Objectives

The 2021 Gas Gathering final rule requires operators of all onshore gas gathering lines to report incidents and file annual reports under 49 CFR part 191, and this final rule provides for a new Type C regulated gathering line with certain regulatory compliance requirements defined in § 192.8. Type C gathering lines are defined as gas gathering lines in Class 1 locations that have an outer diameter of 8.625 inches or greater and operate at an MAOP producing a hoop stress of 20% or more of SMYS, or if the pipeline is non-metallic or the stress level is unknown, operates above 125 pounds per square inch gauge. A description of the rulemaking is provided at New Federal Regulations Add More Than 400,000 Miles of “Gas Gathering” Pipelines Under Federal Oversight .

Gas gathering pipeline operators who were previously not regulated are required to acquire a PHMSA Operator Identification Number (OpID) in accordance with § 191.22 in order to submit required reports. Operators must use the PHMSA Porta website to acquire an OpID and submit reports. For instructions and links to appropriate websites to acquire an OpID and submit reports, see information in the Resources Tab.

Compliance Timelines:

2021 Gas Gathering Final Rule Publication Date: 11/15/2021;
Effective Date: May 16, 2022
Reporting Requirements for all gas gathering pipeline operators: 

• Incident Reports: Report events occurring after May 16, 2022
• Annual Reports: 2022 reports due March 2023

Type C Gas Gathering Pipeline Operators:

• Identify Type C lines: November 16, 2022
• Compliance with safety standards: May 16, 2023
• MAOP lookback: 5-year period ending May 16, 2023

Summary of Type C Requirements in Table format (see regulatory text for specific requirements):