Texas RRC imposes new pipeline safety rules
New pipeline safety rules adopted by the Railroad Commission of Texas (Texas RRC) prohibit natural gas distribution pipeline operators from installing underground cast iron, wrought iron or bare steel pipelines.
Other new pipeline safety requirements require operators to “more thoroughly assess the potential public safety risk of gathering lines”.
The Commission adopted these amendments on December 17, 2019, which was weeks before the December 31 statutory deadline for House Bills 864 and 866 passed by the 86th Legislature.
RRC’s new pipeline rules also require natural gas distribution pipeline operators to replace any known existing cast iron pipelines by December 31, 2021.
RRC’s Executive Director, Wei Wang, said: “The Railroad Commission’s highest priority is public safety. These new amendments enhance our existing rules requiring pipeline operators to construct, operate and maintain their pipelines in compliance with Texas laws and regulations.
“With more than 469,000 miles of pipelines, Texas’ pipeline infrastructure is key to delivering energy to Texans, the nation and world. By taking truck traffic off the highways, pipelines continue to be one of the safest ways to transport crude oil and natural gas.”
According to the US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, it would take a constant line of about 750 tanker trucks a day, (loading up and moving out every two minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week), to move the volume of even a modest pipeline.
Under the new measures, gathering line operators are required to report incidents and accidents on gathering lines that result in a death or in-patient hospitalisation; property damage of $50,000 or more; or estimated gas loss of three million cubic feet or more.
Operators must also submit a corrective action plan to the Commission to remediate an accident, incident or threat that creates a public safety risk or address a public safety complaint.
For more information visit www.rrc.state.tx.us
10th February 2020
