PHMSA Committee to Discuss Proposed Pipeline Rules

The Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) will hold a 5-day public meeting to discuss proposed rules related to pipeline leak detection and repair (LDAR) and pipeline "class locations." More detail about each rule can be found below. Formally, GPAC is known as the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee.

The meeting takes place from November 27 to December 1. Public registration ends November 20. After the meeting, PHMSA will take comments until January 5, 2024.

Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair

88 FR 31890 (May 18, 2023) 

The “Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair” rule aims to reduce methane emissions from pipeline and pipeline equipment and storage facilities. To do so, the rule proposes bolstered leak detection and repair (LDAR) requirements and expanded reporting requirements.

More on this rule: Rules Proposed to Reduce Methane Emissions from Pipelines, Equipment.

Class Location Change Requirements

85 FR 65142 (October 14, 2020) 

The “Class Location Change Requirements” rule aims to reduce the financial burden on pipeline operators who, under the current rules, must make changes to segments of pipeline when an increase in the area’s population density raises its class location from a Class 1 to a Class 3.

While maintaining public safety, the proposed rule would allow some operators to abide by additional repair and monitoring criteria for Class-1-strength segments in Class 3 areas rather than replacing pipelines to meet stricter standards. This rule would not apply to jumps from Class 1 to Class 4 or Class 2 to Class 4 due to the high population density of Class 4 areas.

Find a Lion Workshop Near You

Attend a Lion workshop this year for the engaging, lively classroom-style training experience that only Lion instructors deliver. Catch these DOT, IATA, and RCRA hazardous waste workshops in a city near you—check the schedule on each page for what's coming up next. 

Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)
Hazmat Air Shipper Certification (IATA) 

RCRA Hazardous Waste Management 
Texas Hazardous & Industrial Waste Management (In Texas Only)