Compliance

Achieving operator compliance with the pipeline safety regulations is critical to preventing incidents. A major aspect of compliance involves regular inspections of pipeline, liquified natural gas (LNG), and underground natural gas storage facilities and, in the event of a violation of the regulations, imposition of an appropriate administrative, civil, or criminal remedy. Federal and State inspectors perform inspections of the interstate and intrastate pipeline, liquified natural gas (LNG), and underground natural gas storage operators. These inspectors also conduct incident investigations and respond to public complaints for facilities under PHMSA's safety authority.

PHMSA's regional offices inspect and investigate incidents for interstate facilities under direct Federal safety authority and intrastate facilities where a State is not participating with PHMSA through a certification or agreement.