[Docket No. PHMSA-2008-0301; Amdt. Nos. 192-114; 193-22; 195-94)]

RIN 2137-AE41

PHMSA has amended the Federal pipeline safety regulations to incorporate by reference all or parts of 40 new editions of voluntary consensus technical standards. This action allows pipeline operators to use current technologies, improved materials, and updated industry and management practices. Additionally, PHMSA has clarified certain regulatory provisions and made several editorial corrections. These amendments do not require pipeline operators to take on any significant new pipeline safety initiatives. The effective date of this final rule is October 1, 2010.

Editor’s note: I’m reminded of the military saying “Amateurs talk about strategy. Professionals talk about logistics.” In this case, the professionals talk about incorporated standards. The following information is lengthy and tedious, but it is important.

Misc. Issues:

There is an ongoing controversy concerning the primacy of NFPA 58 and 59 versus 49 CFR 192 requirements. PHMSA will address the subject of NFPA 58 and 59 primacy under a separate rulemaking. In the interim, compliance with part 192 requirements has not changed. When a requirement exists in part 192 that does not exist in NFPA 58 or 59, operators are required to comply with it. A conflict only exists when an operator cannot comply with a requirement in NFPA 58 and 59 because it conflicts with a requirement in part 192. When a conflict exists, NFPA 58 or 59 continue to prevail. PHMSA is not changing the editions currently incorporated by reference (2004 editions of NFPA 58 and 59).

PHMSA is incorporating only those sections of NFPA 59A, “Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)” (2006 edition) relating to ultrasonic inspection and seismic design requirements. Except for the specified sections in the 2006 edition mentioned above, PHMSA will continue to reference NFPA 59A (2001 edition).

PHMSA will not incorporate by reference ASTM D2513: Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing and Fittings (2007) edition at this time but will continue to reference the 1987 & 1999 editions.

PHMSA will consider a Stay of Enforcement from Section A.1.5.7 in the 1999 edition of ASTM D2513 to recognize the safe, longer storage time of PE pipe separate from this rulemaking.

Deleting Old Standards:

In a Direct Final Rule (74 FR 17099) published on April 14, 2009, PHMSA incorporated by reference the 2007 editions of ANSI/API Specification 5L, “Specification for Line Pipe” and API Standard 1104, “Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities.” However, it did not eliminate the use of the previously referenced editions of these standards. PHMSA has now eliminated the use of the previous editions of these standards [ANSI/API Specification 5L/ISO 3183, “Specification for Line Pipe” 43rd edition and errata, 2004 and API Standard 1104 (19th edition, 1999, including errata October 31, 2001)].

New Standards:

PHMSA is incorporating by reference API Recommended Practice 5L1/ISO 3183 “Specification for Line Pipe” (6th edition, 2002) into the newly-created § 195.207. This standard provides a standard for hazardous liquid operators for the transportation of certain API Specification 5L steel line pipe by railroad.

PHMSA is also incorporating API Recommended Practice 5LW (API RP 5LW), “Transportation of Line Pipe on Barges and Marine Vessels” (2nd edition, 1996) into Parts 192 and 195. This standard is referenced in § 192.65(a) and in the newly-created § 195.207(a). API RP 5LW provides a standard for transportation of certain API Specification 5L steel line pipe by ship or barge on both inland and marine waterways.

Replacement of old standards:

The following updated standards are replacing the previously incorporated editions:

  • API Specification 6D/ISO 14313, “Specification for Pipeline Valves” 23rd edition (April 2008, effective October 1, 2008) and errata 3 (includes 1 & 2, February 2009), replaces the 22nd edition, January 2002.
  • API Specification 12F, “Specification for Shop Welded Tanks for Storage of Production Liquids (11th edition, November 1, 1994, reaffirmed 2000, errata, February 2007), replaces the 11th edition, 1994 (reaffirmed, 2000);
  • API Standard 510, “Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: In-Service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration” (9th edition, June 2006), replaces the 8th edition, 1997 including Addenda 1 through 4;
  • API Standard 620, “Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks,” (11th edition February 2008, addendum 1, March 2009), replaces the 10th edition, 2002 including addendum 1;
  • API Standard 650, “Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage” (11th edition, June 2007, addendum 1, November 2008), replaces the 10th edition, 1998 including Addenda 1-3;
  • ANSI/API Recommended Practice 651, “Cathodic Protection of Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tanks” (3rd edition, January 2007), replaces the 2nd edition, December 1997;
  • ANSI/API Recommended Practice 652, “Linings of Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tank Bottoms” (3rd edition, October 2005), replaces the 2nd edition, December 1997
  • API Standard 653, “Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction” (3rd edition, December 2001, includes addendum 1 (September 2003), addendum 2 (November 2005), addendum 3 (February 2008), and errata (April 2008), replaces the 3rd edition, 2001 including addendum 1, 2003;
  • API Standard 1104, “Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities” (20th edition November 2005, errata/addendum (July 2007) and errata 2 (2008)), replaces IBR: 19th edition, 1999, including errata October 31, 2001;
  • API Recommended Practice 1130, “Computational Pipeline Monitoring for Liquids Pipeline Segment” (3rd edition, September 2007), replaces the 2nd edition, 2002;
  • API Standard 2000, “Venting Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Storage Tanks Nonrefrigerated and Refrigerated” (5th edition, April 1998, errata, November 15, 1999), replaces the 5th edition, April 1998;
  • API Recommended Practice 2003, “Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out of Static, Lightning, and Stray Currents” (7th edition, January 2008), replaces the 6th edition, 1998;
  • API Publication 2026, “Safe Access/Egress Involving Floating Roofs of Storage Tanks in Petroleum Service” (2nd edition, April 1998, reaffirmed, June 2006), replaces the 2nd edition, 1998;
  • API Recommended Practice 2350, “Overfill Protection for Storage Tanks in Petroleum Facilities” (3rd edition, January 2005), replaces the 2nd edition, 1996;
  • ASCE/SEI 7-05, “Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures” (2005 edition, includes supplement number 1 and errata), replaces the 2002 edition;
  • ASTM A53/A53M-07 (2007), “Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless” (September 1, 2007) replaces the 2004 edition;
  • ASTM A106/A106M-08 (2008), “Standard Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service” (July 15, 2008), replaces the 2004 edition;
  • ASTM A372/A372M-03 (reapproved 2008), “Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Forgings for Thin-Walled Pressure Vessels” (March 1, 2008) replaces the 2003 edition;
  • ASTM A381-96 (Reapproved 2005), “Standard Specification for Metal-Arc-Welded Steel Pipe for Use with High-Pressure Transmission Systems” (October 1, 2005) replaces the 1996 edition; reapproved 2001;
  • ASTM A671-06, “Standard Specification for Electric-Fusion-Welded Steel Pipe for Atmospheric and Lower Temperatures” (May 1, 2006) replaces the 2004 edition;
  • ASTM A672-08, “Standard Specification for Electric-Fusion-Welded Steel Pipe for High-Pressure Service at Moderate Temperatures” (May 1, 2008) replaces the 1996 edition; reapproved 2001;
  • ASTM A691-98 (reapproved 2007), “Standard Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Pipe, Electric-Fusion-Welded for High-Pressure Service at High Temperatures” (November 1, 2007) replaces the 1998 edition, reapproved 2002;
  • ANSI/ASME B16.1 -2005, “Gray Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings: (Classes 25, 125, and 250)” (August 31, 2006) replaces ASME B16.1-1998 “Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings” 1998 edition;
  • ANSI/ASME B16.9 -2007, “Factory-Made Wrought Butt Welding Fittings” (December 7, 2007) replaces IBR: 2003 edition (February 2004);
  • ANSI/ASME B31.4 -2006, “Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other Liquids” (October 20, 2006) replaces IBR: 2002 edition (October 2002);
  • ANSI/ASME B31.8 -2007, “Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems” (November 30, 2007) replaces IBR: 2003 edition (February 2004);
  • 2007 ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section I: Rules for Construction of Power Boilers (2007 edition, July 1, 2007) replaces IBR: 2004 edition, including addenda through July 1, 2005;
  • 2007 ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1: Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels (2007 edition, July 1, 2007) replaces IBR: 2004 edition, including addenda through July 1, 2005;
  • 2007 ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 2: Alternative Rules, Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels (2007 edition, July 1, 2007) replaces IBR: 2004 edition, including addenda through July 1, 2005;
  • 2007 ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX: Qualification Standard for Welding and Brazing Procedures, Welders, Brazers, and Welding and Brazing Operators (2007 edition, July 1, 2007) replaces IBR: 2004 edition, including addenda through July 1, 2005;
  • GTI-04/0032 LNGFIRE3: A Thermal Radiation Model for LNG Fires (March 2004) replaces IBR: GRI-89/0176 “LNGFIRE: A Thermal Radiation Model for LNG Fires” (June 29, 1990); (Note: This is just a title change. The model has not been changed).
  • MSS SP-44-2006, Standard Practice, “Steel Pipeline Flanges” (2006 edition) replaces IBR: 1996 edition reaffirmed 2001;
  • NACE SP0169-2007, Standard Practice, “Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems” (reaffirmed March 15, 2007) replaces NACE Standard RP0169-2002, “Control of External Corrosion on Underground or Submerged Metallic Piping Systems;”
  • NACE SP0502-2008, Standard Practice “Pipeline External Corrosion Direct Assessment Methodology” (reaffirmed March 20, 2008) replaces NACE Standard RP0502-2002 “Pipeline External Corrosion Direct Assessment Methodology;”
  • NFPA 30, “Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code” (2008 edition, approved August 15, 2007) replaces the 2003 edition;
  • NFPA 59A, “Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) (2006 edition, approved August 18, 2005) partially replaces the 2001 edition;
  • NFPA 70 (2008), “National Electrical Code” (NEC 2008) (Approved August 15, 2007) replaces the 2005 edition;
  • PPI TR-3/2008 HDB/HDS/PDB/SDB/MRS Policies (2008),”Policies and Procedures for Developing Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Pressure Design Basis (PDB), Strength Design Basis (SDB), and Minimum Required Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping Materials or Pipe” (May 2008) replaces the 2004 edition;

Misc. Rule Changes and Clarifications:

PHMSA has moved the definitions, “active corrosion,” “electrical survey” and “pipeline environment” from § 192.465(e) to § 192.3. This revision provides a broader applicability of these terms to part 192 because these terms are also found in part 192, subparts I and O.

PHMSA has revised paragraphs (d) and (e) of § 192.145 to use the same language as ANSI/ASME B31.8, paragraph 831.11(c) in referring to shell components. The revisions to paragraph (d) clarify the elements of a “shell component.”

PHMSA has also clarified the materials allowed in certain valve components used in compressor stations in response to the GPTC petition. Paragraph (e) clarifies that cast iron, malleable iron, or ductile iron may be used in the valve ball or plug, but may not be used in the pressure holding shell components (e.g., body, bonnet, cover, or end flange).

49 CFR § 192.711 has been modified to clarify that the repair times for pipelines covered by § 192.711 pertain only to non-integrity management repairs.

49 CFR § 193.2101 has been modified to incorporate by reference sections from the 2006 edition of NFPA 59A pertaining to the seismic design of stationary LNG storage tanks. Other sections from the 2001 edition of NFPA 59A continue to be incorporated by reference as designated in § 193.2013. Although NFPA 59A (2006) incorporates by reference the 1990 edition of API Standard 620 for seismic design PHMSA is instead incorporating by reference the most recent version of API Standard 620 (11th edition, addendum 1, 2009).

PHMSA has clarified the language in § 193.2321(a) to use the broader terminology for nondestructive testing, and revised § 193.2321(b) to incorporate the requirements in the 2006 edition of NFPA 59A’s for the ultrasonic examination of LNG tank welds for storage tanks with an internal design pressure at or below 15 psig.

PHMSA has modified § 195.401 to clarify that the requirement to repair a condition within a reasonable time period (unless an immediate hazard) only applies to conditions on pipelines that are not “integrity management repairs” (covered by § 195.452).

PHMSA has revised § 195.432 paragraph (b) to eliminate the reference to Section 4 of API Standard 653. All sections in API Standard 653 relating to inspection of in-service atmospheric and low-pressure steel aboveground breakout tanks are incorporated by reference.

PHMSA has also made other misc editorial changes throughout their regulations to align references to current documents and section numbers.

Standard Operating Procedure Updates

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