`[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 6 (Monday, January 11, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2210-2242]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-00208]



[[Page 2209]]

Vol. 86

Monday,

No. 6

January 11, 2021

Part VI





Department of Transportation





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Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration





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49 CFR Parts 191 and 192





Pipeline Safety: Gas Pipeline Regulatory Reform; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 6 / Monday, January 11, 2021 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 2210]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

49 CFR Parts 191 and 192

[Docket No. PHMSA-2018-0046; Amdt Nos. 191-29; 192-128]
RIN 2137-AF36


Pipeline Safety: Gas Pipeline Regulatory Reform

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; withdrawal of enforcement discretion.

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SUMMARY: PHMSA is amending the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations to 
ease regulatory burdens on the construction, maintenance, and operation 
of gas transmission, distribution, and gathering pipeline systems 
without adversely affecting safety. The amendments in this rule are 
based on rulemaking petitions from stakeholders, and DOT and PHMSA 
initiatives to identify appropriate areas where regulations might be 
repealed, replaced, or modified, and PHMSA's review of public comments. 
PHMSA also, as of the effective date of this final rule, withdraws the 
March 29, 2019 ``Exercise of Enforcement Discretion Regarding Farm 
Taps'' and the unpublished October 27, 2015 letter to the Interstate 
Natural Gas Association of America announcing a stay of enforcement 
pertaining to certain pressure vessels.

DATES: Effective Date: This rule is effective March 12, 2021.
    Incorporation by reference date: The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of March 12, 2021.
    Voluntary compliance date: March 12, 2021.
    Delayed compliance date: Compliance with the amendments adopted in 
the rule is required beginning October 1, 2021.
    Enforcement discretion withdrawal date: The withdrawal of 84 FR 
11253 (Mar. 26, 2019) is effective as of March 12, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sayler Palabrica, Transportation 
Specialist, by telephone at 202-366-0559.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Executive Summary
II. Background
III. Analysis of Comments, GPAC Recommendations, and PHMSA's 
Response
IV. Availability of Standards Incorporated by Reference
V. Regulatory Analyses and Notices

I. Executive Summary

A. Purpose of This Deregulatory Action

    PHMSA is amending the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations (PSR) at 
49 CFR parts 191 and 192 to ease regulatory burdens on the 
construction, operation, and maintenance of gas transmission, 
distribution, and gathering pipeline systems without adversely 
affecting safety. These amendments include regulatory relief actions 
identified by internal agency review, petitions for rulemaking, and 
public comments submitted in response to a Department of Transportation 
(DOT) regulatory reform notice entitled ``Notification of Regulatory 
Review.'' \1\
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    \1\ 82 FR 45750 (Oct. 2, 2017).
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    On June 9, 2020, PHMSA published a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) to seek public comments on proposed changes to the PSR.\2\ A 
summary of those proposed changes, and PHMSA's response to stakeholder 
feedback on the individual provisions, is provided below in section III 
(Analysis of Comments, GPAC Recommendations, and PHMSA's Response).
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    \2\ 85 FR 35240.
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B. Summary of PSR Amendments

    The final rule makes the following amendments to 49 CFR parts 191 
and 192:
    A. Revision of certain requirements (at Sec. Sec.  191.11, 192.740, 
and 192.1003) pertaining to farm taps giving operators the choice of 
managing inspections of pressure regulators serving farm taps under 
either their distribution integrity management plan (DIMP) or by 
following the inspection requirements at Sec.  192.740;
    B. Revision of certain requirements (at Sec. Sec.  192.1003, 
192.1005 and 192.1015) pertaining to master meter systems to exempt 
operators of these simple pipeline facilities from DIMP requirements 
that had been designed with complex distribution systems in mind;
    C. Revision of certain reporting requirements (at Sec. Sec.  191.12 
and 192.1009) to eliminate a dedicated report form for mechanical 
fitting failures (MFFs), and modify other required report forms to 
incorporate more information on MFFs;
    D. Revision of the monetary threshold for incident reporting (at 
Sec.  191.3) to update for inflation over the three decades since the 
current monetary threshold was established, and introduce a new 
appendix A to part 191 to provide for annual updates to that threshold 
to account for inflation;
    E. Revision of Sec.  192.465 to clarify that operators may remotely 
inspect rectifier stations for external corrosion;
    F. Revision of atmospheric corrosion monitoring requirements (at 
Sec. Sec.  192.481, 192.491, 192.1007, and 192.1015) both to align the 
inspection interval for atmospheric corrosion on gas distribution 
service pipelines with leakage survey requirements at Sec.  192.723, 
and to clarify that consideration of corrosion risks under DIMP 
explicitly includes atmospheric corrosion;
    G. Revision of requirements governing plastic pipe (at Sec. Sec.  
192.7, 192.121, 192.281, 192.285, and appendix B to part 192) to 
improve alignment with, and incorporate by reference, certain updated 
industry standards;
    H. Revision of test requirements for pressure vessels at Sec.  
192.153 to align pressure test factor requirements with industry 
standards, and to clarify certain other pressure testing requirements;
    I. Revision of the welding process requirement at Sec.  192.229 to 
align better with welder requalification requirement at Sec.  
192.229(d)(2); and
    J. Revision of language at Sec.  192.507 to extend an existing 
authorization for pre-testing of fabricated units and short segments of 
steel pipe prior to installation on pipelines with high-stress 
operating conditions to pipelines operating at lower-stress operating 
conditions.

C. Costs and Benefits

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 60102, Executive Order (E.O.) 
12866,\3\ and DOT regulations at Sec.  5.13(e), PHMSA has prepared an 
assessment of the costs and benefits of this final rule as well as 
reasonable alternatives. The amendments promulgated in this final rule 
are deregulatory, with the intention and effect of reducing regulatory 
burdens, increasing flexibility, improving efficiency, and adding 
clarity to existing rules without adversely affecting safety. PHMSA 
expects the incremental cost savings to accrue on an ongoing annual 
basis. PHMSA used a 20-year analysis period for this final rule. PHMSA 
estimates the total quantified annualized cost savings to be 
approximately $129.8 million (at a discount rate of 7 percent) or 
approximately $132.5 million (at a discount rate of 3 percent). Table-1 
presents the estimated total cost savings for the 20-year period and 
the estimated

[[Page 2211]]

annualized cost savings over the same period.
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    \3\ ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 
1993).

            Table 1--Total Estimated Discounted Cost Savings
                          [2019 $ in millions]
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                                                         Estimated cost
                       Category                              savings
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Total (20 years; discounted at 7 percent).............          $1,374.8
Total (20 years; discounted at 3 percent..............             1,971
Annualized (discounted at 7 percent)..................             129.8
Annualized (discounted at 3 percent)..................             132.5
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    PHMSA does not anticipate that the amendments will have an adverse 
impact on safety or a significant effect on the environment. The 
largest quantified cost savings are due to the PSR amendments related 
to farm taps and atmospheric corrosion discussed in sections III.A and 
III.F, respectively, of the preamble to this final rule. PHMSA expects 
other amendments to improve regulatory flexibility, clarity, and 
simplicity. Additional details regarding PHMSA's evaluation of the 
costs and benefits of this final rule are available in the Final 
Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) posted in the rulemaking docket.

II. Background

A. Regulatory Reform Executive Orders and Department Response

    As explained at greater length in the NPRM,\4\ DOT published a 
notice, ``Notification of Regulatory Review,'' on October 2, 2017,\5\ 
requesting recommendations on existing DOT rules and other agency 
actions that could be eliminated without adversely affecting safety. 
DOT in particular solicited the public's assistance in identifying DOT 
regulations and other actions which eliminate jobs or inhibit job 
creation; are outdated, unnecessary, or ineffective; impose costs that 
exceed benefits; create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere 
with regulatory reform initiatives and policies; could be revised to 
use performance standards in lieu of design standards; or that 
potentially unnecessarily encumber energy production. After a 30-day 
comment period, DOT re-opened the comment period until December 1, 
2017.\6\ DOT received nearly 3,000 public comments. Approximately 30 
pertained to the PSR.\7\
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    \4\ 85 FR 35241-42.
    \5\ 82 FR 45750.
    \6\ 82 FR 51178.
    \7\ Docket No. DOT-OST-2017-0069.
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B. PHMSA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    Consistent with DOT's regulatory reform efforts and informed by 
PSR-pertinent comments received in response to the DOT Notification of 
Regulatory Review discussed above, PHMSA's Office of Pipeline Safety 
(OPS) reviewed the PSR and identified unnecessary, outdated, and non-
cost-justified regulatory requirements that could be repealed, 
replaced, or modified without adversely affecting safety. PHMSA also 
considered certain petitions for rulemaking and petitions for 
reconsideration of earlier PSR amendments.
    On June 9, 2020, PHMSA published an NPRM \8\ proposing several 
amendments to 49 CFR parts 191 and 192 to reduce regulatory burdens on 
operators of gas pipelines without adversely affecting safety. The 
comment period for the NPRM ended on August 10, 2020. PHMSA received 46 
comments on the NPRM, including late-filed comments. PHMSA received 
comments from groups representing the regulated pipeline industry; 
groups representing various public interests, including environmental 
groups; State utility commissions and regulators; individual pipeline 
operators; and private citizens. PHMSA received late-filed comments 
from the National Association of State Pipeline Safety Representatives 
(NAPSR), the Gas Piping Technology Committee (GPTC), a coalition of 
several industry trade associations, and GPA Midstream.\9\ PHMSA also 
had a conversation with a member of the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee 
(GPAC) and representatives of the Pipeline Safety Trust (PST) after the 
end of the comment period; a summary of that meeting has been placed in 
the rulemaking docket. Consistent with Sec. Sec.  5.13(i)(5) and 
190.323, PHMSA considered the late-filed comments and materials because 
of their relevance to the rulemaking and the absence of additional 
expense or delay resulting from their consideration.
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    \8\ 85 FR 35240.
    \9\ GPA, formerly the Gas Processors Association.
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    Some of the comments PHMSA received were beyond the scope of the 
amendments proposed in the NPRM. The issues raised in those comments 
may be the subject of other existing or future rulemaking proceedings.
    The remaining comments reflect a wide variety of views on the 
merits of the proposed PSR amendments. PHMSA read and considered all 
the comments posted to the docket for this rulemaking. These comments 
and PHMSA's response to those comments are described in section III.
    Contemporaneously with PHMSA's development of the NPRM, the 
President issued E.O. 13924, ``Regulatory Relief to Support Economic 
Recovery,'' \10\ directing Federal agencies to respond to the economic 
harm caused by the novel coronavirus by reviewing their regulations and 
considering taking appropriate action, consistent with applicable law, 
to temporarily or permanently rescind or modify those regulations to 
reduce regulatory burdens and thereby promote economic growth.\11\ 
PHMSA understands the cost savings expected from this final rule to be 
consistent with E.O. 13924's mandate.
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    \10\ 85 FR 31353 (May 22, 2020).
    \11\ E.O. 13924 at Sec.  4.
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C. Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee Meeting

    The Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, commonly known 
as the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC; the committee), is an 
advisory committee mandated by statute (49 U.S.C. 60115) that advises 
PHMSA on proposed safety standards. The GPAC is one of two pipeline 
advisory committees that focus on technical safety standards that were 
established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 
U.S.C. App. 1-16). The GPAC consists of 15 members, with membership 
divided among Federal and State agencies, the natural gas industry,

[[Page 2212]]

and the public. The GPAC considers the ``technical feasibility, 
reasonableness, cost-effectiveness, and practicability'' of each 
proposed pipeline safety standard and provides PHMSA with recommended 
actions pertaining to those proposals.
    The GPAC met in an online virtual meeting on October 7, 2020 to 
consider the regulatory proposals of the NPRM. The GPAC members 
discussed comments made on the NPRM. To assist the GPAC in its 
deliberations, PHMSA presented a description and summary of the 
proposals in the NPRM and the comments received on those issues. PHMSA 
also assisted the committee by fostering discussion, developing 
recommendations, and providing direction on which issues were most 
pressing. A transcript of the meeting and all presented materials is 
available in the docket for the rulemaking and on the web page PHMSA 
established for the meeting.\12\
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    \12\ https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/meetings/MtgHome.mtg?mtg=151&nocache=4862.
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    The committee voted on the technical feasibility, reasonableness, 
cost-effectiveness, and practicability of each of the NPRM's 
provisions. In many instances, the committee recommended changes that 
the committee found would make certain proposals more feasible, 
reasonable, cost-effective, or practicable. These balloted 
recommendations and the transcript for the meeting serve as the GPAC's 
report pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 60115. These recommendations are discussed 
in section III of the preamble to this final rule for each of the 
topics proposed in the NPRM.

III. Analysis of Comments, GPAC Recommendations, and PHMSA's Response

    The proposals in the NPRM, substantive comments received, as well 
as the GPAC's recommendations are organized by topic below and are 
discussed in the appropriate section with PHMSA's response to and 
resolution of those comments.

Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP)

    On December 4, 2009, PHMSA issued a final rule titled, ``Pipeline 
Safety: Integrity Management Program for Gas Distribution Pipelines.'' 
\13\ The 2009 rule created 49 CFR part 192, subpart P, requiring gas 
distribution operators to develop and implement integrity management 
(IM) programs. The NPRM contained two proposed revisions to DIMP 
requirements to ease or eliminate regulatory burdens on certain gas 
distribution operators. The first revision is to allow operators of 
farm taps \14\ connected to transmission or regulated gathering lines 
the option of managing maintenance of pressure regulating devices under 
either Sec.  192.740 or their DIMP in accordance with subpart P. As 
part of this amendment, PHMSA also proposed to exempt farm taps 
originating from unregulated gathering and production pipelines from 
DIMP, Sec.  192.740, and incident and annual reporting requirements in 
part 191. Second, the NPRM included a proposal to revise Sec. Sec.  
192.1003 and 192.1015 to exempt master meter operators from DIMP due to 
their simplicity. Master meter systems that serve fewer than 100 
customers from a single source are currently required to comply with a 
simplified set of DIMP requirements detailed in Sec.  192.1015.
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    \13\ 74 FR 63905.
    \14\ A ``farm tap'' is the common name for a pipeline directly 
connected to a gas transmission, production, or gathering pipeline 
that provides gas to a customer. The term farm tap is not defined in 
the PSR; however, portions of a farm tap upstream of either the 
outlet of the customer's meter or the connection to a customer's 
piping, whichever is further downstream, may be a service line 
regulated under part 192. See Sec.  192.3 (definition of ``service 
line'').
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A. Farm Taps (Sections 191.11, 192.740, 192.1003)

1. PHMSA's Proposal
    In the NPRM, PHMSA proposed to revise Sec. Sec.  192.740 and 
192.1003 to give operators the choice to manage inspections of pressure 
regulators serving farm taps under either their DIMP or by following 
the inspection requirements at Sec.  192.740.
    On January 23, 2017, PHMSA published a final rule that added Sec.  
192.740, ``Pressure regulating, limiting, and overpressure protection--
Individual service lines directly connected to production, gathering, 
or transmission pipelines.'' \15\ Section 192.740 includes maintenance 
requirements for regulators and overpressure protection equipment for 
an individual service line that originates from a transmission, 
gathering, or production pipeline (i.e., a farm tap). Currently, such 
devices must be inspected and tested at least once every 3 calendar 
years, with intervals not to exceed 39 months. The 2017 rule also 
revised the DIMP applicability regulations at Sec.  192.1003 to exclude 
farm taps from DIMP requirements. The change was intended to create 
uniform compliance requirements for farm taps, address over-
pressurization risks, and decrease the burden of meeting the DIMP 
requirements for transmission and gathering line operators who 
otherwise do not operate distribution assets. However, PHMSA had not 
considered that some farm taps are operated by local distribution 
companies rather than the operator of the transmission, gathering or 
production line itself. Operators who historically had included farm 
taps in their DIMP found it burdensome to remove those facilities from 
their plan and reevaluate the risks under a new, prescriptive program.
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    \15\ 82 FR 7972.
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    DOT received a comment in response to the Notification of 
Regulatory Review from the American Gas Association (AGA), the American 
Petroleum Institute (API), and Interstate Natural Gas Association of 
America (INGAA) (collectively, ``the Associations''), which recommended 
that PHMSA revise Sec. Sec.  192.740 and 192.1003 to allow operators 
the flexibility to address the maintenance of farm taps under either of 
these regulatory requirements. After considering those comments, the 
NPRM proposed to revise Sec. Sec.  192.740 and 192.1003 to exempt farm 
taps originating from transmission lines and regulated gathering lines 
from Sec.  192.740 if they are included in a DIMP under subpart P. This 
provides operators the choice to manage the safety of farm tap 
regulators under either DIMP or the Sec.  192.740 inspection 
requirement.
    Finally, the NPRM included a proposal to exempt farm tap service 
lines connected to unregulated gathering or production pipelines from 
annual reporting (Sec.  191.11), farm tap regulator maintenance (Sec.  
192.740), and DIMP (part 192, subpart P). Any portion of a farm tap 
that meets the definition of a service pipeline at Sec.  192.3 must 
still comply with all other requirements in parts 191 and 192 
applicable to service pipelines, even if the source of the service 
pipeline is not regulated by PHMSA. For example, an entity that 
operates a service line connected to a production pipeline must have an 
operator identification number in accordance with Sec.  191.22 and must 
submit gas distribution incident reports for incidents that occur on 
the service line (Sec.  191.9). While the operator's production 
pipeline is exempt from part 191 (see Sec.  191.1(b)(4)), any facility 
that meets the definition of a service line is a regulated distribution 
pipeline and therefore does not fall within the exemption for 
unregulated gathering and production pipelines.
2. Summary of Public Comments
    Several commenters suggested PHMSA should simplify how farm tap 
requirements are presented in the PSR. The American Association of 
Laboratory

[[Page 2213]]

Accreditation (A2LA) recommend adding a provision requiring that those 
entities conducting inspections achieve and maintain ISO/IEC 17020 
(Conformity Assessment-Requirements for the Operation of Various Types 
of Bodies Performing Inspection) accreditation. The FreedomWorks 
Foundation (FreedomWorks) commented that the proposed changes in the 
NPRM would especially benefit smaller operations burdened by the high 
cost of compliance upon startup. PST commented the proposed PSR 
amendments appear to demonstrate an equivalent level of safety and they 
do not oppose this change. One company provided an editorial suggestion 
that the last word in proposed Sec.  192.740(c)(3) should be ``or'' to 
clarify that this section (Sec.  192.740) does not apply if any one of 
the listed conditions apply.
    Several commenters commented on farm tap-related terms and 
definitions proposed in Sec.  192.740. Sander Resources suggested there 
were at least two significant definitional issues contained within the 
proposed rule that confused farm tap operators. The first relates to 
``unregulated . . . gathering.'' Sander Resources commented that, 
technically, there is no such thing as ``unregulated gathering.'' All 
gathering lines are subject to the jurisdiction of PHMSA, but some are 
exempted from the requirements of part 192 as specified in Sec.  192.9. 
Thus, this reference could be interpreted to mean that all gathering 
lines are still subject to the requirements of Sec.  192.740 or Sec.  
192.1003 and related provisions, which could encompass much of part 
192. They recommended that PHMSA clarify what it means to be 
``unregulated,'' possibly through a reference to whether a line is 
subject to regulation under Sec.  192.9. The Gas Piping Technology 
Committee (GPTC) similarly suggested that PHMSA clarify that regulated 
and unregulated gathering lines are as determined in Sec.  192.8.
    Sander Resources (on behalf of the Independent Petroleum 
Association of America, or IPAA) also raised a concern related to the 
definition of ``service line'' and, in particular, language in the 
NPRM's preamble suggesting that the part 192-regulated ``service line'' 
portion of a farm tap would begin at the ``first aboveground point 
where downstream piping can be isolated from source piping (e.g., a 
valve or regulator inlet).'' AGA, API, the American Public Gas 
Association (APGA), and INGAA (collectively, AGA et al.) jointly 
submitted a similar comment recommending against PHMSA defining the 
``service line'' portion of a farm tap in the proposed amendment to 
Sec.  192.740. They commented it is neither practicable nor necessary 
for safety to define a uniform starting point for the service line on 
every farm tap directly connected to a transmission line. Their 
preferred approach would be to incorporate a distribution center 
definition that allows farm tap piping to be classified as a 
distribution center and explicitly allow operators to designate piping 
as transmission, even if the pipeline could be classified as 
distribution under the existing Sec.  192.3. Rather than defining where 
the ``service line'' starts for farm taps under part 192, TC Energy 
commented PHMSA should revise Sec.  192.740 to apply to ``pipelines'' 
serving farm tap customers instead of ``service lines,'' and eliminate 
the description of the source of supply to the farm tap customer. TC 
Energy believes that these changes would maintain the intended 
protections to farm tap customers and address industry concerns. A 
private citizen similarly commented that, in addition to these 
clarifications, PHMSA should clarify the definitions for transmission 
lines and distribution centers.
    GPA Midstream stated that they did not support the NPRM preamble 
statement that, on a farm tap, the boundary between source piping and 
the distribution service lines is the first aboveground isolation point 
downstream from the source piping. They stated that there is no legal 
basis for using that point to delineate where a source production, 
gathering, or transmission line ends and a gas distribution service 
line under part 192 begins in a farm tap configuration. GPA Midstream 
urged PHMSA to acknowledge in the final rule that an operator may 
exercise reasonable discretion in determining where source piping ends 
and distribution service line piping, if any, begins in farm tap 
configurations. The Independent Oil and Gas Association of West 
Virginia (IOGAWV) commented PHMSA should not attempt to use its 
authority to change private contracts by transferring the cost of 
complying with the PSR to producers and unregulated gathering line 
operators. IOGAWV and the Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA) stated 
PHMSA should take this opportunity to exempt farm taps from the PSR. 
IPAA urged PHMSA to recognize the significant difference between 
privately-owned farm taps, governed by contract or statute, and true 
distribution systems. GPA Midstream reiterated concerns with the 
definition of the start of a service line and the applicability of part 
192 to farm taps connected to production lines and unregulated 
gathering lines in supplemental comments submitted after the GPAC 
meeting.
    The GPAC voted unanimously in favor of the PSR amendments proposed 
in the NPRM, provided that PHMSA remove Sec.  192.740(c)(4), thus 
eliminating language implying where a service line starts on a farm 
tap.
3. PHMSA Response
    The final rule adopts the amendments with respect to farm taps as 
proposed in the NPRM, but revises the proposed Sec.  192.740 as 
discussed below. PHMSA determined that compliance with the pressure 
regulator inspection requirements in Sec.  192.740 or compliance with 
DIMP provide an equivalent level of safety. DIMP does not include 
specific, prescriptive inspection requirements for pressure regulating 
devices; however, operators are required by Sec.  192.1007 to evaluate 
risks due to equipment failure under DIMP, which includes pressure 
regulating devices. Accordingly, farm tap operators must consider 
overpressure risk due to regulator failure in their DIMP, especially if 
the source pipeline pressure is very high. While Sec.  192.740 is 
focused on pressure regulator maintenance, DIMP is a broader safety 
program that requires operators identify, evaluate, rank, and mitigate 
a wide range of risks to pipeline safety. Either requirement provides 
safety to farm tap customers by reducing the probability of a regulator 
system malfunction and, in the case of DIMP, incidents caused by other 
threats such as excavation damage and corrosion. Therefore, this change 
provides greater flexibility for operators of these farm taps while 
still requiring that operators evaluate all equipment to protect 
against failures and protect human health and the physical environment.
    This proposed amendment was intended to provide flexibility for 
farm tap operators. It was not designed to resolve more general 
definitional questions surrounding the topic of farm taps. Therefore, 
PHMSA agrees with the suggestion to remove the proposed Sec.  
192.740(c)(4) from the final rule, which implied where the source 
piping on a farm tap ends and distribution, transmission, or customer 
piping begins. PHMSA believes that this change resolves most of the 
concerns about definitional changes raised by commenters. To the extent 
that there are remaining questions surrounding farm taps following this 
rulemaking, PHMSA will use ongoing efforts such as the proposed Farm 
Taps Frequently Asked

[[Page 2214]]

Questions (FAQs); \16\ the remaining rulemaking projects associated 
with the Safety of Gas Transmission and Gas Gathering Pipelines NPRM; 
\17\ and, if necessary, additional rulemaking and guidance. While the 
comment from TC Energy sidesteps these definitional issues, and has the 
benefit of extending protection to farm taps that operate at greater 
than 20 percent of specified minimum yield strength (SMYS) (and are 
therefore classified as transmission lines rather than service lines 
pursuant to the definition of a transmission line in Sec.  192.3), it 
requires defining an additional term (``farm tap customer'') which was 
not made available for public comment in the NPRM or discussed by other 
comments in the rulemaking docket.
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    \16\ 85 FR 21820 (Apr. 20, 2020).
    \17\ RINs 2137-AF39 (Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Gathering 
Pipelines) and 2137-AF38 (Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas 
Transmission Pipelines, Repair Criteria, Integrity Management 
Improvements, Cathodic Protection, Management of Change, and Other 
Related Amendments), associated with PHMSA, ``Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking: ``Pipeline Safety--Safety of Gas Transmission and 
Gathering Pipelines,'' 81 FR 20721 (Apr. 8, 2016).
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    While this final rule does not define the boundaries of that 
portion of a farm tap that is regulated as a service line under part 
192, the fact that a farm tap may include a regulated service line 
remains unchanged. Therefore, PHMSA disagrees with comments that the 
NPRM's characterization of portions of farm taps as jurisdictional 
service lines creates ``entirely new'' legal obligations for operators 
of service lines who also operate non-jurisdictional production lines 
and rural gathering lines that are not subject to safety regulation 
under part 192. Removing farm taps connected to production lines and 
unregulated gathering lines from the scope of the entire PSR, as 
suggested by some commenters, would be a consequential change from 
longstanding regulatory application and is beyond the scope of this 
final rule.
    PHMSA and its predecessor agencies have been explicit and 
consistent with respect to the applicability of the part 192 
regulations to distribution service lines in farm tap applications 
since the earliest years of Federal gas pipeline safety oversight. The 
Office of Pipeline Safety revised the definition of a service line in 
Sec.  192.3 to clarify the point at which a service line ends and 
customer piping begins in an NPRM entitled, ``Minimum Federal Safety 
Standards for Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: 
Definition of Service Line,'' published on April 10, 1971.\18\ On April 
10, 1973, PHMSA finalized the proposal and defined the downstream end 
of a service line as the customer meter or connection to customer 
piping, whichever is further downstream.\19\ This boundary stands with 
minor clarifications to this day at Sec.  192.3. PHMSA formulated the 
definition of ``service line'' to address service lines in farm tap 
applications and other situations where no meter is present. PHMSA's 
predecessor agency, the Research and Special Programs Administration, 
again acknowledged the regulated status of service lines in farm tap 
applications in a final rule titled, ``Pipeline Safety: Customer-Owned 
Service Lines'' issued on August 14, 1995.\20\ Finally, providing gas 
to farm tap customers is not a defined gathering or production function 
in either Sec.  192.3 or in API Recommended Practice (RP) 80 
(incorporated by reference in Sec.  192.7). While production pipelines 
and some gathering pipelines are not subject to safety regulation under 
part 192, the distribution of national gas to customers is subject to 
PHMSA jurisdiction (49 U.S.C. 60101(a)(21)(i)) and the applicability of 
part 192 (Sec. Sec.  192.1(a), 192.3) regardless of other activities in 
which an operator may also be engaged.
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    \18\ 36 FR 9667.
    \19\ 38 FR 9083.
    \20\ 60 FR 41821.
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    Regarding operators' concerns about their responsibility for 
customer-owned piping that they do not own or have access to, PHMSA 
reiterates that the final rule imposes no new requirements on operators 
of service lines in farm tap applications. Section 192.3 provides that 
a service line ends at the connection to customer-owned piping, or the 
outlet of the meter, whichever is further downstream. In the preamble 
to the 1995 customer-owned service line rule described above, PHMSA 
explained that that the PSR applies to the distribution of gas up to 
the end of a pipeline operator's service line.\21\ In an earlier 
interpretation, PHMSA also noted that customer piping downstream of the 
end of a service line as defined in Sec.  192.3 is not subject to part 
192, provided the gas is for the customer's own use.\22\ Therefore, the 
PSR does not require the source pipeline operator to maintain customer-
owned piping downstream of the customer meter as defined in Sec.  
192.3. If there is no customer meter, then the service line terminates 
at the connection to customer-owned piping. Some operators do maintain 
customer piping voluntarily or as required by State, local, or 
contractual requirements. If an operator of a service line does not 
maintain the customer's piping under such arrangement, then the 
customer notification requirements in Sec.  192.16 may apply.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ 60 FR 41821.
    \22\ PHMSA Interpretation #PI-73-0110 (June 6, 1973), https://cms7.phmsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/interp/PI-73-0110.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA agrees with certain comments to clarify language in Sec.  
192.740. In the final rule, PHMSA has replaced the term ``unregulated 
gathering line'' with a gathering line other than a regulated gathering 
line as determined in Sec.  192.8. In other words, a gathering line as 
determined in accordance with Sec.  192.8 and API RP 80, but excluding 
a Type A or Type B regulated gathering line as defined in Sec.  192.8. 
In addition, the exceptions in paragraph (c) are now separated by an 
``or'' in the final rule.
    Lastly, because the PSR revisions adopted in this final rule 
obviate the need for its March 29, 2019 ``Exercise of Enforcement 
Discretion Regarding Farm Taps,'' \23\ PHMSA withdraws that document as 
of the effective date of this final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ 84 FR 11253.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Master Meter Operators (Sections 192.1003, 192.1005, 192.1015)

1. PHMSA's Proposal
    In the NPRM, PHMSA proposed to revise Sec. Sec.  192.1003, 
192.1005, and 192.1015 to exempt master meter operators from DIMP 
requirements. A ``master meter system'' is defined at Sec.  191.3 as a 
pipeline system for distributing gas where the operator purchases 
metered gas from an outside source for resale through a gas 
distribution pipeline system. Examples of master meter systems include 
owners of apartment complexes or mobile home parks who provide or sell 
gas to tenants. Unlike most gas distribution operators, delivering gas 
is typically not a master meter operator's primary business.
    When DIMP requirements were first proposed in 2008,\24\ PHMSA 
recognized that master meter systems tend to be operated by small 
entities with simple systems compared to normal gas distribution 
operators. Section 192.1015 was intended to provide a simplified set of 
DIMP requirements that master meter operators could easily implement 
and that would enhance safety. However, PHMSA has determined that 
Section 192.1015 requirements are neither easily implemented nor do 
they enhance safety. Master meter operators have struggled to implement 
the relatively simple master meter systems DIMP requirements that were 
designed for

[[Page 2215]]

complex gas distribution systems. In addition, PHMSA determined that 
there is no safety benefit from applying even that limited set of DIMP 
requirements to master meter systems, as compliance with other 
applicable pipeline safety regulations in part 192 provides robust 
assurance of public safety. The applicable part 192 requirements that 
PHMSA considered include, but are not limited to, operations and 
maintenance requirements at subpart L and subpart M, continuing 
surveillance requirements at Sec.  192.613, and the failure 
investigation requirement at Sec.  192.617.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ PHMSA, ``Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Integrity 
Management Program for Gas Distribution Pipelines,'' 73 FR 36015 
(June 25, 2008) (DIMP NPRM).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Summary of Public Comments
    Several commenters generally supported exempting master meter 
operators from the DIMP requirements in part 192. These commenters 
(including the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), the National 
Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR), AmeriGas, and 
Superior Plus Propane (SPP)) agreed with PHMSA's characterization of 
master meter systems as generally small, simple systems that see little 
benefit from DIMP compliance. These commenters agreed that compliance 
with existing subparts A through N of part 192 is sufficient to ensure 
the safety of small, simple master meter systems. They asserted that 
the current requirement of subpart P to create a DIMP, even using the 
SHRIMP tool,\25\ consumes significant additional time and resources 
with little or no safety benefit, noting that the result of the process 
for master meter systems is typically a determination that there is no 
need for additional mitigating actions on any portion of the pipeline 
system. As a result, the commenters stated that the time and resources 
expended to comply with the DIMP requirements have no meaningful safety 
benefits for such systems. The PST commented that they do not oppose 
this change, but urged PHMSA and its State partners to ensure that 
master meter operators are managing the integrity risks to their 
systems outside the context of a DIMP.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ The ``Simple, Handy, Risk-based Integrity Management Plan'' 
tool published by the APGA Security and Integrity Foundation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA also received comments concerning similar DIMP requirements 
for small liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution pipeline systems. 
A ``small LPG operator'' is defined in Sec.  192.1001 as a liquefied 
petroleum gas distribution system that serves fewer than 100 customers 
from a single source. Small LPG operators are currently required to 
comply with the same DIMP requirements as master meter systems. Several 
commenters (including NPGA, NAPSR, AmeriGas, and SPP) commented that 
jurisdictional propane pipeline systems are like master meter systems 
and therefore small LPG operators should be exempt from the DIMP 
requirements as well. They commented that small LPG systems are 
comparable to master meter systems in size and application. Like master 
meter systems, the commenters claimed the majority of small LPG 
pipeline systems are single-property systems that occupy a small 
overall footprint in size, generally operate at a single operating 
pressure, and have no equipment other than pipe, meters, regulators, 
and valves. They commented that small LPG systems typically serve 25 
customers or less, and facilities such as those at RV parks or strip 
malls can have as few as three customers; very few small LPG systems 
serve more than 100 customers. One anonymous commenter associated with 
an LPG system stated that the DIMP process is lengthy and unnecessary, 
and that in their experience, many of the prompts on the DIMP form \26\ 
do not make sense given the layout of a small LPG utility. NAPSR stated 
that many of these smaller systems identify only third-party damage as 
a major threat to the system, and a DIMP requires a considerable amount 
of work for a very small amount of safety benefit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ PHMSA Gas Distribution Integrity Assessment Question Set, 
available at https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/forms/phmsa-gas-distribution-ia-question-set-pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Commenters representing LPG suppliers (including AmeriGas, SPP, and 
NPGA) noted that with regard to the PSR, the regulated entity is the 
entity that owns the pipeline and receives the operator ID issued by 
PHMSA for that pipeline system. They stated that in many cases, the LPG 
supplier does not operate the pipeline and their primary business is to 
transport gas by delivery truck, not pipelines. They further stated 
that most are contractors to the entity that owns the pipeline and the 
pipeline operator ID for the system. They stated that many of these 
master meter operators use contractors for service, but those 
contractors are not the operators under part 192. These commenters 
agreed that the other part 192 requirements continue to apply to 
provide adequate requirements for small LPG systems in the absence of 
DIMP requirements. They also stated that in addition to the 
requirements in part 192 applicable to all gas distribution pipelines, 
Sec.  192.11 requires LPG distribution systems to comply with a 
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard, NFPA 58 (LP-Gas 
Code) or NFPA 59 (Utility LP-Gas Plant Code), which contains comparable 
and supplemental provisions that address safety. They asserted that the 
additional requirements of DIMP do not add a measure of safety beyond 
the provisions in part 192 and NFPA 58.
    AmeriGas and NPGA estimated that extending the NPRM's proposed DIMP 
exemptions for master meters to small LPG systems could result in $1.12 
million in annualized cost savings; this estimate was calculated by 
applying the cost estimates in the RIA to an estimate of the number of 
small LPG operators in Safety Regulation for Small LPG Distribution 
Systems, a report published in 2018 by the Transportation Research 
Board (TRB).\27\ The commenters asserted that these additional savings 
would further PHMSA's goal of reducing regulatory impact burdens. The 
commenters also stated that these estimated savings to the industry 
would allow small LPG operators to devote more of their resources in 
other areas of safety.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ TRB, Transportation Research Board Special Report 327: 
Safety Regulation for Small LPG Distribution Systems (2018), https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25245/safety-regulation-for-small-lpg-distribution-systems.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NAPSR suggested that small distribution utilities with 100 or fewer 
customers should also be exempted from the DIMP requirements, stating 
that many master meter systems, small distribution systems and small 
LPG systems typically have no threats beyond the minimum threats listed 
in Sec.  192.1015(b)(2).
    The GPAC voted unanimously in favor of PHMSA's proposed amendment 
with respect to the applicability of DIMP requirements to master meter 
systems. The GPAC did not recommend changes to DIMP requirements for 
small LPG systems or small distribution systems.
3. PHMSA Response
    The final rule revises Sec. Sec.  192.1003, 192.1005, and 192.1015 
to eliminate DIMP requirements for master meter systems as proposed in 
the NPRM. Through inspections, PHMSA and its State partners have seen 
that master meter operators have had significant difficulties 
implementing these simplified DIMP requirements effectively. PHMSA's 
State-Federal DIMP team has noted that a significant amount of State 
inspection and operator maintenance effort was being used to improve 
DIMP compliance among master meter operators. Despite these

[[Page 2216]]

efforts, inspection data voluntarily submitted by some States shows 
that approximately half of master meter operators inspected between 
2014 and 2017 did not have an acceptable DIMP in place before the 
compliance deadline of August 2, 2011, and for any given requirement 
10-20% of master meter operators were not in compliance. PHMSA believes 
that this effort may be better used to implement other part 192 safety 
requirements effectively that master meter system operators will remain 
obliged to follow.
    Even when properly implemented, DIMP principles that are effective 
for larger operators do not have the same value for comparatively 
simple master meter systems within a limited geographical area. The 
DIMP NPRM noted that master meter systems often include only one type 
of pipe, a single operating pressure, and no equipment other than pipe, 
meters, regulators, and valves. For these small and simple systems, a 
comprehensive management system like DIMP is not required to integrate 
data and information to identify risk mitigation strategies and 
actions. PHMSA's experience indicates that the analysis and 
documentation requirements of DIMP have had little safety benefit for 
this type of operator. And, anecdotally, PHMSA and State enforcement 
personnel have advised that focusing on more fundamental risk 
mitigation activities (particularly those required by Sec. Sec.  
192.605 (Procedural manual for operations, maintenance, and 
emergencies), 192.613 (Continuing surveillance), and 192.617 
(Investigations of failures)) yields more safety benefits than 
implementing a DIMP for this class of operators. Due to the 
implementation issues identified by PHMSA and State inspectors, PHMSA 
expects that exempting master meter operators from subpart P would 
result in cost savings for master meter operators without negatively 
impacting safety. Considering the burden on finite State inspection 
resources, implementation difficulties, and the limited safety benefits 
of DIMP compliance for master meter systems described above, PHMSA 
believes there could even be potential safety benefits because 
operators and inspectors can prioritize more pertinent compliance 
activities specific to master meter systems.
    PHMSA appreciates the comments regarding the applicability of DIMP 
towards small LPG operators and acknowledges that many small LPG 
systems have configurations like master meter systems. However, PHMSA 
believes that the decision about whether to extend the DIMP exception 
to such facilities or to all distribution systems with fewer than 100 
customers would benefit from additional safety analysis and notice and 
comment procedures prior to further consideration. In 2018, the TRB 
published a report on Federal safety standard for small LPG systems. 
The TRB's recommendations focused on clarifying the definition of a 
``public place'' and improving State inspection programs. While the TRB 
suggested that a PHMSA-supervised State waiver process could be 
appropriate, it did not recommend exempting all small LPG systems from 
DIMP or any other requirement. PHMSA will continue to evaluate the 
issue of DIMP requirements for small LPG systems and, if appropriate, 
propose changes in a future rulemaking giving due consideration to the 
public comments on the NPRM, the recommendations of the GPAC, and the 
TRB report. For similar reasons, PHMSA has also not adopted suggestions 
from commenters to exempt other distribution operators with fewer than 
100 customers.

Reporting and Information Collections

C. Mechanical Fitting Failure Reporting (Sections 191.12, 192.1009)

1. PHMSA's Proposal
    On February 1, 2011, PHMSA issued the final rule, ``Pipeline 
Safety: Mechanical Fitting Failure Reporting Requirements'' \28\ adding 
Sec. Sec.  191.12, 192.1001, and 192.1009 to the PSR. Section 191.12 
sets forth the requirement for operators to report mechanical fitting 
failures (MFFs) through DOT Form PHMSA F-7100.1-2 (MFF report form). 
Section 192.1001 defines a ``mechanical fitting.'' Section 192.1009 
requires distribution pipeline operators to submit a MFF report to 
PHMSA almost every time there is a release from a mechanical joint, the 
majority of which are low-consequence or no-consequence events that do 
not meet the definition of an incident at Sec.  191.3. These 
requirements expanded an earlier requirement established in the 
December 4, 2009 DIMP final rule that was limited to mechanical 
couplings used to join plastic pipe.\29\ The DIMP final rule adopted 
the MFF report requirement as a result of investigations of incidents 
caused by poorly designed or improperly installed mechanical joints 
throughout the pipeline industry. PHMSA initially sought to collect 
these data in 2011 to determine the frequency of mechanical joint 
failures and identify the most common characteristics of those 
failures.\30\ The 2009 DIMP final rule was part of a broader effort by 
PHMSA and the gas distribution pipeline industry to identify potential 
safety issues with plastic gas pipelines.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ 76 FR 5494.
    \29\ 74 FR 63905.
    \30\ 76 FR 5495.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Like the Gas Distribution Incident Report form,\31\ the MFF report 
form requires operators submit information on the design and 
installation of the failed fitting and the apparent cause of the 
failure. The MFF report form also includes manufacturing information; 
however, this is generally not known by the operator and therefore is 
reported as ``unknown.'' MFF reports are required for any failure of a 
mechanical joint other than those that result in a ``non-hazardous 
leak,'' as opposed to Gas Distribution Incident Reports, which are 
required only for events that meet the criteria for reportable 
``incidents'' in Sec.  191.3. Operators report any ``hazardous leak'' 
as that term is defined at Sec.  192.1001. The criteria for a 
``hazardous leak'' does not depend on an outcome severity threshold. 
Approximately 15,000 MFF reports are submitted to PHMSA each year, 
compared to approximately 100 Gas Distribution Incident Reports due to 
all causes. PHMSA publishes a report on the information collected and 
its analysis of the information received annually, which is available 
online.\32\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \31\ DOT Form PHMSA F 7100.1.
    \32\ https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline/gas-distribution-integrity-management/dimp-performance-measures-data-analysis-procedure-report.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA determined that further collection of MFF reports has limited 
value, and proposed to remove Sec. Sec.  191.12 and 192.1009, 
eliminating the requirement for operators to submit MFF reports through 
DOT Form PHMSA F-7100.1-2. PHMSA understands from analyzing MFF report 
forms received over the last decade that the purposes of this reporting 
requirement have been realized: PHMSA's analysis of data from MFF 
reports confirmed its expectations regarding MFF characteristics and 
causes, and pipeline operators have become much more sensitive to MFFs.
    PHMSA considered that operators would still be required to submit 
incident reports via a modified version of the Gas Distribution 
Incident Report form (which would include most of the information on 
the MFF report form) for releases from mechanical fittings that meet 
the definition of an incident at Sec.  191.3. Part G5-5 of the Gas 
Distribution Incident Report form currently requires operators to 
identify the MFF report number for incidents involving an MFF; PHMSA 
therefore proposed to replace this cross-reference

[[Page 2217]]

with the fitting, manufacturer, and failure information that is 
currently collected on the MFF report form. PHMSA also proposed to 
revise the Gas Distribution Annual Report form \33\ to include a count 
of hazardous leaks involving a mechanical joint failure. This issue was 
raised in comments submitted in response to the DOT Notification of 
Regulatory Review from the Associations, the Gas Piping Technology 
Committee (GPTC), and the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association 
(WVONGA), which identified the MFF reporting requirement as an 
unnecessary and burdensome information collection.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ DOT Form PHMSA F 7100.1-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Summary of Public Comments
    Several commenters (including AmeriGas, NPGA, SPP, Dresser Natural 
Gas Solutions, the Norton McMurray Manufacturing Company (NORMAC), 
Oleksa and Associates, the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), and a private 
citizen) supported eliminating the MFF reporting requirement. Dresser 
contended that PHMSA has found these data do not provide meaningful 
trends related to risk of pipeline leaks. PPI stated that the removal 
of this regulatory reporting burden reduces the unnecessary focus on 
mechanical fittings as a potential source of incidents. NORMAC agreed 
that MFF reporting has not provided statistically significant trends or 
information upon which operators or regulators can act.
    Several commenters (including AmeriGas, SPP, and NPGA) expressed 
concerns regarding PHMSA's proposal to modify the Gas Distribution 
Annual Report form to collect data on the number of mechanical joint 
failures. Those commenters opposed including a count of leaks involving 
mechanical joints on the Gas Distribution Annual Report form, noting 
that if limited value was derived from independent MFF reporting, it is 
reasonable to conclude that there would be limited value in tracking 
and reporting the number of MFFs on revised Gas Distribution Annual and 
Incident Report forms. NORMAC commented that part C of the current Gas 
Distribution Annual Report form requires each operator to report the 
total number of leaks and how many were classified as hazardous based 
upon the cause of the leak. The instructions provided for completion of 
part C describe each classification of cause in detail in terms of what 
is being requested of an operator. NORMAC noted that modifying the Gas 
Distribution Annual Report form as proposed will lead the user to jump 
to the conclusion that any leak involving a mechanical joint arises 
from the mechanical fitting being ``faulty,'' when the leak may be 
caused by improper installation by the operator and should therefore be 
coded as caused by ``Incorrect Operation.'' GPTC commented that 
reporting leaks caused by mechanical joint failure would repeat 
reporting of leaks caused by ``pipe, weld, or joint failure'' and 
potentially be confusing for operators. They further commented that the 
leak information is intended to be general in nature and not intended 
to capture the ``laboratory analysis'' for eliminated leaks.
    Regarding the proposed changes to Gas Distribution Incident Report 
form, NORMAC expressed concerns with the NPRM's proposal to incorporate 
existing data fields in the current MFF report within part G (Apparent 
Cause), sub-cause G5 (Pipe, Weld, or Joint Failure) of a revised Gas 
Distribution Incident Report form. NORMAC noted that the cause of a 
failure may not be due to Pipe, Weld, or Joint Failure. Specifically, 
they noted that fittings that fail due to improper installation are 
required to be categorized under the ``Incorrect Operation'' cause. 
NORMAC also mentioned that Question 12 under sub-cause G5 (Pipe, Weld, 
or Joint Failure) duplicate what sub-cause G7 (Incorrect Operation) is 
asking. NORMAC stated that requiring respondents to answer the same 
question under two categories will lead to confusion and make effective 
analysis of the resulting database difficult. NORMAC submitted text 
revisions to sub-cause G5 of the Gas Distribution Incident Report form 
and associated instructions.
    Dresser raised similar concerns with both the Gas Distribution 
Annual Report and the Gas Distribution Incident Report forms, in 
addition to noting that there could be confusion concerning the 
difference between a mechanical fitting and a mechanical joint. Dresser 
noted that the existing categories support the reporting of pipeline 
failures where mechanical fittings may be involved under the existing 
categories of ``Weld Pipe or Joint Failure'' or ``Incorrect Operation'' 
depending on the causal factors being a manufacturing or design defect 
for the former or a deficiency in the field installation practice or 
improper application for the latter. NORMAC also supported addressing 
the distinction between ``mechanical fitting'' and ``joint'' to ensure 
that the regulatory oversight activity focus on joints, the making of 
joints, and the qualifying of joining procedures.
    Theresa Pugh Consulting commented that PHMSA should revise the Gas 
Distribution Incident Report form to include whether industrial and 
power sector customers were notified of a curtailment in gas supply 
following an incident and the duration of such disruption. The 
commenter stated the form should allow the operator to state if gas 
supply was maintained by re-directing natural gas at full contracted 
capacity to the customer through reverse flow or through alternative 
parties. The commenter noted that the power and industrial customers 
would benefit from a way to determine during contract negotiations 
whether the company they wish to purchase gas from has a sound and 
reliable safety program, but acknowledged challenges with ensuring that 
such information is not in a format that could be used by competitors 
to reverse engineer operational information about industrial customers 
such as plastics manufacturing plants. The commenter recommended that 
PHMSA should expand rather than shrink the reporting measures on its 
reporting forms.
    NORMAC commented that burden on operators can be drastically 
reduced beyond what the proposed rulemaking proposes by also 
eliminating the portion of Plastic Pipe Database Collection (PPDC) 
reporting conducted by the American Gas Association that deals with 
mechanical joints. NORMAC commented that the PPDC is nearly identical 
to the MFF and has also not shown useful trends. NORMAC also asserted 
that recording and reporting mechanical joint leaks through PPDC is not 
as effective as addressing the problem directly within each operator's 
IM program. NORMAC suggested that PHMSA propose the discontinuation of 
this reporting effort in its role as PPDC chair.
    PST opposed eliminating the MFF report requirement. They questioned 
whether this would prevent PHMSA from becoming aware of thousands of 
MFFs per year, many of which result in hazardous and potentially 
explosive leaks, others of which result in non-explosive but hazardous 
leaks of methane into the atmosphere. The commenter stated these 
circumstances would also not typically be reported as a safety-related 
condition, because of the many exemptions and exceptions to the safety-
related condition reports listed in Sec.  191.23(b). PST asserted the 
detailed information on MFFs is currently gathered so that PHMSA can 
identify any patterns among those failures, either by geography or 
failure type or any other common parameter. Limiting the detailed 
reporting in the MFF report to reportable incidents eliminates another 
source of

[[Page 2218]]

information of leading indicators of problems common among operators, 
one that nets information on 15,000 fitting failures each year.
    The GPAC voted 13-2 in favor of PHMSA's proposed amendment to 
eliminate the MFF reporting requirement. PST and the Environmental 
Defense Fund (EDF) voted against the proposed amendment. During the 
GPAC discussions, PST reiterated its reservations regarding reducing 
the availability to PHMSA and other safety regulators of information on 
hazardous leaks. PST also opined that eliminating MFF reporting may 
reduce operators' incentives to improve mechanical fitting performance. 
EDF, meanwhile, contended that the MFF report data being eliminated 
could prove helpful to Federal and State environmental regulators and 
public service commissions in evaluating the significance of methane 
emissions from service line couplings.
3. PHMSA Response
    In the final rule, PHMSA is adopting the amendments to MFF 
reporting requirements at Sec. Sec.  191.12 and 192.1001 as proposed in 
the NPRM. PHMSA is also retaining the proposed requirement to include a 
count of MFFs on the Gas Distribution Annual Report form and revision 
of the Gas Distribution Incident Report form to include information 
from the MFF report for incidents involving a failure of a mechanical 
joint.
    PHMSA's 2018 analysis of MFF data reports obtained to date confirm 
PHMSA's expectations regarding the frequency and characteristics 
(including material, type, location, and vintage of fittings) of MFFs 
when it began this information collection activity under the DIMP final 
rule.\34\ The 2018 analysis further notes that the MFF reports 
submitted in the preceding year show similar trends to the previous 5 
years, and that all changes were within the expected variance. These 
findings mirror the conclusions of PHMSA's earlier, 2016 analysis of 
the MFF reports submitted in the then-preceding 5 years (2011-
2015).\35\ Because MFF report data reviewed in 2018 and 2016 confirmed 
PHMSA's expectations regarding the frequency and characteristics of 
mechanical joint failure without yielding new statistically significant 
causal or predictive insights, PHMSA has determined that additional 
information collection via a dedicated MFF report form is unnecessary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \34\ PHMSA, Analysis of Data from Required Reporting of 
Mechanical Fitting Failures that Result in a Hazardous Leak (Sec.  
192.1009) at 47-48 (Jul. 4, 2018), https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/technical-resources/pipeline/gas-distribution-integrity-management/66046/mffr-data-analysis-procedure-2017-data-report-final-07-04-2018.pdf.
    \35\ PHMSA, Analysis of Data from Required Reporting of 
Mechanical Fitting Failures that Result in a Hazardous Leaks (Sec.  
192.1009) (Oct. 15, 2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA further notes improvements in fitting design, operator 
joining practices, and Federal safety requirements since the 
introduction of the MFF reporting requirement have improved the safety 
of mechanical fittings on newer installations. PHMSA's 2018 analysis of 
MFF report data reached a similar conclusion, noting that many operator 
DIMPs are sensitive to the risk of MFF following the introduction of 
the MFF reporting requirement. However, PHMSA's 2018 analysis notes 
that the number of operators submitting MFF reports has stayed 
approximately the same for the last several years--suggesting that any 
action-forcing benefit hypothesized has been realized and that the 
benefits from continuing a dedicated MFF reporting requirement may be 
negligible.
    The modifications to other reports adopted in this final rule will 
help PHMSA ensure continued availability of information needed to 
provide effective regulatory oversight of MFFs. Leaks from mechanical 
joints are already aggregated within the broader categories on the 
existing Gas Distribution Annual Report form. The revised Gas 
Distribution Annual Report form requires reporting the number of leaks 
involving mechanical joint failures in addition to the existing, 
aggregated categories. This change is expected to provide sufficient 
information to track the safety performance of mechanical joints over 
time, among operators, or across the industry. These data are expected 
to provide operators, PHMSA, and State inspectors sufficient 
information to identify if action is needed under DIMP or other 
elements of operator programs for compliance with part 192 
requirements.
    PHMSA is also revising the Gas Distribution Annual Report form to 
identify the number of leaks involving a mechanical joint failure as a 
separate line item from the count of leaks by cause. However, to 
address the potential confusion raised by commenters, PHMSA will revise 
the proposed part C of the Gas Distribution Annual Report form to 
clarify that operators should report the number of hazardous leaks 
``involving'' a mechanical joint failure, rather than ``caused'' by a 
mechanical joint failure. This aligns with the language in the current 
MFF report requirement and is clearer. PHMSA will further clarify in 
the form instructions that the count of leaks involving a mechanical 
joint failure is separate and in addition to the leaks by cause. 
Operators should continue to report all leaks by cause in the table in 
part C of the Gas Distribution Annual Report form as they have been 
doing previously, while the new count at the end of part C consists of 
a count of hazardous leaks involving the failure of a mechanical joint 
regardless of whether the leak was caused by equipment failure, 
incorrect operation/installation, or other causes. Likewise, on the Gas 
Distribution Incident Report form, operators should continue to report 
incidents involving a failure of a mechanical joint that was caused by 
improper installation under the ``incorrect operation'' cause under 
section G7 of the Gas Distribution Incident Report form. The revised 
Gas Distribution Incident Report form will not require operators to 
submit design and manufacturing information about incidents involving 
mechanical joints that were caused by incorrect operation rather than 
material, weld, or equipment failure.
    PHMSA appreciates the concerns raised by commenters and members of 
the GPAC about reducing the data available to PHMSA and other 
stakeholders through changes in reporting requirements proposed in the 
NPRM and adopted in this final rule. PHMSA agrees that access to 
quality safety-related information is critical to implementation of an 
effective regulatory and enforcement program. However, these safety 
programs benefit from the flexibility both to create targeted 
information collection activities to address safety issues and to 
remove those information collection activities that are no longer 
necessary or have not proven useful. Here, PHMSA has determined that 
its original purpose for introducing a dedicated MFF reporting 
requirement has been satisfied. Although PHMSA could posit new 
justifications (e.g., use by environmental regulators and utility 
commissions in calibrating regulatory oversight of service line 
couplings) for this dedicated reporting requirement, it declines to do 
so in this rulemaking. Nevertheless, PHMSA submits that Federal and 
State regulators' oversight activities may continue to benefit from 
nearly a decade of historical, granular data obtained from MFF 
reports,\36\ in addition to the operator-specific MFF data that PHMSA 
will collect in the Gas

[[Page 2219]]

Distribution Annual and Incident Report forms modified by this final 
rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ PHMSA makes such raw data available on its website at 
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/data-and-statistics/pipeline/mechanical-fitting-failure-data-gas-distribution-operators.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Replacing the full MFF report with a count of MFFs on the Gas 
Distribution Annual Report results in a reduction in reporting burden 
for each event but without a significant loss of useful information to 
operators and PHMSA. Although the revised requirements eliminate the 
detailed information on each mechanical fitting failure, this 
information has not yielded meaningful new causal or predictive 
insights regarding leaks involving mechanical joints. On the other 
hand, the general count of leaks involving a mechanical joint failure 
as required in the revised Gas Distribution Annual Report is not 
burdensome to compile yet provides information on the relative safety 
performance of mechanical joints in general. This information remains 
valuable to PHMSA and State agencies for safety performance monitoring 
and for prioritizing inspections. PHMSA has determined that incident 
reporting requirements via a revised Gas Distribution Incident Report 
form and the revision to the Gas Distribution Annual Report form to 
include a count of hazardous leaks involving a mechanical joint failure 
is sufficient to identify the total number of hazardous leaks involving 
mechanical joint failures and identify trends over time and among 
States or operators.
    Nor does this change absolve operators of other safety requirements 
that apply when leaks at MFFs are discovered. PHMSA requires that gas 
pipeline operators have procedures for investigating failures under 
Sec.  192.617 to determine the causes of the failure and minimize the 
possibility of a recurrence. PHMSA also requires operators repair 
hazardous leaks promptly under Sec.  192.703. These requirements apply 
regardless of whether the failure results in a reportable leak or 
incident. Finally, operators are required to consider leak history 
under the continuing surveillance requirements at Sec.  192.613 and 
under their DIMP (Sec.  192.1007(b), (d), and (e)). PHMSA accordingly 
finds that the PSR change adopted in this final rule eliminates an 
unnecessary reporting burden without an adverse impact on safety.
    Many of the comments received pertained to related topics on the 
Gas Distribution Incident and Annual Report forms and are not directly 
related to the reporting of mechanical joint failures. PHMSA will 
consider these comments during periodic updates and renewals of these 
information collections pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act. PHMSA 
does not have authority over voluntary information collection organized 
by other, non-governmental entities and therefore the comment related 
to data collected by the AGA through the PPDC is outside the scope of 
the NPRM. However, PHMSA will consider raising with other members of 
the PPDC whether its reporting protocols for MFFs should be modified.

D. Monetary Threshold for Incident Reporting (Section 191.3, New 
Appendix A to Part 191)

1. PHMSA's Proposal
    On May 3, 1984, PHMSA's predecessor agency, the Research and 
Special Programs Administration, added a definition for an ``incident'' 
at Sec.  191.3.\37\ The definition provides criteria that requires 
operators to report specific events to PHMSA. The 1984 definition of an 
incident consists of a release of gas that, among other things, results 
in estimated property damage of $50,000 or more. That monetary 
threshold includes losses to the operator and third parties but 
excludes the cost of any lost gas. Today, over 30 years later, 
operators must still notify the National Response Center (Sec.  191.5) 
and submit an incident report to PHMSA (Sec. Sec.  191.9 and 191.15) 
for any release that results in estimated property damage to the 
operator or third parties of $50,000 or more.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ 49 FR 18960.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Multiple comments submitted in response to the DOT Notification of 
Regulatory Review addressed the $50,000 monetary damage threshold for 
reporting gas pipeline incidents. The Associations, GPTC, and GPA 
Midstream submitted comments recommending an increase in the monetary 
damage threshold for reporting gas pipeline incidents. Based on the 
average annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, $50,000 in 1984 is $122,000 
in 2019 dollars.\38\ The current damage threshold requires incidents 
that would not have been reported in 1984 to be reported to PHMSA due 
to inflation in property, equipment, and repair costs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ This analysis is based on the CPI for All Urban Consumers 
(CPI-U) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accessible at https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA proposed in the NPRM to raise the reporting threshold for 
incidents that result in property damage to $122,000, consistent with 
inflation since 1984. The property damage criterion will continue to 
include losses to the operator and others but exclude the cost of lost 
gas. PHMSA did not propose any changes to the other criteria in the 
Sec.  191.3 definition of an incident. The NPRM stated that PHMSA 
intended to base any finalized version of this provision on the price 
level at the time of publication of a final rule. PHMSA also requested 
comment on whether the level of safety information needed from property 
damage-only incident reporting should be updated to align with 
inflation, and the extent to which retaining a de facto annually-
decreasing threshold after inflation would provide beneficial 
information on contributing risk factors and incident trends.
    The NPRM also stated that PHMSA intends to update the monetary 
damage threshold on a regular basis in the future, potentially 
biennially. Future updates would be based on the same formula used for 
this adjustment:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11JA21.018

    Where Tn is the revised damage threshold, Tp is the previous damage 
threshold, CPIn is the average CPI-U for the preceding calendar year, 
and CPIp is the average CPI-U used for the previous damage threshold. 
PHMSA could subsequently update the monetary damage threshold in 
accordance with this formula either through notice and comment 
rulemaking, a direct final rule, notice on the PHMSA public website, or 
other means. This method is similar to the method that the Federal 
Railroad Administration (FRA) implemented to update the criteria for 
reporting accidents/incidents at 49 CFR 225.19 and appendix B to part 
225.\39\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ 85 FR 79130 (Dec. 9, 2020) (updating FRA's monetary 
threshold for railroad incident reporting requirements by way of 
annual notices published on FRA's website).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Summary of Public Comments
    Several commenters (including AGA et al., AmeriGas, the Arkansas 
Independent Producers and Royalty Owners (AIPRO), GPA Midstream, NPGA, 
Paiute, the GPTC and SPP) expressed support for PHMSA's proposal to 
update the threshold for property damage in the definition of an 
incident to account for inflation. AGA, API, APGA, GPA Midstream, and 
INGAA reiterated their support for this proposal in supplemental 
comments submitted after the GPAC meeting. AGA et al. also supported 
revising the initial property damage threshold to reflect inflation at 
the time of final rule publication. AGA et al. stated that the cost of 
repairing or remediating incident damage in today's environment is far 
greater than it was in 1984, and that even with the inflation 
adjustment, more minor events will still be reported

[[Page 2220]]

as an incident than would have been in 1984. They asserted that this 
results in a distorted view of pipeline safety performance, since 
reportable incidents are often used as a performance metric for the 
natural gas industry. AGA et al. also stated that the increase in the 
reporting threshold will reduce the number of calls made to the 
National Response Center (NRC) for minor events that are easily 
remediated by the operator, and reduce the potential of having to 
report minor incidents that unnecessarily tie up resources of both the 
producer and PHMSA. FreedomWorks stated that adjusting the threshold 
for inflation is simply good housekeeping, adding that it should have 
been indexed to inflation when the threshold was originally 
established. This commenter stated their support for including this 
amendment in the proposed rule while noting that eventually eliminating 
the property damage criterion entirely would be ideal. Paiute and 
Southwest also supported the proposed change, noting that it would 
directly reduce the regulatory burden on them. Southwest further stated 
that they analyzed the details of the Sec.  191.3 reports their company 
has made since 2010 where the only reporting criteria met was exceeding 
the $50,000 estimated property damage threshold and determined that 
only 9 percent of this subset of reported incidents would have met the 
revised proposed estimated property damage threshold of $122,000.
    TC Energy supported changing the incident definition to adjust the 
amount of monetary damage to align with inflation, and recommended a 
monetary damage threshold of $250,000, which they stated would 
accurately reflect repair costs for minor incidents. They stated that 
while the proposed threshold of $122,000 may take inflation into 
account, it will continue to result in several minor incidents being 
considered reportable due to the cost to respond based on labor, repair 
materials, and permitting.
    AGA et al. also supported updating the reporting threshold every 2 
years to account for inflation, noting that periodic updates will 
provide certainty and avoid a repeat of the current situation where the 
current threshold does not account for over 3 decades of inflation. AGA 
et al. further supported implementing the biennial periodic updates via 
notice on the PHMSA website, stating that conducting biennial 
rulemakings to update the threshold seems unnecessarily burdensome for 
both PHMSA and stakeholders. They asserted that the current NPRM 
provides adequate notice and opportunity for comment on the proposed 
method to update the threshold periodically. They recommended that 
PHMSA revise Sec.  191.3 to clarify in the final rule the agency's 
intended process for periodically updating the threshold. FreedomWorks 
recommended that PHMSA mandate a biennial update in the final rule. 
NPGA agreed with periodic modifications to the threshold, suggesting 
annual updates by means of a direct final rule published in the Federal 
Register. TC Energy, on the other hand, commented that biennial updates 
may prove burdensome, but supported incorporating whatever process 
PHMSA settles on for periodically updating the property damage 
threshold into the PSR.
    NAPSR suggested that PHMSA use the language ``$50,000 or more as 
measured in 1984 dollars adjusted for inflation,'' which would prevent 
the need to amend the PSR every year. They further suggested that PHMSA 
could announce the reporting threshold annually as is done with random 
drug testing rates, and civil penalties as found in 49 CFR 190, or by 
simply updating the incident report forms and instructions every year 
to reflect the recalculated reporting threshold. However, NAPSR also 
noted that the historical data collected by PHMSA using the prior 
criteria may result in skewed statistical incident results until 
several years of collection using the new formula, if adopted, is 
completed. NAPSR suggested that PHMSA first study the effects of 
changing the reportable criteria dollar amount and how they plan to 
reconcile any new data to provide meaningful information to the State 
programs and to the public. They also suggested that PHMSA consider how 
such data will relate to any required cost benefit analysis related to 
future pipeline safety regulations and whether any change to the dollar 
reporting criteria could affect the ability to promulgate effective 
regulations.
    Two commenters opposed changing the monetary threshold for incident 
reporting from $50,000 to $122,000. PST commented that PHMSA should be 
seeking to obtain more information about pipeline failures, not less. 
They asserted that PHMSA can only make regulatory decisions about 
design, manufacture or operating conditions that they know cause 
problems, and if they are told about fewer problems, they will not be 
able to determine whether they need to regulate certain safety issues. 
They further stated that if PHMSA is determined to re-define the term 
``incident,'' it should undertake a comprehensive look at that 
definition, and not merely adjust the property damage criteria. They 
asserted that making incremental, sequential adjustments to the 
definition will disrupt and frustrate trend analyses, recommending that 
PHMSA identify, analyze, and consider all potential changes at once. 
They stated that reducing the number of incidents reported provides 
PHMSA less safety data, and saves operators very little money, while 
potentially misleading the public about the improvement in the number 
of reported incidents that occur in future years. PST further stated 
that PHMSA and the industry have all committed to pursuing a goal of 
zero incidents, and that PHMSA should not facilitate that goal by 
defining reportable incidents away.
    Theresa Pugh Consulting also opposed changing the monetary 
threshold for incident reporting. They stated that since 1984, the 
United States has become more densely populated such that natural gas 
pipelines and compressor stations could cause ``partial damage to 
$50,000 in property that merits reporting to PHMSA.'' While the 
commenter recognized there is a regulatory cost associated with this 
reporting, they asserted that it is the cost of doing business in a 
critical, necessary and dangerous business. The commenter asserted that 
property damage is still important if it is valued at greater than 
$50,000, noting that a damaged or lost $50,000 structure or capital 
equipment can be a major business investment even if it might seem less 
significant to a multimillion-dollar pipeline project.
    One commenter recommended that while PHMSA is addressing the 
monetary damage limits in the definition of incident in Sec.  191.3, it 
should also address the issue of how operators determine what 
constitutes a ``significant event'' under item (iii) of the definition. 
The commenter stated that the failure of an operator to evaluate their 
system and define what is significant for their personnel leads to 
confusion and can cause delayed reporting, or even non-reporting, of 
incidents.
    The GPAC voted 11-2 in favor of PHMSA's proposed amendment to the 
definition of an incident provided that PHMSA adopted an updated 
property damage criterion commensurate with the CPI at the time of 
final rule publication. The GPAC further recommended regular 
administrative updates using procedures like those proposed by the 
Federal Railroad

[[Page 2221]]

Administration for part 225.\40\ Two members voted against the proposed 
amendments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ As noted earlier, FRA finalized that proposal in December 
2020.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. PHMSA Response
    PHMSA agrees with comments supporting the adoption of an up-to-date 
property damage threshold in the final rule. The most recent complete 
calendar year is 2019. Therefore, the property damage criterion 
following the effective date of this final rule is set to $122,000 
consistent with CPI inflation between 1984 and 2019.
    PHMSA also agrees that it is appropriate to perform updates in the 
future to account for inflation via a pre-established formula. To this 
end, PHMSA has incorporated the formula described in the preamble to 
the NPRM into a new appendix A to part 191. In the future, annual 
updates to the property damage criterion will be calculated based on 
this formula and posted to PHMSA's website such that they will become 
effective July 1 of each year. The revision to the incident definition 
has no direct safety impact, better reflects the intent of the original 
property damage criterion, and only impacts reports of releases without 
significant safety or environmental consequences. Whether a release is 
classified as an incident has no effect on an operator's regulatory 
obligation to repair hazardous leaks promptly (Sec.  192.703) and 
establish and follow procedures for responding to gas pipeline 
emergencies (Sec.  192.615) and investigating failures (Sec.  192.617). 
None of the repair criteria in part 192 depend on whether a leak or 
defect results in a reportable incident.
    PHMSA disagrees that changing the property damage criterion 
adversely affects trend analysis. In fact, a static property damage 
threshold decreases in real value time. PHMSA already addresses this 
issue when performing and presenting trend analysis of ``significant'' 
incidents. PHMSA's analyses of ``serious incidents'' include only 
incidents that result in reported deaths or injuries and are not 
affected by inflation because the ``serious'' threshold criteria do not 
include a property damage criterion. In contrast, PHMSA uses the term 
``significant incidents'' to mean those with (1) reported deaths or 
injuries, or (2) $50,000 or more in total costs, measured in 1984 
dollars. Additional information on these trend analyses is available on 
PHMSA's web pages for National Pipeline Performance Measures \41\ and 
Pipeline Incidents, 20 Year Trends.\42\ PHMSA currently uses inflation 
data published by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Government 
Printing Office, and the Energy Information Administration in 
calculating inflation adjustments for ``significant incidents.'' 
Following the effective date of the final rule, PHMSA will no longer 
employ those tools in adjusting the ``significant incident'' property 
damage threshold for inflation, but will instead use the Bureau of 
Labor Statistics CPI.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \41\ https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/data-and-statistics/pipeline/national-pipeline-performance-measures.
    \42\ https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/data-and-statistics/pipeline/pipeline-incident-20-year-trends.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regarding comments from Theresa Pugh Consulting, PHMSA did not 
propose to create a new incident definition criterion for releases or 
pressure drops that disrupt supply to downstream consumers and others 
indirectly impacted by gas pipeline failures, therefore these 
suggestions are outside the scope of the NPRM. PHMSA acknowledges that 
property damage exceeding $50,000 can have a significant effect on 
third parties affected by the release and notes that it understands 
that some States have lower incident reporting thresholds to address 
just that concern.
    PHMSA disagrees with comments from TC Energy and FreedomWorks 
suggesting more radical changes to the property damage criterion. PHMSA 
does not believe that an arbitrarily higher damage threshold or 
eliminating the reporting entirely would be appropriate. Even if repair 
costs may have risen faster than inflation, TC Energy has not provided 
a convincing rationale for why $250,000 represents current repair costs 
for incidents across the industry. In addition, while a simple 
inflation adjustment is consistent with how PHMSA currently uses 
incident data, a significant change to the incident definition beyond a 
simple inflation adjustment would affect the ability of PHMSA and other 
data users to track incident trends as alluded to by other commenters.
    PHMSA is deferring for a future rulemaking consideration of the 
other amendments to the incident reporting criteria at Sec.  191.3 that 
were suggested by comments received in the rulemaking docket. Further 
evaluation of those proposals would be helpful.

Corrosion Control

    Virtually all hazardous liquid and most natural gas transmission 
pipelines in service today are made of steel. Metallic pipelines, when 
not protected, react with the surrounding environment and can 
deteriorate over time due to corrosion. Under certain conditions, 
unprotected metal can corrode, causing gas leaks that can threaten 
public safety. To guard against this, subpart I of part 192 of the PSR 
requires, with some exceptions, cathodic protection and protective 
coatings to mitigate corrosion risks on pipelines. Cathodic protection 
works like a battery, running an electrical current across the buried 
pipeline using devices called rectifiers. The electrical current 
prevents the metal surface of the pipe from reacting with its 
environment. If the current is sufficient, cathodic protection can 
control corrosion threats.
    Subpart I of part 192 establishes requirements for corrosion 
control and remediation for natural gas pipelines. This subpart also 
establishes inspection intervals for testing and repairing systems as 
necessary to bring them into compliance. PHMSA proposed two amendments 
related to corrosion control: first, to clarify that cathodic 
protection rectifiers can be inspected remotely and second, to revise 
the requirements for assessing atmospheric corrosion on distribution 
service pipelines.
E. External Corrosion Control: Monitoring (Section 192.465)
1. PHMSA's Proposal
    In the NPRM, PHMSA proposed to revise Sec.  192.465(b), ``External 
corrosion control: Monitoring,'' to clarify that operators may monitor 
rectifier stations remotely. Rectifiers are devices that direct an 
electrical current on a pipeline to prevent external corrosion. Section 
192.465(b) requires inspection of rectifiers on gas pipelines at 
intervals not exceeding two and a half months, to ensure that they are 
working correctly. Advances in technology make it possible to monitor 
the proper operation of these electrical systems remotely, but it is 
not clear in the regulations if this is permissible. PHMSA proposed to 
revise Sec.  192.465(b) to clarify that operators may inspect rectifier 
stations directly onsite or by way of remote monitoring technologies. 
The NPRM also clarified that, at a minimum, such an inspection consists 
of recording amperage and voltage measurements. PHMSA also proposed to 
require operators physically inspect rectifier stations that are being 
monitored remotely whenever they conduct a cathodic protection test 
pursuant to Sec.  192.465(a). For pipelines, other than separately 
protected service lines or separately protected short sections of 
transmission lines or mains,

[[Page 2222]]

Sec.  192.465(a) requires physical inspection once each calendar year.
2. Summary of Public Comments
    Several commenters (including AGA et al. and TC Energy) supported 
PHMSA's proposal allowing remote inspection of impressed current 
cathodic protection sources. PST stated that they do not oppose 
allowing the remote inspection of rectifier stations provided the 
proposed addition of a requirement that remotely inspected rectifier 
stations be physically inspected once a year is retained. AGA et al. 
and TC Energy recommended that PHMSA clarify that operators must 
physically inspect remotely inspected rectifiers at the cathodic 
protection test frequency required in Sec.  192.465(a) and that the 
rectifier inspection need not necessarily occur at the exact same time 
as the cathodic protection testing. They indicated that the currently-
proposed wording of Sec.  192.465(b)(2) could be interpreted to require 
a redundant physical inspection of the same rectifier every time each 
of the pipeline segments influenced by that rectifier is tested, or 
even multiple times per segment if the testing occurs over multiple 
days. AGA et al. suggested specific revisions to the proposed Sec.  
192.465(b)(2).
    Four commenters (NPGA, AmeriGas, SPP, and a private citizen) 
suggested changes to the proposed physical inspection interval. They 
commented that if rectifier inspection can be done remotely and it is 
performed at intervals no greater than two and a half months, PHMSA 
should consider allowing an operator to extend the physical inspection 
interval for rectifiers on distribution lines beyond once per year, 
provided the results of remote inspections are properly documented. The 
commenters claimed that documentation of the results will indicate if, 
or when, physical inspection of the rectifiers is needed, but did not 
provide a specific timeline.
    One private citizen expressed opposition to the proposed amendment. 
The commenter requested more frequent inspection of rectifiers, and 
suggested that the proposed change does not align with industry 
policies. The commenter noted that corrosion is one of the main causes 
of pipeline failures and suggested that a physical inspection is 
already required within the rectifier checks required in Sec.  
192.465(b). Based on this interpretation of Sec.  192.465(b), the 
commenter argued that PHMSA was effectively extending the required 
interval to perform physical inspections of rectifiers and other 
devices from six times a calendar year to once per calendar year.
    The GPAC voted unanimously in favor of PHMSA's proposal with 
respect to external corrosion monitoring provided that PHMSA clarify 
that the physical inspection of a remotely inspected rectifier is 
expected to occur annually rather than exactly when cathodic protection 
surveys occur.
3. PHMSA Response
    PHMSA has adopted the proposed amendments to Sec.  192.465 with 
minor revisions to the physical inspection requirements. The amendments 
clarify that remote inspection is permitted by the PSR. PHMSA's 
corrosion enforcement guidance contains numerous interpretations 
clarifying that Sec.  192.465(b) does not specify a particular 
technology, but rather permits any technology that provides reliable 
data, including ``electronic data collection and the subsequent 
broadcast of this data to operators.'' \43\ PHMSA expects that the data 
obtained from remote inspection of rectifiers will not adversely affect 
the quality and quantity of information available on their function, 
and does not expect the PSR amendments to Sec.  192.465(b) to have an 
adverse impact on safety.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \43\ See, e.g., PHMSA Pipeline Enforcement Guidance: Part 192 
Corrosion Enforcement Guidance (2015), available at https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Corrosion_Enforcement_Guidance_Part192_12_7_2015.pdf (citing PHMSA 
Interpretation #PI-ZZ-080 (Aug. 19, 1991)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA agrees with comments to specify that the physical inspection 
should occur annually rather than exactly when a cathodic protection 
survey is performed under Sec.  192.456(a). This change better reflects 
PHMSA's intent for operators to perform an annual physical inspection. 
This change has no impact on the intended frequency of inspections, but 
provides more flexibility to operators and avoids situations where 
inspections would have been required more frequently than intended.
    PHMSA disagrees with the comment that Sec.  192.465(b) already 
requires physical inspection during each rectifier inspection and that 
PHMSA's proposal would lengthen the intervals for physical inspection. 
While some operators may conduct a physical inspection with each of 
their rectifier checks, Sec.  192.465(b) currently does not require 
them to do so.
    PHMSA does not adopt a longer physical inspection interval for 
distribution pipelines as suggested in comments from LPG distribution 
system operators and suppliers. These comments did not present an 
alternative timeline that would have been appropriate for distribution 
operators, and PHMSA believes that operators have ample opportunities 
to perform an annual physical inspection during other inspection 
activities.

F. Atmospheric Corrosion: Monitoring (Sections 192.481, 192.491, 
192.1007, 192.1015)

1. PHMSA's Proposal
    PHMSA proposed to revise Sec.  192.481 to establish a separate 
atmospheric corrosion inspection interval for gas distribution service 
pipelines. Currently, all onshore gas pipelines that are exposed to the 
atmosphere must be inspected for atmospheric corrosion once every 3 
years, with intervals not to exceed 39 months. This includes facilities 
that are installed aboveground, in underground vaults, or inside 
buildings. PHMSA proposed a maximum inspection interval for service 
lines of once every 5 calendar years, with intervals not to exceed 63 
months, unless atmospheric corrosion was identified on the last 
inspection. If an operator identifies atmospheric corrosion on a 
service line during an inspection, then the required interval for the 
subsequent inspection would remain once every 3 years, with intervals 
not to exceed 39 months. If no atmospheric corrosion is identified on a 
subsequent inspection, then operators would be permitted to return to 
using the 5-year inspection interval. PHMSA also proposed to revise 
Sec. Sec.  192.1007(b) and 192.1015(b)(2) to clarify that consideration 
of corrosion risks under DIMP explicitly includes atmospheric 
corrosion. PHMSA did not propose any changes to the inspection 
requirement for other facilities, including distribution mains. PHMSA's 
proposed change was informed by its understanding that there has not 
been a history of incidents caused by atmospheric corrosion on 
distribution service lines since at least 1986 \44\ and therefore does 
not anticipate a decrease in safety from these PSR revisions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ 1986 is the earliest year available in the ``Pipeline 
Incident Flagged Files'' dataset. https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/data-and-statistics/pipeline/pipeline-incident-flagged-files.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Summary of Public Comments
    Several commenters (including Oleksa and Associates, FreedomWorks, 
and AGA et al.) expressed support for establishing a separate 
atmospheric corrosion inspection interval for gas distribution service 
pipelines. FreedomWorks stated that the changes would reduce the costs 
for both

[[Page 2223]]

operators and inspectors. AGA et al. supported revising Sec.  192.481 
to align the inspections intervals for atmospheric corrosion with those 
of leak surveys required by Sec.  192.723. AGA et al. asserted that the 
NPRM's proposed PSR revisions would reduce regulatory burdens while 
enhancing pipeline safety in that the resources saved from such 
alignment could be reallocated to other pipeline safety activities and 
asset improvement projects.
    Some commenters (including SPP, NPGA, and AmeriGas) supported the 
extension of the inspection interval to 5 years for service lines, but 
recommended that if documented action were taken to remediate the 
coating as specified in Sec.  192.479, then the inspection interval 
should remain at 5 years. The commenters stated that there is not a 
need to drop down to 3 years if remediation occurs.
    AGA et al. and GPTC agreed that the existing 3-year interval when 
corrosion is identified is not necessary to manage atmospheric 
corrosion risks if the service line is replaced or remediated, 
especially considering existing DIMP requirements, and the proposed 
requirement to consider atmospheric corrosion risks under DIMP included 
in the NPRM. They agreed with PHMSA's assessment that there is 
expectation for operators of service lines in high-corrosion 
environments to consider atmospheric corrosion in their evaluation of 
risks under DIMP and conduct atmospheric corrosion inspections more 
frequently than the minimum requirements in Sec.  192.481. AGA et al., 
therefore, recommended a prescriptive remediation requirement in lieu 
of a shortened inspection cycle. They stated that by remediating 
through recoating or replacement, operators can continue to keep all 
service pipelines on a 5-year inspection cycle. They provided specific 
regulatory text revisions in their comment. AGA et al. also requested 
that PHMSA remove the word ``evaluate'' from Sec.  192.481(a). They 
noted that PHMSA did not provide justification for adding the 
requirement to evaluate under Sec.  192.481(a). INGAA, AGA, APGA, API, 
and GPA Midstream submitted supplemental comments after the GPAC 
meeting arguing that the 3-year inspection interval when corrosion has 
been identified would negate any cost savings from the proposed 
revisions to Sec.  192.481.
    Similarly, NAPSR commented that if atmospheric corrosion is found 
that corrosion should be remediated rather than be subject to a shorter 
inspection interval. NAPSR argued this would be more reliable from a 
safety perspective than establishing a shorter inspection interval. 
Alternatively, NAPSR recommended that PHMSA consider revising both 
Sec. Sec.  192.481 and 192.723 to require a shorter, perhaps 3- or 4-
year, residential leak survey requirement and require that operators 
complete their atmospheric corrosion survey at the same interval. NAPSR 
argued this would provide for greater safety regarding leak surveys, 
while making it more practical to combine compliance intervals for two 
operation and maintenance categories. NAPSR further commented that any 
change to the atmospheric corrosion control inspection interval should 
be accompanied by a change to the record keeping requirements in Sec.  
192.491. NAPSR recommended that operators be required to retain records 
for the previous two inspection cycles.
    A2LA recommended that PHMSA implement a risk-based approach to 
determine permissible inspection intervals rather than the 3-year or 5-
year intervals described in the NPRM. A2LA stated the risk-based 
approach can then account for considerations such as the age of the 
pipeline, climate, geologic conditions, use, and maintenance history. 
They agreed with the proposed rulemaking that the maximum inspection 
interval for service lines should be 5 calendar years, with intervals 
not to exceed 63 months.
    Two gas distribution operators and an industry organization 
commented that it is unclear whether, if corrosion was identified, a 3-
year inspection interval would be required for the entirety of the 
distribution system or just at the location or address where the 
corrosion exists. They recommended that PHMSA consider clarifying that 
the 3-year inspection interval applies to ``only such areas as 
corrosion was identified.''
    PST commented that they are unable to support changes in monitoring 
frequency because corrosion continues to cause many incidents. They 
commented that corrosion-related incidents indicate that more 
prescriptive corrosion monitoring regulations might be warranted. 
However, they noted that they do not strongly oppose this change, as 
PHMSA indicates it has no recent records of incidents caused by 
atmospheric corrosion on distribution service lines.
    The GPAC voted twice on this amendment. First, the GPAC voted 7-5 
in favor of the proposed rule with respect to atmospheric corrosion, 
provided that PHMSA amend Sec.  192.491(c) to clarify that an operator 
must retain records of the last two atmospheric corrosion inspections 
to use the 5-year inspection interval. This vote recommended retaining 
the proposed requirement to inspect lines where corrosion was 
identified on the last inspection within 3-years, and did not 
incorporate the remediation alternative to a 3-year inspection that was 
suggested by some commenters.
    Second, the GPAC voted 10-2 in favor of the proposed rule with 
respect to atmospheric corrosion if PHMSA adopted a 5-year cycle rather 
than a 3-year cycle when atmospheric corrosion is found, provided that 
the operator has evaluated and remediated the facility and there is no 
evidence of systemic atmospheric corrosion due to the environment or 
similar factors.
3. PHMSA Response
    After considering the public comments and the GPAC recommendations, 
the final rule adopts the amendment with respect to atmospheric 
corrosion inspection of service lines as proposed with minor 
clarification to recordkeeping requirements in Sec.  192.491(c). 
Alignment of atmospheric corrosion inspection intervals with those for 
leakage surveys in Sec.  192.723 will allow greater scheduling 
flexibility for operators and decreased costs arising from less 
frequent atmospheric inspections. As stated in the NPRM, PHSMA is 
unaware of any pipeline incidents arising from atmospheric corrosion on 
a service line. In addition, PHMSA has approved State waivers in the 
past that have allowed certain operators to perform both atmospheric 
corrosion and leakage surveys on a 4-year interval outside of business 
districts and subject to certain conditions. The most recent of these 
was for North Western Energy in South Dakota, issued March 2, 2019.\45\ 
PHMSA has not observed an increase in leaks or incidents from this and 
other State waivers. For these reasons, PHMSA finds that a longer 
atmospheric corrosion inspection interval is supported in areas with 
low observed atmospheric corrosion risk.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ Additional information on these historical examples is 
available in the rulemaking docket and the docket for the South 
Dakota State waiver (PHMSA-2019-0052).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The final rule applies the new 5-year inspection interval to 
distribution service lines. Although PHMSA acknowledges that operators 
have reported atmospheric corrosion incidents on distribution mains, 
PHMSA understands the design and operational characteristics of service 
lines make them less susceptible to atmospheric corrosion induced 
failure. Compared to distribution mains, service lines tend to have 
smaller diameters,

[[Page 2224]]

have lower flow rates, and are constructed with thicker walls relative 
to the outside diameter of the pipeline. They can therefore endure more 
atmospheric corrosion induced metal loss before operating stresses 
would compromise pipeline integrity. In addition, aboveground 
distribution facilities other than service lines (i.e. mains) must be 
inspected more frequently under part 192, providing ample opportunity 
for operators to note and correct any corrosion issues.
    PHMSA recognizes that not all environments face the same 
atmospheric corrosion risks. However, based on inspection results and 
field experience, PHMSA determined that establishing a maximum 
inspection interval is necessary to ensure that distribution facilities 
are adequately inspected for atmospheric corrosion sufficiently 
frequently so that it can be remediated before it leads to a failure. 
An open-ended reference to DIMP, as suggested in the Associations' 
comment on the DOT Notification of Regulatory Reform, would not provide 
this safeguard. The proposed maximum interval of 5 years was supported 
in public comments and will allow operators of gas distribution 
pipelines with low atmospheric corrosion risks to realize cost savings 
from less-frequent inspections and the ability to schedule corrosion 
inspections and leakage surveys under Sec.  192.723(b)(2) concurrently. 
PHMSA was not persuaded that there is significant benefit to allowing 
atmospheric corrosion inspection intervals longer than the maximum 
leakage survey interval as described by some commenters. Inspecting the 
aboveground portion of a service line is not a significant additional 
burden when operators are already walking the service line to perform 
leakage surveys.
    The proposed revisions to Sec. Sec.  192.1007(b) and 192.1015(b)(2) 
to evaluate atmospheric corrosion risks under DIMP and the shorter 
inspection interval for pipelines with observed corrosion will also 
ensure that operators of service pipelines with atmospheric corrosion 
threats take appropriate action to maintain the integrity of those 
pipelines.
    Those revisions clarify that consideration of corrosion under DIMP 
must include consideration of atmospheric corrosion risks. When 
evaluating atmospheric corrosion risks under DIMP, PHMSA expects 
operators to evaluate environmental risk factors and the operating 
history of the service lines. Environmental risk factors for 
atmospheric corrosion include proximity to coasts, atmospheric 
moisture, salinity, and corrosive pollution. Relevant operational risks 
include a history of leaks, incidents, and evidence of atmospheric 
corrosion on previous inspections. PHMSA expects operators of 
distribution lines with higher risks due to atmospheric corrosion 
threats to take mitigative action, such as more frequent inspection or 
maintenance activities, as part of their DIMPs and accurately and 
completely document such actions.
    The final rule does not adopt proposals (by commenters and GPAC) 
for remediation as an alternative to the NPRM's approach of shorter 
inspection intervals following observation of atmospheric corrosion. 
While commenters suggested a ``prescriptive'' remediation requirement, 
the regulatory language suggested in comments from the Associations 
neither defines what constitutes an adequate repair of atmospheric 
corrosion (other than replacement), nor how their proposal differs from 
existing part 192 requirements for remediation and repair of 
atmospheric corrosion and other conditions that could reduce the 
pipeline's integrity. Based on the GPAC discussion, remediation as 
discussed by commenters consists of removing corrosion with a wire 
brush and repainting the facility pursuant to the existing Sec.  
192.479 requirements. These actions are already required by existing 
Sec.  192.481, through reference to Sec.  192.479, which requires an 
operator to clean and suitably coat pipelines exposed to the 
atmosphere, and Sec.  192.703 requires operators to replace, repair, or 
remove pipeline segments that become unsafe and promptly repair all 
hazardous leaks. In addition, finding atmospheric corrosion is an 
indication that a corrosive environment may exist. Inspection of such 
service lines within 3 years protects against this risk. Any 
remediation alternative requires careful consideration of what 
constitutes adequate remediation because corrosion has already been 
identified on the pipeline.
    PHMSA also declines to NAPSR's alternative approach of aligning 
atmospheric corrosion inspection and leaky survey frequencies by 
revising Sec.  192.723 to require more frequent leak surveys. PHMSA is 
unaware of record evidence supporting a need for shortened leak survey 
intervals, even as PHMSA finds that the absence of incidents resulting 
from atmospheric corrosion support extending the inspection interval as 
provided by this final rule. In addition, more frequent leak inspection 
surveys under Sec.  192.723 will likely entail significant operator 
costs without record evidence of a corresponding safety benefit.
    PHMSA is not persuaded by arguments raised by GPAC members and 
comments submitted after the GPAC meeting that reverting to a 3-year 
inspection interval for a distribution service line after atmospheric 
corrosion has been observed makes the amendment technically 
impracticable or economically infeasible. A 3-year inspection interval 
is the current requirement that has been in place for decades. Based on 
cost estimates provided by industry comments, PHMSA determined in the 
RIA that significant cost savings for the NPRM's proposed revisions to 
atmospheric corrosion monitoring requirements stem from reduced 
inspection frequency in the absence of observed atmospheric corrosion. 
If, however, the operator observes atmospheric corrosion and remediates 
it as required in part 192, then an operator should rarely observe 
atmospheric corrosion during the 3-year inspection following 
remediation, after which they may return to a 5-year inspection 
interval and continue to enjoy cost savings into the future. An 
operator can easily keep atmospheric corrosion and leakage surveys in 
sync by performing the next leakage survey within 3 years and then 
continuing every 5 years on subsequent inspections provided no 
corrosion is identified in the future. If the operator is unable to use 
the 5-year inspection interval effectively because they repeatedly 
observe atmospheric corrosion, then the rule is working as intended to 
protect the public in areas with high rates of atmospheric corrosion.
    Finally, consistent with the recommendations of the GPAC and 
comments received in the rulemaking docket, the final rule revises the 
corrosion control recordkeeping requirements in Sec.  192.491(c) to 
clarify that an operator must retain records of the two most recent 
atmospheric corrosion inspections in order to use the 5-year inspection 
interval for facility distribution service line. This change ensures 
that operators can provide adequate documentation that corrosion was 
not identified on a service line that is being inspected on a 5-year 
interval.

ASTM and ASME Standards Incorporated by Reference

G. Plastic Pipe (Sections 192.7, 192.121, 192.281, 192.285, Appendix B 
to Part 192)

1. PHMSA's Proposal
    The NPRM proposed to update Sec. Sec.  192.7, 192.121 and appendix 
B to part 192 to incorporate by reference the

[[Page 2225]]

2018a edition of the ASTM International (ASTM, formerly the American 
Society for Testing and Materials) document, ``Standard Specification 
for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings'' (ASTM 
D2513-18a).\46\ ASTM D2513 specifies the design requirements of 
Polyethylene (PE) pipe and fittings. These improvements include more 
specific testing requirements for measuring resistance to ultraviolet 
exposure and clarifying the applicability of the document to all PE 
fuel gas piping. Consistent with the updated ASTM standard, PHMSA also 
proposed to raise the diameter limit for using a design factor of 0.4 
on PE pipe from 12 inches to 24 inches and add corresponding entries 
for those sizes to the PE minimum wall thickness table at Sec.  
192.121(c)(2)(iv). PPI, representing manufacturers of plastic pipe and 
components, and a citizen commenter submitted comments in response to 
the DOT Notification of Regulatory Review addressing this issue. PHMSA 
reviewed ASTM D2513-18a and determined that PE pipe with diameters up 
to 24 inches that are manufactured in accordance with the standard and 
the design and construction requirements in part 192 are acceptable for 
use in gas pipeline systems. PHMSA also determined that the other 
safety improvements since the 2012ae1 edition merit incorporation by 
reference in the PSR as their incorporation would not have an adverse 
impact on safety, while improving regulatory clarity and alignment with 
consensus industry practices.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \46\ ASTM International, ASTM D2513-18a--``Standard 
Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and 
Fittings'' (Aug. 1, 2018).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Currently, PHMSA incorporates by reference ASTM D2513-12ae1 into 
item I, appendix B to part 192. While Table 2 (Outside Diameters and 
Tolerances for Plastic Pipe) of ASTM D2513-12ae1 includes outside 
diameter specifications for pipe sizes up to 24-inch nominal diameter, 
Table 4 (Wall Thicknesses and Tolerances for Plastic Pipe) only 
includes wall thickness specifications for pipe sizes up to 12-inch 
nominal diameter. Because ASTM D2513 is the listed specification for PE 
plastic pipe in appendix B to part 192, and Sec.  192.121(c)(2)(iv) 
mirrored the published wall thicknesses and tolerances in Table 4 of 
ASTM D2513-12ae, part 192 does not currently allow use of a 0.4 design 
factor for PE pipe diameters above 12 inches. Now that the ASTM D2513-
18a includes in its Table 4 wall thicknesses for diameters through 24 
inches, the corresponding table in Sec.  192.121(c)(2)(iv) can be 
updated as well.
    In the NPRM, PHMSA also proposed to modify requirements for joining 
procedures in Sec. Sec.  192.281 and 192.285 to allow operators 
additional flexibility when developing such procedures and to improve 
safety. Specifically, PHMSA proposed to incorporate by reference the 
2019 edition of ASTM F2620, ``Standard Practice for Heat Fusion Joining 
of Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings'' and revise Sec. Sec.  192.281 and 
192.285 to clarify that procedures that are demonstrated to provide an 
equivalent or superior level of safety as ASTM F2620 are acceptable. 
This amendment addresses concerns raised by a petition for 
reconsideration submitted by AGA on August 23, 2019 \47\ in response to 
the final rule entitled ``Pipeline Safety: Plastic Pipe Rule'' issued 
on November 20, 2018.\48\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \47\ Docket Number PHMSA-2019-0200. https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=PHMSA-2019-0200.
    \48\ 83 FR 58694.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the Plastic Pipe Rule, PHMSA amended Sec. Sec.  192.281 and 
192.285 to require that PE heat-fusion joining procedures meet the 
requirements of the 2012 edition of ASTM F2620. Heat fusion is a common 
method for joining plastic pipe and components. In heat fusion, a 
worker prepares the surfaces of the pipe or fittings being joined, 
heats the surfaces using a heating element, and then presses the pipe 
or fittings together with sufficient force for the molten material to 
mix and fuse as it cools. ASTM F2620 describes procedures for making 
socket fusion, butt fusion, and saddle fusion joints. The document 
contains requirements for the selection, preparation, and maintenance 
of joining equipment; preparing surfaces for joining; specified heating 
temperatures and times; joining forces; and cooling procedures. The 
standard also includes considerations for joining in cold weather and 
criteria for evaluating the quality of fusion joints.
    AGA raised concerns that Sec. Sec.  192.281 and 192.285 could be 
interpreted to require operators to requalify safe procedures that had 
been qualified in the past in accordance with Sec.  192.283. AGA 
commented that many operators use heat fusion procedures published by 
PPI, such as PPI TR-33 and PPI TR-41. While PHMSA noted in the preamble 
of the Plastic Pipe Rule that PHMSA would find a joining method 
acceptable if ``an operator can demonstrate the differences are sound 
and provide equivalent or better safety compared to ASTM F2620,'' AGA 
raised concerns that the regulatory text itself does not necessarily 
provide this flexibility, and suggested PHMSA explicitly allow the use 
of other qualified procedures, such as PPI TR-33 and PPI TR-41.
    In the NPRM, PHMSA proposed to revise Sec. Sec.  192.281 and 
192.285 to achieve the flexibility sought in the Plastic Pipe Rule. 
Specifically, PHMSA proposed to revise Sec.  192.281(c) to allow an 
alternative written procedure to ASTM F2620, provided that the operator 
can demonstrate that it provides an equivalent or superior level of 
safety and has been proven by test or experience to produce strong, 
gastight joints. In other words, the procedure produces joints that do 
not allow gas to leak, are at least as strong as the pipe being joined, 
are designed to handle the expected environment and the internal and 
external loads, and have been validated by formal testing in accordance 
with Sec.  192.283 and applicable standards incorporated by reference 
or through several years of operational experience without leaks or 
failures.
    As described in the preamble to the Plastic Pipe Rule, for 
operators to demonstrate compliance, PHMSA expects operators to 
document the differences from ASTM F2620 and demonstrate how the 
alternate procedures provide an equivalent or superior level of safety. 
Similarly, PHMSA proposed to revise Sec.  192.285(b)(2)(i) to allow 
other written procedures that have been proven by test or experience to 
produce strong, gastight joints. If the operator's procedures are found 
to be lacking in any way--such as changes to surface preparation, 
heating temperatures, fusion pressures, cooling times that lack a 
technical justification demonstrating an equivalent or superior level 
of safety--they would be unacceptable and would not comply with the 
PSR.
    PHMSA also proposed to incorporate by reference the 2019 edition of 
ASTM F2620. The updated edition of the standard clarifies the 
relationship between ASTM F2620 and the certain PPI documents 
referenced in AGA's petition within a new Note 1 in section 1.2. That 
Note identifies parameters and procedures in F2620 that were developed 
and validated using PPI TR-33 (butt fusion) PPI TR-41 (saddle fusion), 
thereby facilitating operators' ability to referencing those PPI 
documents in developing their technical justification for use of an 
alternative procedures under Sec.  192.285(b)(2)(i). In addition, the 
2019 edition of ASTM F2620 includes several incremental improvements on 
the 2012 edition to safety and editorial clarity. These improvements 
include a new section 6.4 that requires additional precautions

[[Page 2226]]

during pipe cutting to prevent the introduction of contaminants that 
can weaken the joint and a new section X4.2 that references the 
required test method for qualifying plastic pipe joiners in Sec.  
192.285. Further, the 2019 edition revises the recommended precautions 
for preventing or removing contamination during pipe cutting in section 
X1.7.1 to clarify that any soap is a contaminant and that contamination 
may be introduced during cutting, and to require cleaning of the outer 
and inner surface of the pipe in addition to the end. These changes are 
expected to reduce potential issues caused by inadequate surface 
preparation, which has been a factor in past incidents.\49\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \49\ National Transportation Safety Board, ``Safety Through 
Reliable Fusion Joints,'' SA-047 (June 2015), https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-alerts/Documents/SA_047.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA also proposed to clarify Sec.  192.285 in response to 
questions PHMSA has received following publication of the Plastic Pipe 
Rule. First, PHMSA proposed to remove references to testing in relation 
to ASTM F2620 to clarify that only visual inspection in accordance with 
that standard is required. Several stakeholders asked what specific 
testing is required in ASTM F2620. While ASTM F2620 describes testing 
in a non-mandatory appendix of the standard, it does not require 
specific testing. Clarifying that operators must visually inspect 
specimen joints in accordance with ASTM F2620 avoids confusion about 
whether non-mandatory testing described in ASTM F2620 is required by 
Sec.  192.285(b)(2)(i). PHMSA also proposed to clarify that testing in 
accordance with Sec.  192.283(a) is still required for PE heat fusion 
joints. The current text could be read to require only visual 
inspection in accordance with ASTM F2620 for PE heat fusion joints. The 
changes in this rule clarify PHMSA's intent to require that such joints 
be tested in accordance with Sec.  192.283(a) and visually inspected in 
accordance with ASTM F2620. Additional testing in accordance with the 
appendix of ASTM F2620 is optional.
    In addition to the matters raised above, PHMSA proposed correcting 
amendments to address the following:
Design Pressure for Plastic Pipe
    In Sec.  192.121(a), PHMSA proposed the words ``design formula'' be 
replaced with the words ``design pressure,'' which is more accurate.
Minimum Wall Thickness for 1'' CTS Pipe
    In the minimum wall thickness tables for PE (Sec.  
192.121(c)(2)(iv)), polyamide 11 (PA-11) (Sec.  192.121(d)(2)(iv)), and 
polyamide 12 (PA-12) (Sec.  192.121(e)(4)) pipe, PHMSA proposed that 
the minimum wall thickness for standard dimension ratio (SDR) 11, 1'' 
copper tubing size (CTS) pipe is corrected to be 0.101 inches rather 
than 0.119 inches. The former, 0.101 inches, most closely corresponds 
to SDR 11, 1'' CTS pipe in the standards incorporated by reference for 
the design of PE (ASTM D2513), PA-11 (ASTM F2945),\50\ and PA-12 (ASTM 
F2785) \51\ plastic pipe and fittings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \50\ ASTM F2945-12a ``Standard Specification for Polyamide 11 
Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings'' (Nov. 27, 2012).
    \51\ ASTM F2785-12, ``Standard Specification for Polyamide 12 
Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings'' (Aug. 1, 2012).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Qualifying Joining Procedures
    In Sec.  192.283(a)(3), ``no more than 25% elongation'' is 
corrected to read ``no less than 25% elongation.'' PHMSA proposed to 
clarify that the test required by this section is a tensile test. 
Tensile testing is a measure of a material's resistance to pulling 
forces. The revisions to Sec.  192.283(a)(3) made in the Plastic Pipe 
Rule inadvertently removed the word ``tensile,'' though tensile 
strength was still alluded to implicitly because elongation is a 
measure of tensile strength. Reinserting the word tensile clarifies 
this relationship.
Dates
    In Sec.  192.121(c)(2) and (e), PHMSA proposed to clarify that PE 
pipe and PA-12 pipe respectively produced on or after January 22, 2019 
may use a DF of 0.40 rather than 0.32, subject to applicable 
restrictions in those paragraphs.
Corrections to 192.7
    PHMSA proposed editorial amendments to Sec.  192.7(a) to meet 
incorporation by reference requirements of the Office of the Federal 
Register and a revision to update the address for API.
2. Summary of Public Comments
ASTM D2513 and PE Pipe Diameter
    Several commenters provided their support, with no additional 
comments, for the proposed amendments in the NPRM.
    AIPRO submitted comments supporting the incorporation by reference 
of the 2018a edition of ASTM D2513 and conforming revisions to Sec.  
192.121. Similarly, PPI stated their support to increase the allowable 
dimensions for PE pipe using a 0.40 design factor up through 24 inches 
along with the corresponding minimum wall thicknesses in Table 1 to 
paragraph Sec.  192.121(c)(2)(iv). PPI stated that the revisions are 
consistent with dimensions provided in ASTM D2513-18a and enables the 
increased use of larger diameter PE in gas distribution, transmission, 
and gathering systems.
    PPI provided suggested regulatory text revisions for Sec.  
192.121(a) to permit an operator to allow an operator to operate a 
plastic pipe at a temperature up to 180 [deg]F, provided that the 
hydrostatic design basis (HDB) is established at that temperature. PPI 
noted that a survey of AGA members indicated that local distribution 
companies desire to use plastic pipe at higher operating temperatures 
providing them with more application options, and that use of these 
higher performance plastic materials results in increased long-term 
performance of the piping system and a safer gas system.
    GPA Midstream supported incorporating by reference updated editions 
of standards and believes that the latest editions should be adopted 
wherever possible. GPA Midstream stated that relying on obsolete or 
outdated editions of IBR standards creates unnecessary compliance 
burdens, discourages innovation, and adversely affects the standards 
development process. GPA Midstream noted that a significant number of 
the IBR standards have undergone multiple revisions without being 
updated to a newer or more recent edition. GPA Midstream requested that 
PHMSA place a renewed emphasis on the timeliness of the incorporation 
by reference process, particularly in cases where a prior edition of a 
standard is already incorporated by reference. In such cases, PHMSA 
should commit to adopting the latest edition of the standard or 
providing an explanation for not doing so within 1 year of publication.
ASTM F2620 and Joining Requirements
    AGA et al. supported the changes proposed to Sec. Sec.  192.281 and 
192.285. They commented that the proposed revisions in the NPRM aligned 
with AGA's petition for reconsideration of the Plastic Pipe Rule, and 
allow operators to use alternate procedures to join PE which are 
equivalent or more stringent than the heat fusion procedure detailed in 
the 2012 edition of ASTM F2620.
    PPI supported PHMSA's proposed revision to Sec. Sec.  192.281(c) 
and 192.285 providing for alternative written heat fusion procedures 
that provide an equivalent or superior level of safety.

[[Page 2227]]

PPI also suggested incorporating PPI-TR-33, ``Generic Butt Fusion 
Joining Procedure for Field Joining Polyethylene Pipe'' and TR-41, 
``Generic Saddle Fusion Joining Procedure for Polyethylene Gas Piping'' 
into Sec.  192.281(c) in addition to ASTM F2620. PPI explained that 
these additions would help clarify the language and account for proven 
procedures that have been successfully used in industry for many years. 
A2LA suggested that PHMSA also incorporate by reference ISO/IEC 17025, 
``General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration 
Laboratories'' and require alternative written procedures be validated 
by laboratories certified in accordance with that document. A2LA 
commented that ISO/IEC 17025 recommends that a testing laboratory uses 
consensus methods and has procedures for the selection of methods, and 
verify that a testing laboratory can properly perform methods by 
ensuring that it can achieve the required performance and maintain 
records of the verification. Regarding PHMSA expecting operators to 
document the differences from ASTM F2620 and demonstrate how the 
alternate procedures provide an equivalent or superior level of safety, 
A2LA recommended that the organizations conducting the inspections and 
testing be accredited, in accordance with the relevant ISO/IEC 
standards include requirements for impartiality.
    Southwest Gas Corporation (Southwest) raised concerns with the 
addition of the language ``or superior'' in the proposed language of 
both Sec. Sec.  192.281 and 192.285. Southwest believes that this 
language ``or superior'' implies an increased performance standard not 
defined in either ASTM F2620 or part 192. Southwest requested that 
PHMSA consider removing the language ``or superior'' from the proposed 
revisions to both Sec.  192.281(c) and Sec.  192.285(b)(2)(i) and 
provided its preferred regulatory text.
1-Inch CTS Pipe
    The Associations and NAPSR commented that operators commonly use 1-
inch CTS pipe with a wall thickness of 0.099 inches, rather than 0.101 
inches in the proposed rule. Both wall thickness specifications are 
listed as options in Table 3 of ASTM D2513. NAPSR requested 
clarification of whether operators are required to use a design factor 
of 0.32 for PE pipe with a minimum wall thickness of 0.099-inch, and if 
thicker pipe is required to use a 0.40 design factor. The Associations 
raised concerns about the impact to operators and manufacturers who 
have an inventory of 0.099-inch wall thickness PE pipe and suggested 
that PHMSA correct the proposed amendments to the minimum wall 
thickness table at Sec.  192.121(c)(2)(iv) to reference 0.099-inch 
thick, 1-inch CTS pipe that is commonly in use.
Qualifying Joining Procedures
    PPI supported correcting Sec.  192.283(a)(3), and allowing visual 
inspection in accordance with established written procedures in Sec.  
192.285(b)(2)(i).
GPAC Recommendation
    The GPAC voted unanimously in favor of PHMSA's proposed amendment 
with respect to plastic pipe requirements, provided PHMSA correct the 
minimum wall thickness tables to specify a 0.099-inch wall thickness 
for 1-inch CTS plastic pipe as recommended in the written comments from 
the Associations and NAPSR.
3. PHMSA Response
    Based on the comments, the final rule adopts the plastic pipe 
amendments as proposed except for a change to the minimum wall 
thickness required to use plastic pipe with a size of 1-inch CTS with a 
design factor of 0.40 rather than 0.32. The final rule incorporates the 
0.099-inch minimum wall thickness for 1-inch CTS plastic pipe.
    PHMSA expects that the incorporation of updated industry standards 
pertaining to plastic pipe design will not adversely affect safety. The 
updated standards incorporated by reference in this final rule reflect 
the benefit of testing, lessons learned, and operational best practices 
from the increasingly widespread use of plastic pipe in gas 
transmission, distribution and gathering applications. Significantly, 
those updated industry standards reflect a greater comfort within 
industry regarding the safety of the use in those applications of 
larger-diameter plastic piping when subject to rigorous design 
standards. Based on its review of those standards and the 
administrative record in this rulemaking, PHMSA is similarly satisfied 
that their incorporation within the PSR will not have a detrimental 
impact on safety. PHMSA has provided a discussion of the changes in the 
updated editions of ASTM D2513 and ASTM F2620 in the summary of the 
proposed changes in section III.G.1 above.
ASTM D2513 and PE Pipe Diameter
    The final rule incorporates by reference the 2018a edition of ASTM 
D2513 and allows the use of a 0.40 design factor for PE pipe produced 
on or after the effective date of the rule with a maximum diameter of 
24 inches as proposed in the NPRM. PHMSA proposed no changes to the 
design pressure formula for PE pipe at Sec.  192.121(c)(2), and 
therefore declines to adopt the design factor change for PE piping 
suggested by PPI without the benefit of further technical evaluation 
and public comment. Similarly, PHMSA may consider allowing an operator 
to more directly establish a HDB rating at 180 [deg]F within the design 
pressure formula at Sec.  192.121(a) in a future rulemaking after 
further review of the safety effects of such a change. PHMSA notes that 
Sec.  192.121(a) allows an operator to interpolate the design pressure 
down from 180 [deg]F, meaning they could use a pipe with an HDB rating 
at 180 [deg]F but have to use a formula to determine the design 
pressure at a lower temperature listed in Sec.  192.121(a). PHMSA 
cautions users that not all PE compounds are rated at 180 [deg]F.
    Regarding the GPA Midstream comment concerning other documents that 
are currently incorporated into part 192, PHMSA periodically issues 
rules updating the standards that are incorporated by reference, 
provided the 2018 edition of ASTM D2513 has been evaluated and its 
incorporation determined consistent with PHMSA's safety mission. More 
recent versions of this and other standards incorporated by reference, 
including those related to plastic pipe and components, that were not 
included in the NPRM may be considered for updates in other rulemaking 
proceedings.
ASTM F2620 and Joining Requirements
    The final rule also adopts the clarifications to joining 
requirements as proposed with minor editorial revisions. PHMSA did not 
propose in the NPRM to incorporate by reference PPI TR-33, PPI TR-41, 
or ISO/IEC 17025, and therefore declines to incorporate them by 
reference without the benefit of additional public comment and 
technical evaluation. However, PHMSA understands that many of the 
procedures in TR-33 and TR-41 are similar or identical to the 
procedures specified in the 2019 edition of ASTM F2620. There are, 
however, still some differences such as heating temperatures. If an 
operator can demonstrate that their alternative procedure based on 
those documents provides an equivalent or superior level of safety 
compared with ASTM F2620, it would be acceptable under the amendments 
adopted in this final rule.

[[Page 2228]]

    PHMSA disagrees with comments that including the phrase ``or 
superior'' imposes new requirements or adds uncertainty to the changes 
in Sec. Sec.  192.281 and 192.285. An operator need only demonstrate 
that their alternative procedure provides an equivalent level of 
safety; the addition of the term ``or superior'' exists to ensure that 
a procedure with requirements that may be more conservative than ASTM 
F2620 is also acceptable. PHMSA has revised the regulatory language at 
Sec.  192.281 proposed in the NPRM to clarify that the operator need 
only demonstrate that the alternative procedure provides an equivalent 
or superior level of safety rather than demonstrate the alternative 
procedure is itself superior.
1-Inch CTS Pipe
    PHMSA agrees with commenters that 0.099 is an acceptable minimum 
wall thickness specification. While 0.101 inches more closely 
corresponds to SDR 11, both 0.099-inch and 0.101-inch wall thickness 
for 1-inch CTS pipe are technically SDR 11 specifications. In addition, 
the two specifications are within allowable tolerances of each other in 
the ASTM codes. Therefore, PHMSA does not have a safety concern with 
using a 0.40 design factor with 0.099-inch wall thickness for 1-inch 
CTS plastic pipe and recognizes that it is in common use.

H. Test Requirements for Pressure Vessels (Section 192.153)

1. PHMSA's Proposal
    Section 192.153 defines design requirements for prefabricated units 
and pressure vessels (hereafter referred to as pressure vessels) 
fabricated by welding. In particular, Sec.  192.153(a) requires that 
operators establish the design pressure of components fabricated by 
welding whose strength cannot be determined to establish the design 
pressure of those components in accordance with section VIII, division 
1 of the 2007 edition of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers 
(ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) which is incorporated by 
reference in Sec.  192.7.\52\ Section 192.153(b) requires operators to 
design, construct, and test prefabricated units that use plate and 
longitudinal seams in accordance with either ASME BPVC section I, 
section VIII, division 1, or section VIII, division 2. In addition, 
Sec.  192.505(b) requires operators to pressure test compressor 
station, regulator station, and measuring stations to Class 3 location 
test requirements; for pipelines installed after November 11, 1970, 
this represents a required test factor of at least 1.5 times the 
maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP).\53\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \52\ ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, 2007 edition (July 1, 
2007).
    \53\ Section 192.619(a)(2) requires a test pressure of at least 
1.5 times the MAOP in a Class 3 or Class 4 location for pipelines 
installed after November 11, 1970.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On March 11, 2015, PHMSA published a final rule titled, ``Pipeline 
Safety: Miscellaneous Changes to Pipeline Safety Regulations.'' \54\ 
The final rule created a new Sec.  192.153(e), which clarified that 
pressure vessels subject to Sec.  192.505(b) must be pressure tested to 
at least 1.5 times the MAOP of the pipeline. INGAA subsequently 
submitted a petition for reconsideration of the Miscellaneous Rule 
concerning the revision to Sec.  192.153.\55\ The petitioner argued 
that PHMSA lacked technical justification for a 1.5 times MAOP test 
factor versus the 1.3 times the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure 
(MAWP) \56\ test factor permitted in the ASME BPVC since the 2001 
edition and all subsequent editions of the standard. PHMSA had 
incorporated by reference the 2001 edition of the ASME BPVC into part 
192 effective July 14, 2004, and the divergence between the required 
test factor in Sec.  192.505(b) and section VIII, division 1 of ASME 
BPVC persisted until the Miscellaneous Rule became effective in 
2015.\57\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \54\ 80 FR 12762 (Miscellaneous Rule).
    \55\ Docket No. PHMSA-2018-0046-0055.
    \56\ MAWP is the design pressure in the ASME BPVC. The test 
factors in the ASME BPVC refer to the MAWP and are used to 
substantiate the design pressure of the vessel. Because the design 
pressure of a pressure vessel (the MAWP) must be equal to or greater 
than the MAOP of the pipeline, the PSR uses the more demanding MAOP 
metric.
    \57\ PHMSA, ``Pipeline Safety: Periodic Updates to Pipeline 
Safety Regulations,'' 80 FR 12762 (June 14, 2004).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA, meanwhile, had commissioned a report by the Oak Ridge 
National Laboratory (ORNL) on the safety equivalence between the 1992 
edition and the 2015 edition of the ASME BPVC. PHMSA understands that 
most pressure vessels in pipeline service are designed to ASME section 
VIII, division 1. For hydrostatic pressure tests, the 1992 edition of 
section VIII division 1 of the ASME BPVC provides for a hydrostatic 
pressure test factor of 1.5 times MAWP, while the 2001 and all 
subsequent editions provide for a hydrostatic pressure test factor of 
1.3 times MAWP. The ORNL report found that these different editions of 
ASME BPVC section VIII, division 1 maintain safety through the design 
and fabrication of pressure vessels and hydrostatic pressure test, 
notwithstanding the difference in their hydrostatic pressure test 
factors of 1.3 and 1.5. A copy of this report is available in the 
docket.
    In the NPRM, PHMSA proposed to revise the test requirements for the 
pressure vessels described in Sec.  192.153. First, PHMSA proposed to 
revise Sec.  192.153(e) to require a pressure test factor of at least 
1.3 times the MAOP for all pressure vessels installed since July 14, 
2004, provided the component has been tested in accordance with the 
ASME BPVC, as required by existing Sec.  192.153(b). Consistent with 
this change and the requirements in the ASME BPVC, PHMSA also proposed 
to exempt vessels installed after July 14, 2004 from the strength 
testing requirement at Sec. Sec.  192.505(b) and 192.619(a)(2), which 
require a test factor of 1.5 times the MAOP. The test requirements for 
any pressure vessel with an MAOP established under the alternative MAOP 
requirements at Sec.  192.620 would remain unchanged.
    Second, PHMSA proposed a new Sec.  192.153(e)(2) that would exempt 
pressure vessels installed after July 14, 2004 but before the effective 
date of the final rule from testing duration requirements at Sec. Sec.  
192.505(c), (d) and 192.507. In contrast, pressure vessels installed on 
or after the effective date of the final rule would be subject to the 
long-standing pressure test duration requirements in subpart J.
    Third, PHMSA proposed Sec.  192.153(e)(3)(ii) to accept, subject to 
certain conditions, a pre-installation pressure test by the component 
manufacturer for pressure vessels installed after the effective date of 
the final rule but which have not previously been used in service. 
PHMSA proposed to accept those manufacturer pressure tests for the 
purposes of meeting the pressure testing and MAOP requirements in part 
192 provided the operator conducts and documents an inspection 
certifying that the pressure vessel has not been damaged during 
transport and installation into the pipeline. If the inspection reveals 
that the pressure vessel has been damaged, the component would have to 
be remediated consistent with the ASME BPVC and part 192. A pressure 
vessel used prior to installation on a pipeline facility would have to 
be pressure tested again, consistent with the existing requirement at 
Sec.  192.503(a).
2. Summary of Public Comments
    AGA et al. generally supported the PSR amendments proposed in the 
NPRM but suggested substantive revisions to the requirements for 
accepting a manufacturer's test of a pressure vessel. AGA et al. 
emphasized that the NPRM's integration of ASME

[[Page 2229]]

BPVC requirements within its proposed PSR revisions leverages an 
internationally recognized standard of safety applied by several 
Federal regulators in their oversight activities. AGA et al. agreed 
with the NPRM's approach of allowing operators to rely on a 
manufacturer's pressure test accompanied by a visual inspection for 
newly-manufactured vessels, but requested PHMSA extend this 
authorization to relocations of existing components as well.
    AGA et al. noted that retesting ASME pressure vessels is not 
required by the ASME BPVC--but if an operator voluntarily undertook 
retesting, the ASME BPVC would require oversight by an authorized 
inspector. They concluded that retesting is therefore unnecessary and 
can lead to costs and operational disruptions because most operators do 
not have an authorized inspector on staff to oversee that retesting. 
They further commented that PHMSA should not require pressure vessels 
be pressure tested or inspected after installation or in situ, because 
in many cases it may be impracticable or unsafe to do so, especially 
for pressure vessels used in compressor stations. Finally, AGA et al. 
submitted comments opposing the NPRM's proposed requirement that 
pressure vessels that have been used prior to being installed or 
relocated must be retested in place in accordance with Subpart J. They 
commented that retesting relocated vessels is not required by the ASME 
BPVC, and that inspection rather than pressure testing is the 
appropriate method to confirm the integrity of previously-used, 
relocated pressure vessels.
    PST opposed the proposed revisions to Sec.  192.153, contending 
that PHMSA lacked sufficient technical justification for the proposed 
changes. PST argued that the ORNL report does not support PHMSA's 
conclusion that safety would not be adversely affected by NPRM's 
proposed reduction of the pressure test factor at Sec.  192.153(e). PST 
asserted that the ORNL report did not conclude that components designed 
and fabricated under the 2015 edition of the ASME BPVC standards and 
tested to its lower (1.3 times MAWP) hydrostatic pressure test factor 
were necessarily as safe as those designed and fabricated to the higher 
hydrostatic pressure test factor (1.5 times MAWP) in the current text 
of Sec. Sec.  192.153(e) and 192.505(b) (which were based on the test 
factors from the 1998 and prior editions of the ASME BPVC). Rather, PST 
characterizes the hydrostatic pressure test factor as only ``one of 
[several] changes between [the] two editions'' (1992 and 2015) compared 
by the ORNL report that would need to be evaluated to determine the 
safety impact of the NPRM's revisions to Sec.  192.153 compared to the 
current PSR. PST also noted that the NPRM proposed applying the lower 
test factor in the 2015 ASME BPVC not only to components installed 
since the 2015 edition, but also components installed over the previous 
decade. Lastly, PST alleged that the NPRM's proposed reduction in the 
test factor at Sec.  192.153(e) violates the prohibition in 49 U.S.C. 
60104(b) on retroactive application of design standards insofar as it 
purports to impose new design, installation, construction, and testing 
standards on previously-installed components. PST representatives 
reiterated their concerns in a conversation with PHMSA personnel after 
the GPAC meeting.
    The GPAC members voted 11-2 in favor of PHMSA's proposed amendments 
with respect to test requirements for pressure vessels provided that 
PHMSA make the following changes:
     Clarify in the NPRM's Sec.  192.153(e)(3) that testing or 
inspection of a pressure vessel must take place after being placed on 
its supports at its installation location, but may occur prior to tie-
in with station piping.
     Clarify in the NPRM's Sec.  192.153(e)(3) that relocated 
vessels must meet current design and construction requirements, be 
retested by the operator, and be inspected as described in the previous 
recommendation, to ensure there are no injurious defects.
     Clarify in a new Sec.  192.153(e)(4) that the retesting 
requirements applicable to pressure vessels do not apply to those 
pressure vessels that are used for temporary maintenance and repair 
activities, such as portable launcher or receivers, temporary odorant 
tanks, blow down equipment, and other similar equipment, but they must 
be inspected for safety and integrity prior to usage.
    Two GPAC members representing EDF and PST voted against the 
proposed amendments, expressing concern that the retroactivity 
prohibition at 49 U.S.C. 60104(b) prohibits PHMSA from applying a 
revised test factor to existing pressure vessels. During the meeting, 
PHMSA committed to the GPAC members that it would consider the 
application of 49 U.S.C. 60104(b)'s prohibition to the changes proposed 
in the NPRM.
    INGAA, AGA, APGA, API, and GPA Midstream submitted joint 
supplemental comments after the GPAC Meeting supporting the GPAC 
recommendation and asserting that the proposed PSR amendments did not 
violate the 49 U.S.C. 60104(b) retroactivity prohibition. GPA Midstream 
separately submitted supplemental comments on that statutory 
retroactivity prohibition, explaining by reference to its legislative 
history, contemporaneous DOT interpretation of the relevant statutory 
language, and subsequent PHMSA interpretations of the same that 49 
U.S.C. 60104(b) prohibits only generically-applicable, retroactive 
standards imposing new compliance burdens on relevant pipelines. Here, 
in contrast, GPA Midstream contended the NPRM's proposed revisions to 
Sec.  192.153(e) would relieve regulatory burdens and operators would 
have to take no action to be in full compliance with the amended Sec.  
192.153(e).
3. PHMSA Response
    After considering the comments and the GPAC, PHMSA is adopting the 
proposed testing requirements for pressure vessels subject to certain 
amendments to the proposed rule with respect to test requirements for 
pressure vessels in Sec.  192.153. The final rule adopts the revision 
to Sec.  192.153(e)(1), which specifies that a prefabricated unit or 
pressure vessel that is installed after July 13, 2004 is not subject to 
the strength testing requirements at Sec. Sec.  192.505(b) provided it 
has been tested in accordance with Sec.  192.153(a) or (b) and with a 
test factor of at least 1.3 times the intended MAOP, consistent with 
the hydrostatic pressure test factors in section VIII, division 1 of 
the ASME BPVC. The final rule also adds a footnote to table 1 to the 
Sec.  192.619(a)(2)(ii) MAOP requirements specifying that the factor 
for establishing the MAOP of a prefabricated unit or pressure vessel 
installed after July 14, 2004 is 1.3 times the MAOP. These changes 
ensure that an operator of a pressure vessel designed and 
hydrostatically tested in accordance with section VIII, division 1 of 
the ASME BPVC since the incorporation by reference of the 2001 edition 
of that document is compliant with the PSR. This allows an operator of 
a pressure vessel designed and hydrostatically tested in accordance 
with section VIII, division 1 of the ASME BPVC to operate it at an MAOP 
equal to its design pressure in most instances. PHMSA notes that if the 
pressure vessel is tested at factor lower than 1.3 times the MAWP under 
a pneumatic test or under section VIII division 2 of the ASME BPVC, the 
MAOP of the pipeline must be

[[Page 2230]]

established such that the test pressure is 1.3 times the MAOP or 
greater.
    PHMSA understands the administrative record shows that this 
rulemaking's revision of the pressure test factors at Sec.  192.153 
does not adversely affect the safety of pressure vessels designed, 
constructed, and tested in accordance with the 2001 and subsequent 
editions of the ASME BPVC, and designed, tested, constructed, and 
operated in accordance with the PSR. PHMSA therefore disagrees with 
PST's assertion that the ORNL report does not contribute to the 
technical justification for that change. PST is correct to note that 
the ORNL report compares the 1992 and 2015 editions of the ASME BPVC, 
and that other changes have taken place within the intervening editions 
of that standard (including the 2007 version currently incorporated by 
reference in the PSR). However, the ORNL report did not provide only a 
top-level statement of safety equivalence between the 1992 and 2015 
editions of the ASME BPVC; it also evaluated the contributions to that 
ultimate conclusion from each of the material elements of the 1992 and 
2015 editions ASME BPVC--including the effects of a reduction in the 
hydrostatic pressure test factor in ASME BPVC section VIII, division 1 
from 1.5 times the MAWP to 1.3 times the MAWP.\58\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \58\ ORNL report at Table 9.2 (summarizing Section 7.1.2.1 of 
the ORNL report on the safety contribution of hydrostatic test 
factors in different editions of ASME BPVC section VIII, division 
1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ORNL report predicated its top-level conclusion of safety 
equivalence across the 1992 and 2015 editions of the BPVC section VIII, 
division 1, notwithstanding their different hydrostatic pressure test 
factors, in part on certain shared features. The most important of 
those features was that both editions' hydrostatic pressure test 
factors yield hydrostatic pressure testing limits that ensure primary 
membrane stresses remain at or below plastic collapse stress limits for 
a pressure vessel, thereby reducing the risk of permanent distortion 
that would result in rejection of the pressure vessel at qualification. 
Other features shared between the 1992 and 2015 editions of BPVC 
section VIII, division 1 contributing to ORNL's safety equivalence 
finding include the following: Pressure testing by an authorized 
inspector at qualification verifying leak-tight integrity and the 
absence of gross deformations and anomalies indicative of design 
errors, material defects, or weld defects; pressure testing after 
fabrication verifying leak-tight integrity and the absence of gross 
deformations and anomalies indicative of design errors, material 
defects, or weld defects; and overpressure protection in the event of 
design basis heat exposure ensuring that maximum overpressure does not 
exceed 1.3 MAWP.
    Each of the features listed above are also shared by the 2007 
edition of the BPVC section VIII, section 1 incorporated by reference 
in the PSR, notwithstanding any other differences between that edition 
and the 1992 and 2015 editions evaluated in the ORNL report. Like the 
1992 and 2015 editions, the various design requirements of the 2007 
edition of the ASME BPVC ensure that plastic stresses on a pressure 
vessel remain at or below plastic collapse stress limits to avoid 
permanent distortion. And like the 1992 and 2015 editions, the 2007 
edition backstops that design basis by qualified inspections to 
identify defects, post-fabrication pressure testing, and overpressure 
protection from a design basis heat exposure. Insofar as ORNL 
determined that these shared features contributed to its top-level 
conclusion of safety equivalence between the 1992 and 2015 editions of 
the ASME BPVC, PHMSA understands them to support its conclusion in this 
final rule that that a lower (1.3) test factor will not adversely 
affect safety.
    PHMSA also submits that other elements of this final rule and the 
PSR's comprehensive safety regime support the conclusion that lowering 
the test factor to 1.3 will not adversely affect safety. The 
applicability of the ASME BPVC in the PSR is limited to the design, 
testing and fabrication of pressure vessels. On the other hand, the PSR 
applies additional requirements throughout the lifecycle of a pressure 
vessel to ensure its continued integrity and safe operation. These 
requirements pertain to construction (subpart G), corrosion control 
(subpart I), testing (subpart J), operation (subpart L), maintenance 
(subpart M), and integrity management (subparts O and P) standards. 
Further, even with respect to design and installation standards that 
are the focus of ASME BPVC section VIII, division 1, PSR requirements 
provide additional assurance that stresses remain within safe limits. 
For example, Sec.  192.201(a)(2)(i) requires overpressure protection 
devices be set to discharge at 1.1 times MAOP or at a pressure 
producing a hoop stress of 75 percent of SMYS, whichever is lower--a 
requirement that is more conservative than analogous overpressure 
specifications in the ASME BPVC referenced in the ORNL report. 
Similarly, the ASME BPVC does not specify a minimum pressure test 
duration. In contrast, the PSR at subpart J requires a minimum pressure 
test durations of 8 hours (Sec.  192.505(c)), 4 hours (Sec.  
192.505(d)), 1 hour (Sec.  192.507(c)), or with a procedure sufficient 
to ensure discovery of all potentially hazardous leaks (Sec.  192.509).
    PHMSA further notes that exemption in this final rule from subpart 
J's minimum pressure duration requirements are consistent with that 
conclusion. Prior to the changes adopted by this final rule, if an 
operator tested a pressure vessel to 1.3 times the MAOP consistent with 
section VIII, division 1 of the ASME BPVC rather than 1.5 times the 
MAOP, it would not comply with the PSR. An operator of such a vessel 
would need to reduce the MAOP of the pressure vessel such that the test 
pressure is 1.3 times the reduced MAOP, retest the vessel to 1.5 times 
the MAOP, or replace the pressure vessel entirely. Likewise, a pressure 
vessel that was not tested for a duration specified in subpart J would 
need to be retested or replaced to remain in compliance. While 
retesting or replacing existing pressure vessels with a longer test 
duration or higher test factor could conceivably decrease the risk of 
an overpressure event causing a vessel failure on affected pipelines, 
PHMSA understands any such safety benefit could be speculative; 
incident reports indicate that pressure vessel failure has not been an 
issue on existing vessels in-service.
    This is further supported by the conclusions of the ORNL report 
with respect to the hydrostatic pressure testing limits described 
above. Further, any potential safety benefit from retesting or 
replacing pressure vessels already in service would need to be weighed 
against new safety risks that may emerge from such activity. And here 
PHMSA understands that re-testing and replacing in-service pressure 
vessels in pipeline facilities can entail its own safety hazards for 
operator personnel due to the mass, volume, and installation location 
of a typical pressure vessel compared with other types of pipeline 
facilities. Specifically, retesting or replacement of a pressure vessel 
requires purging of gas, disconnection from local piping, and likely 
removal from service and reinstallation. The pipeline facilities 
involved in such efforts may be very heavy and large, which increases 
hazards to operator personnel when the pressure vessel or other 
equipment is removed from its installation location and prepared for 
testing. The layout of compressor stations and other facilities may 
exacerbate these safety risks if there

[[Page 2231]]

is limited space to safely remove the pressure vessel or to maneuver 
lifting equipment. Each of these steps therefore introduces certain 
safety risks to operator personnel performing the work that PHMSA 
believes could outweigh any marginal, speculative safety benefit from 
re-testing and replacement of previously-installed pressure vessels. 
Lastly, as pointed out by multiple comments submitted on the NPRM, such 
re-testing and replacement of existing pipe could entail significant 
costs and operational disruptions that similarly militate in favor of 
the exemption in the final rule.
    Finally, PHMSA notes that the ASME BPVC does not specify minimum 
test duration requirements and part 192 does not currently require 
post-installation inspection of pressure vessels. The final rule's PSR 
amendment clarifying that these requirements apply to new, replaced, 
relocated, or otherwise changed pressure vessels installed after the 
effective date of the final rule are expected to result in an increased 
level of safety.
    The final rule retains the proposed requirement to inspect pre-
tested pressure vessels after being placed at the vessel's installation 
location on its support structure in Sec.  192.153(e)(3). However, 
consistent with the GPAC's recommendations, the final rule clarifies 
that those inspections may occur prior to the pressure vessel tie-in 
on-site with the pipeline. PHMSA appreciates comments that testing 
vessels after they have been tied-in to station piping may be 
problematic depending on what or how it is being connected. But one of 
the risks of transporting pressure vessels and other large components 
is damage to the vessel including vessel outlets or its support 
structure while it is being moved within the facility itself. Many of 
the considerations raised by commenters that may complicate an 
inspection likewise raise the likelihood of potential damage during 
installation. For example, it would be unusual for a pressure vessel to 
be completely inaccessible in a typical compressor station 
configuration. In addition, since the Sec.  192.153(e)(3) requirement 
applies to new, replaced, and relocated vessels, operators can ensure 
access during initial design, construction, and testing stages. The 
final rule also clarifies that operators must visually inspect the 
steel structure for damage including, at a minimum: Inlets, outlets, 
and lifting points. If damage is found, the pressure vessel must be 
non-destructively tested, re-pressure tested, or remediated in 
accordance with part 192 and ASME BPVC requirements. Test, inspection, 
and repair records must be kept for the operational life of the 
pressure vessel. These clarifying revisions to Sec.  192.153(e)(3) are 
designed to enhance safety, address the most significant concerns 
operators had with post-installation inspection, and help ensure that 
damage incurred during movements within the facility are detected and 
remediated before the pressure vessel is put into service.
    PHMSA has also, consistent with the GPAC's recommendations, 
clarified when testing and inspection under Sec.  192.153(e)(3) is 
required. The final rule clarifies that any pressure vessel that is 
temporarily or permanently installed in a pipeline facility must be 
inspected for damage as described above unless it has been pressure 
tested on its supports at its installation location. This includes 
pressure vessels that are pressure tested by the operator prior to 
installation when a post-installation pressure test is impracticable 
(Sec. Sec.  192.505(d) and 192.507(d) in the final rule) and to 
pressure vessels where a manufacturer's pressure test is used under 
Sec.  192.153(e)(4) in the final rule. This change is consistent with 
pretesting authorizations under Sec.  192.507(d) in the final rule or 
Sec.  192.505(d) in existing part 192. It preserves the flexibility 
provided under those authorizations while the post-installation 
inspection ensures that pre-tested components are not damaged after 
being tested by the manufacturer or the operator.
    The final rule also clarifies design, testing, and inspection 
requirements for pressure vessels that are relocated. Consistent with 
the GPAC's recommendations, PHMSA is adding a new Sec.  192.153(e)(6) 
that clarifies testing and inspection requirements for relocating an 
existing pressure vessel that has previously been used in service for 
permanent installation at a new location in a pipeline facility. An 
operator must have documentation that a relocated pressure vessel meets 
the design, construction, and testing requirements in place at the time 
of relocation and pressure test the pressure vessel. If a pre-
installation pressure test is performed, the operator must inspect the 
pressure vessel after installation.
    The final rule does not adopt suggestions from commenters to accept 
a manufacturer's initial pressure test for all relocated pressure 
vessels. PHMSA did not propose specific changes to the initial pressure 
testing requirements for relocated, existing pressure vessels. Rather, 
the requirements in the final rule for permanently relocated vessels 
complement existing part 192 requirements for relocation of existing 
facilities with the addition of a new, general requirement in Sec.  
192.153(e)(3) to inspect pressure vessels that are not pressure tested 
in place. Using a manufacturer's initial pressure test of an existing 
vessel raises safety concerns because the vessel could have been 
subject to corrosion, fatigue, external force damage, and other threats 
to the vessel's integrity during its prior operational life or during 
transportation to the new facility.
    The GPAC's discussion noted that operators commonly use such 
temporary devices for temporary launchers and receivers for integrity 
assessments and to reduce methane emissions during blowdowns (natural 
gas is predominately methane, a greenhouse gas). PHMSA did not intend 
to impair the use of pressure vessels that are relocated temporarily in 
order to perform maintenance, repair, or emergency-response-related 
tasks. To prevent this unintended result, PHMSA is incorporating a new 
Sec.  192.153(e)(4)(ii) to allow the use of a manufacturer's initial 
test of a pressure vessel temporarily installed in a pipeline facility 
to complete a testing, integrity assessment, repair, odorization, or 
emergency response-related task, including noise or pollution 
abatement. This revision addresses temporary and mobile pressure 
vessels that were discussed during the GPAC meeting, including portable 
launcher or receivers, temporary odorant tanks, mobile blow down 
equipment, and other similar equipment. This change reduces barriers to 
using temporary equipment to perform integrity assessment, maintenance, 
and pollution mitigation-related tasks (provided the equipment meets 
the MAOP, design, and inspection requirements in part 192) and thereby 
is expected to result in greater efficiency for operators and safety 
and environmental benefits associated with encouraging inspections and 
repairs. These devices are subject to the new general requirement in 
Sec.  192.153(e)(3)(ii) to inspect pressure vessels that are not 
pressure tested in place after installation. Reducing regulatory 
burdens associated with performing maintenance, repair, emergency 
response, and pollution abatement tasks could result in safety and 
environmental benefits by making such actions more attractive to 
operators.
    To prevents misuse of this flexibility, a pressure vessel that is 
installed under Sec.  192.153(e)(4)(ii) must be removed when the task 
it is associated with is completed. Operators should define the 
procedures for employing temporary or mobile pressure vessels in their 
written procedure manuals. The final rule

[[Page 2232]]

requires operators to submit a notification to PHMSA and applicable 
State pipeline safety authorities in accordance with Sec.  192.18 if a 
temporary pressure vessel must be left in place for longer than 30 
days; however, PHMSA does not reference this section in Sec.  192.18(c) 
and therefore the objection process and advance notice requirements do 
not apply. Likewise, Sec.  192.153(e)(5) clarifies that an operator is 
not required to pressure test a pressure vessel that is temporarily 
removed from a facility to perform a maintenance task and later re-
installed at the same location. However, the re-installed pressure 
vessel must be inspected in accordance with Sec.  192.153(e)(3)(ii) 
after it is re-installed. Generally, PHMSA does not consider small 
movements within the same location (e.g. within a compressor station) 
with no other operational changes as a relocation, however the operator 
should inspect the vessel for damage after installation.
    PHMSA has considered the comments by PST and members of the GPAC 
regarding the nonapplication requirement and finds the revisions to 49 
CFR 192.153(e) are not inconsistent with 49 U.S.C. 60104(b). Section 
60104(b) provides that a ``design, installation, construction, initial 
inspection, or initial testing standard does not apply to a pipeline 
facility existing when the standard is adopted.'' Under the revised 
Sec.  192.153, operators of existing pressure vessels that meet minimum 
testing requirements will not be required to take any additional action 
to comply. While the revised section requires that components be 
pressure tested with a test factor of at least 1.3 times MAOP, the 
current Sec.  192.153(e) already required such testing at even higher 
pressures; in other words, a pressure vessel compliant with the 
existing Sec.  192.153(e) would also be compliant with Sec.  192.153(e) 
as revised by this final rule. The revisions to the PSR, therefore, 
cannot be said to impose a new standard on existing facilities in 
conflict with 49 U.S.C. 60104(b).
    In addition, as described in the preamble to the NPRM, the 
amendment to 49 CFR 192.153(e) responds to a petition for 
reconsideration of the Miscellaneous Rule.\59\ This final rule 
addresses the issues raised by the petition challenging the addition of 
Sec.  192.153(e) in the Miscellaneous Rule pursuant to the 
reconsideration procedures in part 190. The petition for 
reconsideration of the Miscellaneous Rule argues PHMSA's modifications 
to Sec.  192.153 were not merely clarifications regarding the required 
testing standard for pressure vessels as PHMSA stated in the 
Miscellaneous Rule, but rather were departures from the testing 
standard for pressure vessels in the ASME BPVC standard that was 
incorporated in the regulations at the time. PHMSA maintains that the 
Miscellaneous Rule merely clarified the required testing standard for 
pressure vessels, but understands there was ambiguity in the 
regulations regarding the testing standard for pressure vessels before 
the Miscellaneous Rule was passed and that the Miscellaneous Rule 
codified a higher testing standard than many operators reasonably 
believed was compliant with the regulations at the time. Also, based on 
the discussion above, PHMSA was able to verify that the provisions in 
the final rule will not adversely affect safety. PHMSA is therefore 
allowing pressure vessels tested in accordance with the 1.3 test factor 
after 2004 to continue operating without retesting in order not to 
penalize conduct some operators believed complied with the PSR at the 
time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \59\ Available in docket No. PHMSA-2010-0026 and the docket for 
this final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Lastly, because PHMSA understands the PSR revisions in this final 
rule obviate the need for its unpublished October 27, 2015 letter to 
INGAA announcing a stay of enforcement pertaining to certain pressure 
vessels in violation of Sec. Sec.  192.153(e) and 192.505(b), it 
withdraws that document as of the effective date of this final rule. 
This letter is also available in the docket for this final rule.

I. Welding Process Requirement (Section 192.229)

1. PHMSA's Proposal
    Section 192.229(b) currently bars welders from welding with a 
welding process if they have not engaged in welding with that same 
process within the previous six months. GPTC submitted a petition for 
rulemaking requesting PHMSA revise Sec.  192.229(b) to allow welders to 
demonstrate they have engaged in welding with a welding process at 
least twice each calendar year, but at intervals not exceeding 7\1/2\ 
months, provided the welds were tested and found acceptable in 
accordance with API Standard (Std) 1104.\60\ API Std 1104 is the 
primary standard for welding steel piping and for testing welds on 
steel pipelines, and covers the requirements for welding and 
nondestructive testing of pipeline welds. API Std 1104 is used within 
part 192 requirements for qualifying welders, welding procedures, and 
welding operators, and interpreting the results of non-destructive 
tests.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \60\ Docket No. PHMSA-2014-0015.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    GPTC also noted that the 6-month frequency requirement for the 
welding process requirement at Sec.  192.229(b) is different than other 
requirements in Sec.  192.229(c)(1) and (d)(2) governing welder 
requalification frequency. Those welder requalification requirements 
demand requalification within the preceding 7\1/2\ months, but at least 
twice each calendar year. GPTC pointed out that this discrepancy 
between welder process requirements and welder requalification 
requirements obliged operators either to maintain alternative 
recordkeeping procedures for the process requirement or perform welds 
to comply with both the process requirement and the requalification 
requirements on a 6-month interval. In other words, if a welder wishes 
to use the same weld to comply with both requirements, they are unable 
to benefit from the more flexible welder requalification requirements 
at Sec.  192.229(c)(1) and (d)(2).
    PHMSA proposed in the NPRM to revise Sec.  192.229(b) to specify 
that welders or welding operators may not weld with a particular 
welding process unless they have engaged in welding with that process 
within the preceding 7\1/2\ months and the welds were tested and found 
acceptable in accordance with API Std 1104. This change would provide 
operators some flexibility in scheduling welding activities to maintain 
welder requalification. PHMSA agrees with GPTC that the proposed 
revision is more consistent with Sec.  192.229(d)(2). This is 
potentially beneficial for welders who weld relatively infrequently. 
PHMSA does not anticipate a decrease in safety, as a 7\1/2\-month 
interval is already permitted for requalification under Sec.  
192.229(d)(2)(i), and the change will only affect welders who are not 
welding throughout the year.
2. Summary of Public Comments
    AmeriGas, AIPRO, FreedomWorks, NPGA, Oleksa and Associates, and SPP 
supported the proposed requalification scheduling for welders. Oleksa 
and Associates stated that there will be no negative impact on pipeline 
safety. FreedomWorks stated that the changes would allow welders, many 
of whom are self-employed freelancers, greater flexibility in their 
trade. AIPRO commented that the changes would establish regulatory 
expectations and create more scheduling opportunity for vendors to 
perform the welding tests and for companies to comply with the 
standard. The GPAC voted unanimously

[[Page 2233]]

in favor of PHMSA's proposed amendments regarding the welding process 
requirement.
3. PHMSA Response
    Based on the comments and the GPAC recommendations, PHMSA has 
adopted this amendment as proposed. This change will streamline 
compliance and recordkeeping activities related to Sec.  192.229(b) and 
will not have a detrimental impact on safety.

J. Pre-Test Applicability (Section 192.507)

1. PHMSA's Proposal
    Section 192.505(d) permits operators to test fabricated units and 
short segments of pipe prior to installation on steel pipelines 
operated at a hoop stress of 30 percent or more of SMYS if a post-
installation test is not practicable. PHMSA proposed in the NPRM to add 
a new paragraph (d) to Sec.  192.507 to extend this authorization to 
steel pipelines operated at a hoop stress less than 30 percent of SMYS 
and at or above 100 psig.\61\
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    \61\ ``Pounds per square inch gauge'' refers to internal 
pressure relative to outside atmospheric pressure.
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    The NPRM's proposed revision is in response to a petition for 
rulemaking submitted by GPTC for PHMSA to relocate the pre-installation 
strength testing requirement at Sec.  192.505(d) to the general test 
requirements in Sec.  192.503 to permit broader application of this 
authorization. GPTC argued this change would permit operators to use 
pre-tested pipe and fabricated units in applications outside of higher 
stress transmission pipelines. GPTC further asserted that as this 
provision is currently applicable only to higher-stress pipelines 
operating at a hoop stress at or greater than 30 percent of SMYS, 
extending the broader pre-testing provision to lower-stress pipelines 
would not increase pipeline safety risks. Rather, GPTC predicted this 
proposed change will provide greater flexibility and efficiency for 
operators of lower-stress pipelines, especially during maintenance 
activities.
    Instead of adding pre-testing provisions to the general 
requirements at Sec.  192.503 as suggested by the GPTC petition, PHMSA 
proposed in the NPRM to add Sec.  192.507(d) to permit pre-testing on 
steel pipelines operating at a hoop stress less than 30 percent of SMYS 
and at or above 100 psig. The proposal did not extend pre-testing 
provisions to pipelines operating below 100 psig (Sec.  192.509), 
service lines (Sec.  192.511), or plastic pipelines (Sec.  192.513). 
Individual components, excluding short segments of pipe, may still be 
installed on those facilities with a pre-installation test pursuant to 
Sec.  192.503(e). PHMSA requested comments on whether it is appropriate 
to extend pre-testing provisions to such facilities, and solicited 
proposed requirements that should apply if pre-testing provisions are 
extended to such facilities.
2. Summary of Public Comments
    AmeriGas, NPGA, and SPP supported the proposed changes to Sec.  
192.507 to allow operators to extend the authorization for pre-testing 
fabricated assemblies to include steel pipelines that operate at a hoop 
stress less than 30 percent of SMYS and at or above 100 psig. 
Similarly, PST commented that they did not object to extending the pre-
testing provisions to lower stress pipelines as proposed in the NPRM.
    AGA et al., National Fuel, and Oleksa and Associates recommended 
that PHMSA consider extending the pre-testing allowance to other 
pipelines that also pose less of a safety risk. Specifically, they 
recommended that PHMSA extend the allowance for pre-tested short 
segments of pipe and fabricated units to steel pipelines that operate 
at pressures less than 100 psig (Sec.  192.509), plastic pipelines 
(Sec.  192.511), and service lines (Sec.  192.513) to provide clarity 
and consistency within the regulations. These commenters suggested the 
addition of enabling regulatory text. Oleksa and Associates agreed with 
these commenters, stating that the rationale that applies to permitting 
pre-tested pipe on steel pipelines operating at a stress less than 30 
percent of SMYS and at or above 100 psig applies in the same way to 
pipelines operating below 100 psig, service lines, and plastic 
pipelines. They suggested that the simplest way to accomplish this is 
to modify the wording in Sec.  192.503.
    Similarly, NAPSR opposed the proposed revision unless it is revised 
to allow the use of pre-tested pipe for main repairs under 100 psig. 
Specifically, NAPSR commented that it may be impracticable to pressure 
test Type B gathering lines and mains post-installation. They commented 
that if pre-tested pipe is allowed for systems that operate above 100 
psig and above 30 percent SMYS, then pre-tested pipe should also be 
allowed for all pipe that operates below 100 psig and low stress pipe. 
NAPSR believes that most operators use pre-tested pipe for main and 
Type B gathering line repairs as a standard practice; that pipe is soap 
tested and visually inspected for leaks after installation. They stated 
that the proposed change in the NPRM could unnecessarily restrict 
operators from safely and quickly repairing damages, and that 
distribution operators could potentially experience prolonged outages 
(especially in cold weather) and increased repair times and cost if 
pre-tested pipe is not allowed.
    AGA et al. commented that in 2019, distribution system operators 
reported 84,608 leaks caused by excavation damage on their Gas 
Distribution Annual Reports. Assuming each excavation damage related 
leak required a pressure test, and assuming a cost of $200 per post-
installation pressure test, they stated that the cost would be nearly 
$17 million annually to pressure test pipe replaced due to excavation 
damage alone. National Fuel's comment included a similar calculation 
and estimated $8.8 million in cost savings if pre-tested pipe is 
allowed for such repairs. These commenters asserted that the use of 
pre-tested pipe would significantly reduce these costs as operators 
could pre-test full joints or coils of pipe for use on multiple short 
segment replacements and repairs without compromising safety.
    National Fuel commented that extending pre-testing to distribution 
lines would allow the use of pre-tested pipe for short segment 
replacements for leak repairs, excavation damage repairs and 
replacement of visually questionable welds or plastic fusion joints. 
They noted that without this change operators are required to test 
short replacement segments in place, which is inefficient, time 
consuming, and often results in extended shutdown durations and 
inconvenience to customers. They further stated that based on current 
regulatory language, an excavation damage repair that involves 
replacement of two feet of plastic distribution main requires that the 
operator: (1) Fuse end caps on each end of the replacement segment, (2) 
pressure test the pipe in place for the required duration, (3) remove 
the end caps, (4) tie-in the replacement segment by electrofusion or 
coupling, and (5) purge, gas and soap test the joints. They stated that 
allowing the use of pre-tested pipe would significantly reduce the 
repair time and costs to complete the repair and would still result in 
a pipe segment that is both strength tested and leak tested to ensure 
an equal level of safety while limiting interruptions to customers.
    AGA et al. recommended that PHMSA remove the term ``hydrostatic'' 
from the test requirements for short segments of pipe and pre-
fabricated units from Sec.  192.507 because natural gas, inert gas, and 
air are also allowable test media for pipelines operating at a

[[Page 2234]]

hoop stress less than 30 percent of SMYS under Sec.  192.503(c).
    The GPAC voted unanimously in favor of PHMSA's proposed PSR 
amendments regarding the welding process requirement but recommended 
removing the word ``hydrostatic'' from the proposed Sec.  192.507(d).
3. PHMSA Response
    Based on the comments received and the recommendation of the GPAC, 
the final rule adopts the amendments related to pre-testing fabricated 
assemblies and short segments of pipe as proposed in the NPRM, except 
that PHMSA has removed the term ``hydrostatic'' from the new Sec.  
192.507(d). PHMSA agrees that removing the term ``hydrostatic'' is 
appropriate since other test media other than water are approved for 
use in that new section.
    The final rule does not extend the authorization in Sec.  192.507 
(as revised) for pre-tested segments of pipe and fabricated assemblies 
beyond steel pipe with an MAOP producing a hoop stress less than 30 
percent of SMYS but at or above 100 psig. Operators must still perform 
leak tests after installing fabricated units and short segments of pipe 
installed on such pipelines. The remaining categories in subpart J 
(metallic pipe with an MAOP less than 100 psig, plastic pipe, and 
service lines) generally represent distribution lines rather than 
transmission lines. It is not clear that there is adequate safety 
justification for extending the pre-testing allowance to these 
categories of lines due to the proximity of such facilities to 
customers and the differences in design, construction, inspection, and 
testing requirements for such facilities compared with higher-pressure 
transmission lines. For example, welds on higher-pressure metallic 
lines require inspection with non-destructive testing techniques under 
Sec.  192.241, while plastic pipe joints and welds on lower-pressure 
metallic lines can be visually inspected instead. The leak tests 
required for lower-pressure lines in subpart J are, therefore, 
necessary to ensure the leak-tight integrity of welds and joints on 
such lines. Commenters did not suggest alternative inspection 
requirements or other conditions for using pre-tested pipe and 
fabricated units on such pipelines. PHMSA therefore determined that 
additional analysis is necessary to consider the safety effects of 
extending the pre-testing allowance to such facilities, and what, if 
any, additional conditions may be necessary. The GPAC voted unanimously 
in favor of this recommended approach. PHMSA may consider this issue in 
future rulemaking.
    PHMSA notes that Sec. Sec.  192.509, 192.511, and 192.513 require 
only a leak test. NAPSR presented a scenario where, for a replacement 
repair, an operator installed pre-tested pipe and then performed a leak 
test after installation. The leak test described in this scenario meets 
the post-installation leak test requirement in Sec.  192.509, provided 
that the operator's test procedure ensures the discovery of all 
potentially hazardous leaks.

IV. Availability of Standards Incorporated by Reference

    PHMSA currently incorporates by reference into 49 CFR parts 192, 
193, and 195 all or parts of more than 80 standards and specifications 
developed and published by standard development organizations (SDO). In 
general, SDOs update and revise their published standards every 2 to 5 
years to reflect modern technology and best technical practices.
    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (Pub. 
L. 104-113; NTTAA) directs Federal agencies to use standards developed 
by voluntary consensus standards bodies in lieu of government-written 
standards whenever possible. Voluntary consensus standards bodies 
develop, establish, or coordinate technical standards using agreed-upon 
procedures. In addition, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
issued Circular A-119 \62\ to implement section 12(d) of the NTTAA 
relative to the utilization of consensus technical standards by Federal 
agencies. This circular provides guidance for agencies participating in 
voluntary consensus standards bodies and describes procedures for 
satisfying the reporting requirements in the NTTAA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \62\ OMB, Circular A-119, ``Federal Participation in the 
Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in 
Conformity Assessment Activities'' (Jan. 27, 2016). Circular A-119 
and revisions thereto are available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/circulars/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accordingly, PHMSA is responsible for determining, via petitions or 
otherwise, which currently referenced standards should be updated, 
revised, or removed, and which standards should be added to the PSR. 
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 60102(p), PHMSA may not issue a regulation that 
incorporates by reference any documents or portions thereof unless the 
documents or portions thereof are made available to the public, free of 
charge. Revisions to materials incorporated by reference in the PSR are 
handled via the rulemaking process, which allows for the public and 
regulated entities to provide input. During the rulemaking process, 
PHMSA must also obtain approval from the Office of the Federal Register 
to incorporate by reference any new materials. The Office of the 
Federal Register issued a rulemaking on November 7, 2014, that revised 
1 CFR 51.5 to require that agencies detail in the preamble of an NPRM 
the ways the materials it proposes to incorporate by reference are 
reasonably available to interested parties, or how the agency worked to 
make those materials reasonably available to interested parties.\63\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \63\ 79 FR 66278.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To meet these obligations for this rulemaking, PHMSA negotiated 
agreements with API and ASTM to provide viewable copies of standards 
incorporated by reference in the pipeline safety regulations available 
to the public at no cost. API Std 1104 is available at https://www.api.org/products-and-services/standards/rights-and-usage-policy#tab-ibr-reading-room and is discussed in greater detail in 
section I.1 of this preamble. The ASTM standards are available at 
https://www.astm.org/READINGLIBRARY/ and are discussed in greater 
detail in section G.1 of this preamble. PHMSA will also provide 
individual members of the public temporary access to any standard that 
is incorporated by reference. Requests for access can be sent to the 
following email address: [email protected]. PHMSA also notes 
that standards incorporated by reference in the PSR can be obtained 
from the organization developing each standard. Section 192.7 provides 
the contact information for each of those standard-developing 
organizations.

V. Regulatory Analyses and Notices

A. Legal Authority for This Rulemaking

    This rule is published under the authority of the Federal Pipeline 
Safety Law (49 U.S.C. 60101, et seq.). Section 60102(a) authorizes the 
Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations governing the design, 
installation, inspection, emergency plans and procedures, testing, 
construction, extension, operation, replacement, and maintenance of 
pipeline facilities. Further, Sec.  60102(l) of the Federal Pipeline 
Safety Law states that the Secretary shall, to the extent appropriate 
and practicable, update incorporated industry standards that have been 
adopted as a part of the pipeline safety regulations. The Secretary has 
delegated the authority in Sec.  60102 to the

[[Page 2235]]

Administrator of PHMSA in 49 CFR 1.97.

B. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Rulemaking Procedures

    E.O. 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' \64\ requires 
agencies to regulate in the ``most cost-effective manner,'' to make a 
``reasoned determination that the benefits of the intended regulation 
justify its costs,'' and to develop regulations that ``impose the least 
burden on society.'' E.O. 12866 and DOT regulations governing 
rulemaking procedures at 49 CFR part 5 require that PHMSA submit 
``significant regulatory actions'' to OMB for review. This rule is 
considered significant under Sec.  3(f) of E.O. 12866, and was reviewed 
by OMB. It is also significant under the DOT's rulemaking procedures at 
49 CFR part 5.
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    \64\ 58 FR 51735; Oct. 4, 1993.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Similarly, DOT regulations at Sec.  5.5(f)-(g) require that 
regulations issued by PHMSA and other DOT Operating Administrations 
``should be designed to minimize burdens and reduce barriers to market 
entry whenever possible, consistent with the effective promotion of 
safety'' and should generally ``not be issued unless their benefits are 
expected to exceed their costs.''
    E.O. 12866 and DOT implementing regulations at 49 CFR 5.5(i) also 
require PHMSA to provide a meaningful opportunity for public 
participation, which also reinforces requirements for notice and 
comment under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551, et seq.). 
Therefore, in the NPRM, PHMSA sought public comment on its proposed 
revisions to the PSR and the preliminary cost and cost savings analyses 
in the Preliminary RIA, as well as any information that could assist in 
quantifying the benefits of this rulemaking. Those comments are 
addressed in this final rule, and additional discussion about the 
economic impacts of the final rule are provided within the final RIA 
posted in the rulemaking docket.
    PHMSA estimated that this final rule would have economic benefits 
to the public and the regulated community by reducing unnecessary cost 
burdens without increasing risks to public safety or the environment. 
PHMSA estimates that the final rule will result in annualized cost 
savings of approximately $129.8 million per year, based on a 7 percent 
discount rate. Most of the quantified cost savings in the final rule 
are from the revisions to farm tap requirements and the revised 
atmospheric corrosion reassessment interval for distribution service 
lines. The final RIA in the rulemaking docket analyzes these economic 
impacts in detail.

C. Executive Order 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Cost''

    This final rule is an E.O. 13771 \65\ deregulatory action. Details 
on the estimated cost savings of this final rule can be found in the 
rule's economic analysis within the RIA in the rulemaking docket.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \65\ 82 FR 9339 (Feb. 3, 2017).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Executive Order 13132--``Federalism''

    PHMSA analyzed this final rule in accordance with E.O. 13132.\66\ 
E.O. 13132 requires agencies to assure meaningful and timely input by 
State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies 
that may have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \66\ 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 10, 1999).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This final rule does not impose a substantial direct effect on the 
States, the relationship between the national government and the 
States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among the 
various levels of government. This final rule also does not impose 
substantial direct compliance costs on State and local governments.
    The final rule could have preemptive effect because the Federal 
Pipeline Safety Law, specifically 49 U.S.C. 60104(c), prohibits certain 
State safety regulation of interstate pipelines. Under the Federal 
Pipeline Safety Law, States may augment pipeline safety requirements 
for intrastate pipelines regulated by PHMSA but may not approve safety 
requirements less stringent than those required by Federal law. A State 
may also regulate an intrastate pipeline facility PHMSA does not 
regulate. In this instance, the preemptive effect of the final rule is 
limited to the minimum level necessary to achieve the objectives of the 
Federal Pipeline Safety Law under which the final rule is promulgated. 
Therefore, the consultation and funding requirements of E.O. 13132 do 
not apply.

E. Executive Order 13175--``Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments''

    PHMSA analyzed this final rule in accordance with the principles 
and criteria in E.O. 13175 \67\ and DOT Order 5301.1, ``Department of 
Transportation Programs, Polices, and Procedures Affecting American 
Indians, Alaska Natives, and Tribes.'' E.O. 13175 requires agencies to 
assure meaningful and timely input from Tribal government 
representatives in the development of rules that significantly or 
uniquely affect Tribal communities by imposing ``substantial direct 
compliance costs'' or ``substantial direct effects'' on such 
communities or the relationship and distribution of power between the 
Federal Government and Tribes. PHMSA assessed the impact of the final 
rule on Indian Tribal communities and determined that it would not 
significantly or uniquely affect Tribal communities or Indian Tribal 
governments. Therefore, the funding and consultation requirements of 
E.O. 13175 do not apply. PHMSA received no comments to the effect that 
this rulemaking would have Tribal implications.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \67\ 65 FR 67249 (Nov. 6, 2000).
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F. Executive Order 13211--``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use''

    E.O. 13211 \68\ requires Federal agencies to prepare a Statement of 
Energy Effects for any ``significant energy action.'' Under E.O. 13211, 
a ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an agency 
(normally published in the Federal Register) that promulgates, or is 
expected to lead to the promulgation of, a final rule or regulation 
(including a notice of inquiry, ANPRM, and NPRM) that: (1)(i) Is a 
significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866 or any successor order, 
and (ii) is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy; or (2) is designated by the 
Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs as a 
significant energy action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \68\ 66 FR 28355 (May 22, 2001).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This final rule is not a ``significant energy action'' under E.O. 
13211. It is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on supply, 
distribution, or energy use; rather, it is expected to reduce 
regulatory burdens on the natural gas pipeline sector without adversely 
affecting safety. Further, the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs has not designated this final rule as a significant energy 
action.

G. Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 13272

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), as 
implemented by E.O. 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in 
Agency

[[Page 2236]]

Rulemaking,'' \69\ and Sec.  5.13(f) of DOT regulations, requires 
Federal regulatory agencies to prepare a Final Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis (FRFA) for any final rule subject to notice-and-comment 
rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act unless the agency 
head certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \69\ 68 FR 7990 (Feb. 19, 2003).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA has determined that the cost-savings in the final rule may 
result in significant economic impacts on a substantial number of small 
entities. These impacts on regulated entities are beneficial. PHMSA has 
included a FRFA within the final RIA posted in the docket for this 
rulemaking.

H. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) 
establishes policies and procedures for controlling paperwork burdens 
imposed by Federal agencies on the public.
    Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(B) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d), PHMSA is 
required to provide interested members of the public and affected 
agencies with an opportunity to comment on information collection and 
recordkeeping requests. PHMSA expects this final rule to impact the 
information collections described below.
    PHMSA will submit an information collection revision request to OMB 
for approval based on the requirements in this final rule. The 
information collections are contained in the PSR. The following 
information is provided for each information collection: (1) Title of 
the information collection; (2) OMB control number; (3) current 
expiration date; (4) type of request; (5) abstract of the information 
collection activity; (6) description of affected public; (7) estimate 
of total annual reporting and recordkeeping burden; and (8) frequency 
of collection. The information collection burden for the following 
information collections are estimated to be revised as follows:
    1. Title: Incident Reports for Gas Pipeline Operators.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0635.
    Current Expiration Date: 01/31/2023.
    Abstract: This information collection covers the collection of 
information from gas pipeline operators for incident reporting. PHMSA 
estimates that due to the revised monetary damage threshold for 
reporting incidents operators will submit 28 fewer gas distribution 
incident reports, and 14 fewer gas transmission reports. Operators 
currently spend 12 hours completing each incident report. Therefore, 
PHMSA expects to eliminate 42 responses and 504 hours from this 
information collection per year as a result of the provisions in the 
proposed rule. PHMSA is also revising PHMSA F 7100.1, the Gas 
Distribution Incident Report, to collect data on mechanical joint 
failures that arise to the level of an incident as stipulated in 49 CFR 
191.3. PHMSA does not expect operators to incur additional burden due 
to this change.
    Affected Public: All gas pipeline operators.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Total Annual Responses: 259.
    Total Annual Burden Hours: 3,108.
    Frequency of Collection: On Occasion.
    2. Title: Annual and Incident Reports for Gas Pipeline Operators.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0522.
    Current Expiration Date: 01/31/2023.
    Abstract: This information collection covers the collection of 
information from gas pipeline operators for immediate notice of 
incidents and Annual reports. Based on the proposals in this rule, 
PHMSA plans to eliminate the MFF report form under this OMB Control 
Number and have operators submit the annual total of mechanical joint 
failures on the Gas Distribution Annual Report under OMB Control Number 
2137-0629. In the currently-approved information collection, it is 
estimated that PHMSA currently receives, on average, 8,300 MFF reports 
each year with each operator spending, on average, 1 hour to complete 
each report. By eliminating this report, PHMSA plans to reduce the 
burden for this information collection by 8,300 responses and 8,300 
burden hours.
    Affected Public: All gas pipeline operators.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Total Annual Responses: 2,247.
    Total Annual Burden Hours: 71,801.
    Frequency of Collection: Regular.
    3. Title: Pipeline Safety: Integrity Management Program for Gas 
Distribution Pipelines.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0625.
    Current Expiration Date: 06/30/2022.
    Abstract: The PSR require operators of gas distribution pipelines 
to develop and implement IM programs.
    PHMSA proposed to eliminate this requirement for master meter 
operators. Based on the currently approved information collection, 
PHMSA estimates that, on average, 5,461 master meter operators spend 26 
hours, annually, developing new IM plans and/or updating their existing 
IM plans. Eliminating this requirement for master meter operators will 
eliminate recordkeeping burdens attributable to these 5,461 existing 
master meter operators, saving 141,986 hours of burden annually.
    Affected Public: Natural Gas Pipeline Operators.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Total Annual Responses: 3,882.
    Total Annual Burden Hours: 723,192.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
    4. Title: Gas Distribution Annual Report.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0629.
    Current Expiration Date: 10/31/2021.
    Abstract: The PSR require distribution operators to prepare and 
submit annual reports with summary information on their pipeline 
infrastructure. PHMSA proposed to shift the mechanical fitting failure 
form requirements to a count of hazardous leaks involving a failure of 
a mechanical joint on the distribution annual report form. PHMSA 
estimates that it will take gas distribution operators approximately 30 
minutes (0.5 hours; calculated as 13,075 mechanical joint failures 
divided by 1,446 operators times 3 minutes per mechanical joint 
failure) to add this information to the annual report. As a result, the 
burden for this information collection will increase by approximately 
723 hours. This addition will have no effect on the total number of 
reports submitted.
    Affected Public: Natural Gas Distribution Pipeline Operators.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Total Annual Responses: 1,446.
    Total Annual Burden Hours: 25,305.
    Frequency of Collection: Annually.

I. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) requires 
agencies to assess the effects of Federal regulatory actions on State, 
local, and Tribal governments, and the private sector. For any NPRM or 
final rule that includes a Federal mandate that may result in the 
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments in the aggregate of 
$100 million or more in 1996 dollars in any given year, the agency must 
prepare, amongst other things, a written statement that qualitatively 
and quantitatively assesses the costs and benefits of the Federal 
mandate.
    PHMSA prepared a final RIA and determined that this final rule does 
not impose enforceable duties on State, local, or Tribal governments or 
on the private sector of $164 million in 2019 dollars or more in any 
one year. A copy of the final RIA is available for review in the docket 
of this rulemaking.

[[Page 2237]]

J. National Environmental Policy Act

    The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et. 
seq.) requires Federal agencies to prepare a detailed statement on 
major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human 
environment.
    PHMSA analyzed this rule in accordance with NEPA, NEPA implementing 
regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and DOT Order 5610.1C. PHMSA 
prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) for the NPRM and posted 
it in the rulemaking docket; PHMSA received no comments on the draft 
EA. For this final rule, PHMSA has prepared a Final Environmental 
Assessment (EA) and has determined that this final rule will not 
significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The final EA 
for this final rule is available in the docket.

K. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)

    A regulation identifier number (RIN) is assigned to each regulatory 
action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The 
Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in 
the spring and fall of each year. The RIN number contained in the 
heading of this document is a cross-reference for this action to the 
Unified Agenda.

List of Subjects

49 CFR Part 191

    Pipeline reporting requirements, Integrity management, Pipeline 
safety, Gas gathering.

49 CFR Part 192

    Incorporation by reference, Pipeline safety, Fire prevention, 
Security measures.

    In consideration of the forgoing, PHMSA is amending 49 CFR parts 
191 and 192 as follows:

PART 191--TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL AND OTHER GAS BY PIPELINE; 
ANNUAL REPORTS, INCIDENT REPORTS, AND SAFETY-RELATED CONDITION 
REPORTS

0
1. The authority citation for 49 CFR part 191 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 185(w)(3), 49 U.S.C. 5121, 60101 et seq., 
and 49 CFR 1.97


0
2. In Sec.  191.3, in the definition of ``Incident'' revise paragraph 
(1)(ii) to read as follows:


Sec.  191.3   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Incident means any of the following events:
    (1) * * *
    (ii) Estimated property damage of $122,000 or more, including loss 
to the operator and others, or both, but excluding the cost of gas 
lost. For adjustments for inflation observed in calendar year 2021 
onwards, changes to the reporting threshold will be posted on PHMSA's 
website. These changes will be determined in accordance with the 
procedures in appendix A to part 191.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  191.11, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  191.11   Distribution system: Annual Report.

* * * * *
    (b) Not required. The annual report requirement in this section 
does not apply to a master meter system, a petroleum gas system that 
serves fewer than 100 customers from a single source, or an individual 
service line directly connected to a production pipeline or a gathering 
line other than a regulated gathering line as determined in Sec.  
192.8.


Sec.  191.12   [Removed and Reserved]

0
4. Remove and reserve Sec.  191.12.

0
5. Appendix A to part 191 is added to read as follows:

Appendix A to Part 191--Procedure for Determining Reporting Threshold

I. Property Damage Threshold Formula

    Each year after calendar year 2021, the Administrator will 
publish a notice on PHMSA's website announcing the updates to the 
property damage threshold criterion that will take effect on July 1 
of that year and will remain in effect until the June 30 of the next 
year. The property damage threshold used in the definition of an 
Incident at Sec.  191.3 shall be determined in accordance with the 
following formula:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR11JA21.019

Where:

Tr is the revised damage threshold,
Tp is the previous damage threshold,
CPIr is the average Consumer Price Indices for all Urban Consumers 
(CPI-U) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics each month 
during the most recent complete calendar year, and
CPIp is the average CPI-U for the calendar year used to establish 
the previous property damage criteria.

PART 192--TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL GAS AND OTHER GAS BY PIPELINE: 
MINIMUM FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS

0
5. The authority citation for 49 CFR part 192 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  30 U.S.C. 185(w)(3), 49 U.S.C. 5103, 60101 et seq., 
and 49 CFR 1.97.


0
6. In Sec.  192.7:
0
a. Revise paragraph (a), paragraph (b) introductory text, and paragraph 
(b)(9);
0
b. Remove and reserve paragraph (c)(7); and
0
c. Revise paragraph (e) introductory text and paragraphs (e)(11) and 
(20).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  192.7   What documents are incorporated by reference partly or 
wholly in this part?

    (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part 
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. The materials listed in this section 
have the full force of law. All approved material is available for 
inspection at Office of Pipeline Safety, Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, 
DC 20590, 202-366-4046 https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline/regs, and is 
available from the sources listed in the remaining paragraphs of this 
section. It is also available for inspection at the National Archives 
and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, email [email protected] or go to 
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
    (b) American Petroleum Institute (API), 200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 
Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20001, and phone: 202-682-8000, website: 
https://www.api.org/.
* * * * *
    (9) API Standard 1104, ``Welding of Pipelines and Related 
Facilities,'' 20th edition, October 2005, including errata/addendum 
(July 2007) and errata 2 (2008), (API Std 1104), IBR approved for 
Sec. Sec.  192.225(a); 192.227(a); 192.229(b) and (c); 192.241(c); and 
Item II, Appendix B.
* * * * *
    (e) ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and 
Materials), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 
19428, phone: (610) 832-9585, website: http://astm.org.
* * * * *
    (11) ASTM D2513-18a, ``Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) 
Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings,'' approved August 1, 2018, 
(ASTM D2513), IBR approved for Item I, Appendix B to Part 192.
* * * * *
    (20) ASTM F2620-19, ``Standard Practice for Heat Fusion Joining of 
Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings,'' approved February 1, 2019, (ASTM

[[Page 2238]]

F2620), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  192.281(c) and 192.285(b).
* * * * *

0
7. In Sec.  192.121:
0
a. In the first sentence of paragraph (a), remove the words ``Design 
formula. Design formulas for plastic pipe are'' and add in their place 
the words ``Design pressure. The design pressure for plastic pipe is'';
0
b. In paragraph (c)(2) introductory text add the words ``on or'' after 
the word ``produced'';
0
c. Revise paragraphs (c)(2)(iii) and (iv), and (d)(2)(iv);
0
d. In paragraph (e) introductory text add the words ``on or'' after the 
word ``produced''; and
0
e. Revise paragraph (e)(4).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  192.121   Design of plastic pipe.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) The pipe has a nominal size (IPS or CTS) of 24 inches or 
less; and
    (iv) The wall thickness for a given outside diameter is not less 
than that listed in table 1 to this paragraph (c)(2)(iv).

                     Table 1 to Paragraph (c)(2)(iv)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             PE pipe: minimum wall thickness and SDR values
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Minimum wall
           Pipe size  (inches)               thickness     Corresponding
                                             (inches)      SDR  (values)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1/2\'' CTS.............................           0.090               7
\1/2\'' IPS.............................           0.090             9.3
\3/4\'' CTS.............................           0.090             9.7
\3/4\'' IPS.............................           0.095              11
1'' CTS.................................           0.099              11
1'' IPS.................................           0.119              11
1 \1/4\'' IPS...........................           0.151              11
1 \1/2\'' IPS...........................           0.173              11
2''.....................................           0.216              11
3''.....................................           0.259            13.5
4''.....................................           0.265              17
6''.....................................           0.315              21
8''.....................................           0.411              21
10''....................................           0.512              21
12''....................................           0.607              21
16''....................................           0.762              21
18''....................................           0.857              21
20''....................................           0.952              21
22''....................................           1.048              21
24''....................................           1.143              21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iv) The minimum wall thickness for a given outside diameter is not 
less than that listed in table 2 to paragraph (d)(2)(iv):

                     Table 2 to Paragraph (d)(2)(iv)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            PA-11 pipe: minimum wall thickness and SDR values
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Minimum wall
           Pipe size  (inches)               thickness     Corresponding
                                             (inches)      SDR  (values)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1/2\'' CTS.............................           0.090             7.0
\1/2\'' IPS.............................           0.090             9.3
\3/4\'' CTS.............................           0.090             9.7
\3/4\'' IPS.............................           0.095              11
1'' CTS.................................           0.099              11
1'' IPS.................................           0.119              11
1 \1/4\ IPS.............................           0.151              11
1 \1/2\'' IPS...........................           0.173              11
2'' IPS.................................           0.216              11
3'' IPS.................................           0.259            13.5
4'' IPS.................................           0.333            13.5
6'' IPS.................................           0.491            13.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) * * *
    (4) The minimum wall thickness for a given outside diameter is not 
less than that listed in table 3 to paragraph (e)(4).

[[Page 2239]]



                       Table 3 to Paragraph (e)(4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            PA-12 pipe: minimum wall thickness and SDR values
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Minimum wall
           Pipe size  (inches)               thickness     Corresponding
                                             (inches)      SDR  (values)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1/2\'' CTS.............................           0.090               7
\1/2\'' IPS.............................           0.090             9.3
\3/4\'' CTS.............................           0.090             9.7
\3/4\'' IPS.............................           0.095              11
1'' CTS.................................           0.099              11
1'' IPS.................................           0.119              11
1 \1/4\'' IPS...........................           0.151              11
1 \1/2\'' IPS...........................           0.173              11
2'' IPS.................................           0.216              11
3'' IPS.................................           0.259            13.5
4'' IPS.................................           0.333            13.5
6'' IPS.................................           0.491            13.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

0
8. In Sec.  192.153 revise paragraphs (b) and paragraph (e) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  192.153   Components fabricated by welding.

* * * * *
    (b) Each prefabricated unit that uses plate and longitudinal seams 
must be designed, constructed, and tested in accordance with the ASME 
BPVC (Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels as defined in either 
Section VIII, Division 1 or Section VIII, Division 2; incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  192.7), except for the following:
    (1) Regularly manufactured butt-welding fittings.
    (2) Pipe that has been produced and tested under a specification 
listed in appendix B to this part.
    (3) Partial assemblies such as split rings or collars.
    (4) Prefabricated units that the manufacturer certifies have been 
tested to at least twice the maximum pressure to which they will be 
subjected under the anticipated operating conditions.
* * * * *
    (e) The test requirements for a prefabricated unit or pressure 
vessel, defined for this paragraph as components with a design pressure 
established in accordance with paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of this 
section are as follows.
    (1) A prefabricated unit or pressure vessel installed after July 
14, 2004 is not subject to the strength testing requirements at Sec.  
192.505(b) provided the component has been tested in accordance with 
paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of this section and with a test factor 
of at least 1.3 times MAOP.
    (2) A prefabricated unit or pressure vessel must be tested for a 
duration specified as follows:
    (i) A prefabricated unit or pressure vessel installed after July 
14, 2004, but before October 1, 2021 is exempt from Sec. Sec.  
192.505(c) and (d) and 192.507(c) provided it has been tested for a 
duration consistent with the ASME BPVC requirements referenced in 
paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.
    (ii) A prefabricated unit or pressure vessel installed on or after 
October 1, 2021 must be tested for the duration specified in either 
Sec.  192.505(c) or (d), Sec.  192.507(c), or Sec.  192.509(a), 
whichever is applicable for the pipeline in which the component is 
being installed.
    (3) For any prefabricated unit or pressure vessel permanently or 
temporarily installed on a pipeline facility, an operator must either:
    (i) Test the prefabricated unit or pressure vessel in accordance 
with this section and Subpart J of this part after it has been placed 
on its support structure at its final installation location. The test 
may be performed before or after it has been tied-in to the pipeline. 
Test records that meet Sec.  192.517(a) must be kept for the 
operational life of the prefabricated unit or pressure vessel; or
    (ii) For a prefabricated unit or pressure vessel that is pressure 
tested prior to installation or where a manufacturer's pressure test is 
used in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section, inspect the 
prefabricated unit or pressure vessel after it has been placed on its 
support structure at its final installation location and confirm that 
the prefabricated unit or pressure vessel was not damaged during any 
prior operation, transportation, or installation into the pipeline. The 
inspection procedure and documented inspection must include visual 
inspection for vessel damage, including, at a minimum, inlets, outlets, 
and lifting locations. Injurious defects that are an integrity threat 
may include dents, gouges, bending, corrosion, and cracking. This 
inspection must be performed prior to operation but may be performed 
either before or after it has been tied-in to the pipeline. If 
injurious defects that are an integrity threat are found, the 
prefabricated unit or pressure vessel must be either non-destructively 
tested, re-pressure tested, or remediated in accordance with applicable 
part 192 requirements for a fabricated unit or with the applicable ASME 
BPVC requirements referenced in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section. 
Test, inspection, and repair records for the fabricated unit or 
pressure vessel must be kept for the operational life of the component. 
Test records must meet the requirements in Sec.  192.517(a).
    (4) An initial pressure test from the prefabricated unit or 
pressure vessel manufacturer may be used to meet the requirements of 
this section with the following conditions:
    (i) The prefabricated unit or pressure vessel is newly-manufactured 
and installed on or after October 1, 2021, except as provided in 
paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section.
    (ii) An initial pressure test from the fabricated unit or pressure 
vessel manufacturer or other prior test of a new or existing 
prefabricated unit or pressure vessel may be used for a component that 
is temporarily installed in a pipeline facility in order to complete a 
testing, integrity assessment, repair, odorization, or emergency 
response-related task, including noise or pollution abatement. The 
temporary component must be promptly removed after that task is 
completed. If operational and environmental constraints require leaving 
a temporary prefabricated unit or pressure vessel under this paragraph 
in place for longer than 30 days, the operator must notify PHMSA and 
State or local pipeline

[[Page 2240]]

safety authorities, as applicable, in accordance with Sec.  192.18.
    (iii) The manufacturer's pressure test must meet the minimum 
requirements of this part; and
    (iv) The operator inspects and remediates the prefabricated unit or 
pressure vessel after installation in accordance with paragraph 
(e)(3)(ii) of this section.
    (5) An existing prefabricated unit or pressure vessel that is 
temporarily removed from a pipeline facility to complete a testing, 
integrity assessment, repair, odorization, or emergency response-
related task, including noise or pollution abatement, and then re-
installed at the same location must be inspected in accordance with 
paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this section; however, a new pressure test is 
not required provided no damage or threats to the operational integrity 
of the prefabricated unit or pressure vessel were identified during the 
inspection and the MAOP of the pipeline is not increased.
    (6) Except as provided in paragraphs (e)(4)(ii) and (5) of this 
section, on or after October 1, 2021, an existing prefabricated unit or 
pressure vessel relocated and operated at a different location must 
meet the requirements of this part and the following:
    (i) The prefabricated unit or pressure vessel must be designed and 
constructed in accordance with the requirements of this part at the 
time the vessel is returned to operational service at the new location; 
and
    (ii) The prefabricated unit or pressure vessel must be pressure 
tested by the operator in accordance with the testing and inspection 
requirements of this part applicable to newly installed prefabricated 
units and pressure vessels.

0
9. In Sec.  192.229, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  192.229   Limitations on welders and welding operators.

* * * * *
    (b) A welder or welding operator may not weld with a particular 
welding process unless, within the preceding 6 calendar months, the 
welder or welding operator was engaged in welding with that process. 
Alternatively, welders or welding operators may demonstrate they have 
engaged in a specific welding process if they have performed a weld 
with that process that was tested and found acceptable under section 6, 
9, 12, or Appendix A of API Std 1104 (incorporated by reference, see 
Sec.  192.7) within the preceding 7\1/2\ months.
* * * * *

0
10. In Sec.  192.281, revise paragraph (c) to read as follow:


Sec.  192.281   Plastic Pipe.

* * * * *
    (c) Heat-fusion joints. Each heat fusion joint on a PE pipe or 
component, except for electrofusion joints, must comply with ASTM F2620 
(incorporated by reference in Sec.  192.7), or an alternative written 
procedure that has been demonstrated to provide an equivalent or 
superior level of safety and has been proven by test or experience to 
produce strong gastight joints, and the following:
* * * * *

0
11. In Sec.  192.283 revise paragraph (a)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  192.283   Plastic pipe: Qualifying joining procedures.

    (a) * * *
    (3) For procedures intended for non-lateral pipe connections, 
perform tensile testing in accordance with a listed specification. If 
the test specimen elongates no less than 25% or failure initiates 
outside the joint area, the procedure qualifies for use.
* * * * *

0
12. In Sec.  192.285, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows


Sec.  192.285   Plastic pipe: Qualifying persons to make joints.

* * * * *
    (b) The specimen joint must be:
    (1) Visually examined during and after assembly or joining and 
found to have the same appearance as a joint or photographs of a joint 
that is acceptable under the procedure; and
    (2) In the case of a heat fusion, solvent cement, or adhesive 
joint:
    (i) Tested under any one of the test methods listed under Sec.  
192.283(a), and for PE heat fusion joints (except for electrofusion 
joints) visually inspected in accordance with ASTM F2620 (incorporated 
by reference, see Sec.  192.7), or a written procedure that has been 
demonstrated to provide an equivalent or superior level of safety, 
applicable to the type of joint and material being tested;
    (ii) Examined by ultrasonic inspection and found not to contain 
flaws that would cause failure; or
    (iii) Cut into at least 3 longitudinal straps, each of which is:
    (A) Visually examined and found not to contain voids or 
discontinuities on the cut surfaces of the joint area; and
    (B) Deformed by bending, torque, or impact, and if failure occurs, 
it must not initiate in the joint area.
* * * * *

0
13. In Sec.  192.465, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  192.465   External corrosion control: Monitoring.

* * * * *
    (b) Cathodic protection rectifiers and impressed current power 
sources must be periodically inspected as follows:
    (1) Each cathodic protection rectifier or impressed current power 
source must be inspected six times each calendar year, but with 
intervals not exceeding 2\1/2\ months between inspections, to ensure 
adequate amperage and voltage levels needed to provide cathodic 
protection are maintained. This may be done either through remote 
measurement or through an onsite inspection of the rectifier.
    (2) After January 1, 2022, each remotely inspected rectifier must 
be physically inspected for continued safe and reliable operation at 
least once each calendar year, but with intervals not exceeding 15 
months.
* * * * *

0
14. In Sec.  192.481, revise paragraph (a) and add paragraph (d) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  192.481   Atmospheric corrosion control: Monitoring.

    (a) Each operator must inspect and evaluate each pipeline or 
portion of the pipeline that is exposed to the atmosphere for evidence 
of atmospheric corrosion, as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Then the frequency of
             Pipeline type:                       inspection is:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Onshore other than a Service Line..  At least once every 3 calendar
                                          years, but with intervals not
                                          exceeding 39 months.
(2) Onshore Service Line...............  At least once every 5 calendar
                                          years, but with intervals not
                                          exceeding 63 months, except as
                                          provided in paragraph (d) of
                                          this section.
(3) Offshore...........................  At least once each calendar
                                          year, but with intervals not
                                          exceeding 15 months.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 2241]]

* * * * *
    (d) If atmospheric corrosion is found on a service line during the 
most recent inspection, then the next inspection of that pipeline or 
portion of pipeline must be within 3 calendar years, but with intervals 
not exceeding 39 months.

0
15. In 192.491, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  192.491   Corrosion control records.

* * * * *
    (c) Each operator shall maintain a record of each test, survey, or 
inspection required by this subpart in sufficient detail to demonstrate 
the adequacy of corrosion control measures or that a corrosive 
condition does not exist. These records must be retained for at least 5 
years with the following exceptions:
    (1) Operators must retain records related to Sec. Sec.  192.465(a) 
and (e) and 192.475(b) for as long as the pipeline remains in service.
    (2) Operators must retain records of the two most recent 
atmospheric corrosion inspections for each distribution service line 
that is being inspected under the interval in Sec.  192.481(a)(2).

0
16. In Sec.  192.505, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows


Sec.  192.505   Strength test requirements for steel pipelines to 
operate at a hoop stress of 30 percent or more of SMYS.

* * * * *
    (c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, the 
strength test must be conducted by mai ntaining the pressure at or 
above the test pressure for at least 8 hours.
* * * * *

0
17. In Sec.  192.507, add paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  192.507   Test requirements for pipelines to operate at a hoop 
stress less than 30 percent of SMYS and at or above 100 p.s.i. (689 
kPa) gage.

* * * * *
    (d) For fabricated units and short sections of pipe, for which a 
post installation test is impractical, a pre-installation hydrostatic 
pressure test must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of 
this section.

0
18. In Sec.  192.619, revise Table 1 to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  192.619   Maximum allowable operating pressure: Steel or plastic 
pipelines.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) * * *

                                         Table 1 to Paragraph (a)(2)(ii)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Factors,1 2 segment--
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
                                          Installed before   Installed after
             Class location                (Nov. 12, 1970)   (Nov. 11, 1970)   Installed on or   Converted under
                                                            and before  July    after July 1,     Sec.   192.14
                                                                 1, 2020            2020
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.......................................               1.1               1.1              1.25              1.25
2.......................................              1.25              1.25              1.25              1.25
3.......................................               1.4               1.5               1.5               1.5
4.......................................               1.4               1.5               1.5               1.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For offshore pipeline segments installed, uprated or converted after July 31, 1977, that are not located on
  an offshore platform, the factor is 1.25. For pipeline segments installed, uprated or converted after July 31,
  1977, that are located on an offshore platform or on a platform in inland navigable waters, including a pipe
  riser, the factor is 1.5.
\2\ For a component with a design pressure established in accordance with Sec.   192.153(a) or (b) installed
  after July 14, 2004, the factor is 1.3.


0
19. In Sec.  192.740, revise the section heading, paragraph (a) and 
paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  192.740   Pressure regulating, limiting, and overpressure 
protection--Individual service lines directly connected to regulated 
gathering or transmission pipelines.

    (a) This section applies, except as provided in paragraph (c) of 
this section, to any service line directly connected to a transmission 
pipeline or regulated gathering pipeline as determined in Sec.  192.8 
that is not operated as part of a distribution system.
* * * * *
    (c) This section does not apply to equipment installed on:
    (1) A service line that only serves engines that power irrigation 
pumps;
    (2) A service line included in a distribution integrity management 
plan meeting the requirements of subpart P of this part; or
    (3) A service line directly connected to either a production or 
gathering pipeline other than a regulated gathering line as determined 
in Sec.  192.8 of this part.

0
20. Revise Sec.  192.1003 to read as follows:


Sec.  192.1003   What do the regulations in this subpart cover?

    (a) General. Unless exempted in paragraph (b) of this section, this 
subpart prescribes minimum requirements for an IM program for any gas 
distribution pipeline covered under this part, including liquefied 
petroleum gas systems. A gas distribution operator must follow the 
requirements in this subpart.
    (b) Exceptions. This subpart does not apply to:
    (1) Individual service lines directly connected to a production 
line or a gathering line other than a regulated onshore gathering line 
as determined in Sec.  192.8;
    (2) Individual service lines directly connected to either a 
transmission or regulated gathering pipeline and maintained in 
accordance with Sec.  192.740(a) and (b); and
    (3) Master meter systems.

0
21. In Sec.  192.1005, revise the section heading to read as follows:


Sec.  192.1005   What must a gas distribution operator (other than a 
small LPG operator) do to implement this subpart?

* * * * *

0
22. In Sec.  192.1007, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  192.1007   What are the required elements of an integrity 
management plan?

* * * * *
    (b) Identify threats. The operator must consider the following 
categories of threats to each gas distribution pipeline: Corrosion 
(including atmospheric corrosion), natural forces, excavation damage, 
other outside force damage, material or welds, equipment failure, 
incorrect operations, and other issues that could threaten the 
integrity of its pipeline. An operator must consider reasonably 
available information to identify existing and potential threats.

[[Page 2242]]

Sources of data may include incident and leak history, corrosion 
control records (including atmospheric corrosion records), continuing 
surveillance records, patrolling records, maintenance history, and 
excavation damage experience.
* * * * *


Sec.  192.1009   [Removed and Reserved]

0
23. Remove and reserve Sec.  192.1009.

0
24. In Sec.  192.1015, revise the section heading, and paragraphs (a) 
and (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  192.1015   What must a small LPG operator do to implement this 
subpart?

    (a) General. No later than August 2, 2011, a small LPG operator 
must develop and implement an IM program that includes a written IM 
plan as specified in paragraph (b) of this section. The IM program for 
these pipelines should reflect the relative simplicity of these types 
of pipelines.
    (b) Elements. A written integrity management plan must address, at 
a minimum, the following elements:
    (1) Knowledge. The operator must demonstrate knowledge of its 
pipeline, which, to the extent known, should include the approximate 
location and material of its pipeline. The operator must identify 
additional information needed and provide a plan for gaining knowledge 
over time through normal activities conducted on the pipeline (for 
example, design, construction, operations or maintenance activities).
    (2) Identify threats. The operator must consider, at minimum, the 
following categories of threats (existing and potential): Corrosion 
(including atmospheric corrosion), natural forces, excavation damage, 
other outside force damage, material or weld failure, equipment 
failure, and incorrect operation.
    (3) Rank risks. The operator must evaluate the risks to its 
pipeline and estimate the relative importance of each identified 
threat.
    (4) Identify and implement measures to mitigate risks. The operator 
must determine and implement measures designed to reduce the risks from 
failure of its pipeline.
    (5) Measure performance, monitor results, and evaluate 
effectiveness. The operator must monitor, as a performance measure, the 
number of leaks eliminated or repaired on its pipeline and their 
causes.
    (6) Periodic evaluation and improvement. The operator must 
determine the appropriate period for conducting IM program evaluations 
based on the complexity of its pipeline and changes in factors 
affecting the risk of failure. An operator must re-evaluate its entire 
program at least every 5 years. The operator must consider the results 
of the performance monitoring in these evaluations.
* * * * *

Appendix B to Part 192 [Amended]

0
25. Amend Appendix B to part 192 as follows:
0
a. In section I.A., remove the entry for ``ASTM D2513-12ae1'' and add 
in its place a new entry for ``ASTM D2513'', and
0
b. In Section I.B., remove the entry for ``ASTM D2513-12ae1'' and add 
in its place a new entry for ``ASTM D2513''.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 1, 2021, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
Howard R. Elliott,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2021-00208 Filed 1-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P`