PHMSA's staff continues to keep those affected by the devastating storm and its ongoing aftermath in their hearts and thoughts as they deal with the difficult circumstances created by this tragic event. As part of its efforts to assist with disaster relief activities, PHMSA established this webpage to provide critical information regarding its pipeline and hazardous materials safety programs. PHMSA will continue to update this page with new information as more activities develop.

Pipeline Operations

PHMSA’s Office of Pipeline Safety continues to be in contact with pipeline operators in the path of Hurricane Harvey. Operators continue to aggressively implement their hurricane preparedness plans, and are taking actions to minimize the impact of the storm. Contractors are poised to begin post storm inspections of the pipeline infrastructure, which include aerial inspection by helicopter as soon as possible. PHMSA will be working with operators to discuss and potentially delay or reschedule planned inspections of pipeline systems and facilities impacted by the hurricane. Additionally, PHMSA recently issued a Stay of Enforcement for affected operators alerting them that the agency will temporarily halt its enforcement of operator compliance with certain operator qualification requirements. Several advisory bulletins issued by PHMSA in the past are available for reference to further assist pipeline operators in their efforts to respond to emergency situations and ensure they remain in compliance with Federal pipeline safety regulations.

PHMSA's Office of Pipeline Safety continues to work closely with the Department of Energy and Department of Homeland Security to monitor the status of the critical infrastructure in the impacted areas.

For those needing to access critical underground infrastructure in the immediate Houston area or surrounding provinces/counties, PHMSA encourages a call to 811 prior to beginning any digging project. Visit the Texas Call 811 or the Common Ground Alliance web pages for more information.

Additionally, PHMSA is aware that some operators may need to extend the hours-of-service for pipeline controllers for a variety of reasons, such as if other controllers are unable to get to the office or are handling their own flooding issues at home. Guidance on pipeline operator hours-of-service requirements is available HERE.

Emergency Special Permits

PHMSA continues to be prepared to respond to requests for emergency special permits to assist in disaster relief efforts being conducted in response to Hurricane Harvey. PHMSA special permits allow the transportation of products in situations where it may not be possible for Government or industry to comply with specific Federal Hazardous Materials or Pipeline Safety requirements, such as for certain military operations, recovery from natural disasters or terrorist events, or to permit the use of innovative technologies not yet accommodated in the regulations. Issuing special permits allow PHMSA to address unexpected transportation situations and/or minimize unnecessary delays of shipments that could be detrimental to safety or the economy.

To learn more about obtaining an emergency special permit, click HERE.

To learn more about obtaining a pipeline safety emergency special permit, click HERE.

For additional information regarding emergency hazardous materials transport please call the offices below:

• Hazardous Materials Information Center: 800-467-4922
• Approvals and Permits Division: 202-366-4535
• Office of Pipeline Safety: 202-366-4595

Unauthorized Usage of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warns unauthorized drone operators that they may be subject to significant fines if they interfere with emergency response operations. Flying a drone without authorization in or near the disaster area may violate federal, state, or local laws and ordinances, even if a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is not in place. Allow first responders to save lives and property without interference.

In certain cases, FAA rules will allow the operation of a UAS to support activities which answer significant and urgent government interests. See FAA Special Government Interest Addendum for more details.