Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration December 13, 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

PHMSA is issuing this advisory bulletin to remind gas transmission pipeline operators of certain previously issued guidance and provide operators with additional guidance for the identification of High Consequence Areas (HCAs) along pipeline right-of-ways. This advisory bulletin provides suggestions for accurately mapping and integrating HCA data, documenting how mapping systems are used, periodically verifying and updating their mapping systems, utilizing buffer zones (tolerances) to provide additional protection around the calculated potential impact radius (PIR) along their pipelines, and ensuring the accuracy of class locations. The bulletin emphasizes that HCA identification relies on pipeline-specific information regarding the location, size, and operating characteristics of the line, as well as the identification of structures, specified sites, and their intended usage along the pipeline right-of-way.