As of October 6, 2022, all pipeline operators, including natural gas distribution operators must meet the requirements of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Valve and Rupture Detection Rule. While most of the rule impacts only new or replaced gas transmission lines, there are two aspects that impact gas distribution pipeline operators. They are outlined below.
1. Pipeline Emergency Procedures and Communications: Operators must establish written procedures that establish and maintain “adequate means of communication with appropriate public safety answering points” or 911 call centers. They must also have procedures on the “necessary actions, including but not limited to, emergency shutdown, valve shut-off or pressure reduction, in any section of the operator’s pipeline system to, minimize the hazards of released gas to life, property, or the environment.” And, lastly, procedures for notifying public answering points (or 911 call centers) (a) of pipeline emergencies to coordinate and share information to determine the location of the emergency, including both planned and unplanned responses during an emergency and (b) after receiving notification of a potential rupture. (
See §192.615)
2. Incident investigation Requirements: Each operator must develop, implement, and incorporate lessons learned from a post-failure or incident review into its written procedures, including personnel training and qualification programs, and design, construction, testing, maintenance, operations, and emergency procedure manuals and specifications. (
See §192.617)
For questions on this article, please contact Erin Kurilla of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email at
ekurilla@apga.org.