Document Date: October 1, 2019

Description:

PHMSA is issuing these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist gas pipeline owners and operators in complying with the pipeline safety regulations in 49 CFR Parts 191 and 192. These regulations were amended on October 1, 2019, by the Final Rule entitled "Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: MAOP Reconfirmation, Expansion of Assessment Requirements, and Other Related Amendments" (84 FR 52180). This guidance document was not deemed "significant" or "otherwise of importance to the Department's interests," as defined by 49 CFR 5.37. However, PHMSA voluntarily posted the FAQs to the Federal Register on January 29, 2020, for public comment, under Docket Number PHMSA-2019-0225. A public meeting was then held on February 27, 2020. In finalizing this guidance document, PHMSA considered comments made at the public meeting along with the 18 comments submitted to the docket as of March 30, 2020. This guidance document is not intended to replace or revise any previously issued guidance.

This guidance does not have the force and effect of law and is not meant to bind the public in any way, although pipeline operators must still comply with the underlying safety standards. These FAQs are only intended to clarify existing requirements under the pipeline safety laws, PHMSA regulations, and agency policies.