Archived Rulemaking: Exception From Pressure Testing; Non-Welded Tie-In Joints
RSPA has received 16 petitions for reconsideration of a final rule requiring leak testing of welded joints that tie in pressure-tested segments of pipeline. RSPA is persuaded by the petitions that because these joints are generally subject to nondestructive testing and because the need for leak testing has not been adequately demonstrated, the requirement lacks an adequate safety basis. Therefore, RSPA is deleting the requirement from the rule.