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PHMSA’s Leak Detection and Repair Proposed Rule Available for Viewing

By Erin Kurilla posted 05-11-2023 01:19 PM

  
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has released a pre-publication version of the draft Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Rule. This provides our first opportunity to view PHMSA’s proposals for the potential new regulatory requirements. The proposal includes changes such as:
 
• Increasing leak surveys in non-business districts to once every three calendar years
• Grade 2 leaks to be repaired within six months
• Grade 3 leaks to be repaired within two years (unless the pipe is scheduled for replacement within five years)
• Leak detection equipment must be able to find leaks down to 5 parts per million
 
There will be several opportunities for APGA, other industry advocates, and technology providers to submit written comments to PHMSA on the technical feasibility, reasonableness, and cost-effectiveness of these changes. APGA will work closely with its Operations & Safety Committee to develop association positions on the proposed changes. 
 
View the PHMSA Press Release here. 
View the Pre-Publication Notice of Proposed Rulemaking here.   
 
For questions on this article, please contact Erin Kurilla of APGA staff by phone at 202-905-2904 or by email at ekurilla@apga.org.

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