USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

PHMSA Notice of Proposed Safety Order to Equitrans Midstream Corp.

Friday, August 11, 2023

Today, PHMSA is issuing a Notice of Proposed Safety Order (NOPSO) to Equitrans Midstream Corporation, the largest partner in the joint venture constructing, and the operator of, the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) in West Virginia and Virginia. Once completed, the MVP will be an approximately 303-mile-long interstate natural gas transmission pipeline. The proposed safety order requires comprehensive assessments to identify and remediate any coating deficiencies, potential corrosion issues, and any potential land movement-related effects on previously installed pipe. The NOPSO aims to ensure the pipe has effective coating, and that any potential corrosion or land movement-related issues are identified and addressed to protect communities adjacent to MVP, and the environment.  
  
Since 2017, PHMSA has spent 229 days in the field conducting inspections on the MVP, ensuring that the pipe is constructed and installed in accordance with safety standards, including proper coating. PHMSA has focused its work on corrosion control and coating remediation for pipe that has been exposed to the elements and ultraviolet radiation in recent years.  
  
For further background, a NOPSO notifies an operator that a particular pipeline facility may have a condition or conditions that could pose a pipeline integrity risk to public safety, property, or the environment—which requires corrective action. Once issued, the operator may request a hearing to adjudicate the NOPSO or request informal consultations to reach a consent agreement that includes required actions. 

See PHMSA's NOPSO for full details.