The Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (TPSSC) and Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (THLPSSC) met via conference call on August 6 to review recent regulatory activity and proposed rules. PHMSA informed the committees that the proposed rules on Distribution Integrity Management (DIMP) and Control Room Management (CRM) were poised to go to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Both rules should go final in two to three months.

The committees were informed that rulemakings on the “one rule” (regarding reporting requirements) and industry standards incorporated by reference are expected to be presented to the committees in the fall for a vote, and finalized by the spring of 2010.

The results of the low stress liquid pipeline survey were reviewed, which indicated that 312 miles of previously exempt low stress liquid pipelines were regulated in phase I of the rulemaking process, and 1,263 miles of currently exempt low stress liquid pipelines will be regulated in phase II of the rulemaking process. There was no timeframe given for completion of the phase II rulemaking process.

PHMSA noted that they are still studying the issues surrounding installation of large Excess Flow Valves (EFVs) for Commercial and Industrial Properties.

PHMSA mentioned that four demonstration grants of up to $25k each have been awarded under the Community Technical Assistance Grant Program, and that 25 applications are currently under review for normal grants of up to $50k each. PHMSA anticipates that the full appropriation of $1M will be awarded in August, 2009.

PHMSA mentioned that work is continuing on the Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA), especially around the issues of Consultation Zones and Planning Zones. A subgroup is working on these issues, and their work will be presented to the full PIPA workgroup for their concurrence. The PIPA initiative is expected to be complete by the fall of 2009. The PIPA documents will be published on the web, which will allow them to be updated on a regular basis.