Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration June 10, 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

PHMSA is issuing this advisory bulletin to remind each owner and operator of a pipeline facility that the ``Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020'' (PIPES Act of 2020) contains a self-executing mandate requiring operators to update their inspection and maintenance plans to address eliminating hazardous leaks and minimizing releases of natural gas (including intentional venting during normal operations) from their pipeline facilities. Operators must also revise their plans to address the replacement or remediation of pipeline facilities that are known to leak based on their material, design, or past operating and maintenance history. The statute requires pipeline operators to complete these updates by December 27, 2021.