

W. R. (Bill) Byrd, PE
President
RCP Inc.

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