Welcome. This site is administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and provides information concerning applications for special permits to operate certain gas transmission pipelines at pressures based on previous class location designation, under circumstances when class location has changed due to development or changes in land use near the pipeline.

The Federal pipeline safety regulations in 49 CFR § 192.611(a) require natural gas pipeline operators to confirm or revise the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of a pipeline segment after a change in class location. Provided the operator submits an acceptable application for a special permit, and provided certain conditions are met, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) may consider waiving compliance from 49 CFR § 192.611(a) for specific natural gas transmission pipeline segments. If granted, the special permit allows the operator to continue to operate each special permit segment at its current maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP). This website provides guidance and resources to operators that are considering an application for such a special permit.