[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 1, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28094-28097]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-12116]
[[Page 28094]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
49 CFR Part 192
[Docket No. PHMSA-2016-0002; Amdt. No. 192-137]
RIN 2137-AF13
Pipeline Safety: Periodic Updates of Regulatory References to
Technical Standards and Miscellaneous Amendments; Additional Technical
Amendments; Response to Petition for Reconsideration
AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; technical amendments; response to petition for
reconsideration.
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SUMMARY: PHMSA is issuing technical amendments to regulations
promulgated in its April 29, 2024, final rule titled ``Periodic Updates
of Regulatory References to Technical Standards and Miscellaneous
Amendments.'' These technical amendments address the incorporation by
reference of an updated edition of industry standard, ASME B31.8S, into
specific provisions that the final rule did not update due to then-
pending litigation. These technical amendments also respond to a
Petition for Reconsideration filed on May 29, 2024.
DATES: This final rule is effective July 1, 2025. The incorporation by
reference of certain material listed in the rule was approved by the
Director of the Federal Register as of June 28, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical Information: Rod Seeley by phone at 281-513-1741 or by
email at [email protected].
Regulatory Information: Brianna Wilson by phone at 771-215-0969 or
by email at [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background and Need for Technical Amendments
This final rule updates the edition of an industry standard that is
incorporated by reference into certain specific regulations in 49 CFR
part 192. PHMSA previously declined to update a handful of those
references due to litigation challenging the underlying regulatory
provisions. The recent resolution of that litigation now allows PHMSA
to update the standard referenced in those regulations.
On April 29, 2024, PHMSA published a final rule, titled ``Pipeline
Safety: Periodic Updates of Regulatory References to Technical
Standards and Miscellaneous Amendments'' (Periodic Standards Update 1
Rule).\1\ The Periodic Standards Update 1 Rule amended the Pipeline
Safety Regulations (PSR, 49 CFR parts 190-199) at 49 CFR parts 192 and
195 to incorporate by reference all or parts of more than 20 new or
updated industry standards.
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\1\ 89 FR 33264 (Apr. 29, 2024).
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One of the industry standards that the Periodic Standards Update 1
Rule incorporated by reference was the 2018 edition of ASME B31.8S,
``Supplement to B31.8 on Managing System Integrity of Gas Pipelines''
(2018 ASME B31.8S).\2\ Although PHMSA had previously asked for public
comment on whether to incorporate the 2018 ASME B31.8S throughout the
PSRs--and the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) had endorsed that
proposal during an October 2021 public meeting, 49 U.S.C. 60115--PHMSA
did not do so in the Periodic Standards Update 1 Rule. Instead, PHMSA
only updated some of the PSR references to the 2018 ASME B31.8S because
of a then-pending legal challenge to another final rule, titled
``Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: Repair
Criteria, Integrity Management Improvements, Cathodic Protection,
Management of Change, and Other Related Amendments'' (2022 final
rule).\3\
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\2\ ASME/ANSI, B31.8S-2004, ``Supplement to B31.8 on Managing
System Integrity of Gas Pipelines'' (Jan. 2005) (ASME B31.8S).
\3\ PHMSA, ``Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Transmission
Pipelines: Repair Criteria, Integrity Management Improvements,
Cathodic Protection, Management of Change, and Other Related
Amendments--Final Rule,'' 87 FR 52224 (Aug. 24, 2022).
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Specifically, as PHMSA explained in the preamble to the Periodic
Standards Update 1 Rule, the challenge to the 2022 final rule involved
amendments to certain specific regulations--namely, Sec. Sec. 192.714
and 192.933--that referenced the 2004 edition of ASME B31.8S.\4\ Citing
the uncertainty created as a result of the litigation, PHMSA declined
to incorporate the 2018 ASME B31.8S into Sec. Sec. 192.714 and 192.933
in the Periodic Standards Update 1 Rule.\5\ PHMSA explained that it
would consider such an update in a future rulemaking action.
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\4\ Specific sub-paragraphs challenged in the 2022 final rule
litigation were Sec. Sec. 192.714(d) and 192.933(d)(1) and
(d)(2)(iv)).
\5\ 89 FR at 33270.
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On May 29, 2024, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America
(INGAA), the American Public Gas Association (APGA), the American Gas
Association (AGA), the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers
(AFPM), the Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA), and the American
Petroleum Institute (API) (collectively, the Petitioners) submitted a
Petition for Reconsideration of the Periodic Standards Update 1
Rule.\6\ The Petitioners asked PHMSA to reconsider its decision not to
incorporate the 2018 ASME B31.8S by reference into Sec. Sec.
192.714(d)(1), 192.933(d)(1), and 192.933(d)(2)(iv), which they argued
was not supported by the record, created a regulatory conflict at Sec.
192.714(d)(1), and limited the ability of gas pipeline operators to use
certain technologies. The Petitioners also filed a parallel motion to
stay the effective date of the Periodic Standards Update 1 Rule.\7\
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\6\ INGAA et al., Doc. No. PHMSA-2016-0002-0014, ``Joint Trade
Petition for Reconsideration IBR Rule'' (May 29, 2024) (Petition for
Reconsideration). On May 29, 2004, GPA Midstream Association (GPA)
and the American Petroleum Institute (API) also filed a separate
Petition for Reconsideration of the Final Rule. GPA and API, Doc.
No. PHMSA-2016-0002-0016, ``Petition for Reconsideration'' (May 29,
2024) (``GPA-API Petition). The GPA-API Petition asked PHMSA to give
operators more time to comply with the updated welding standards
under API 1104 and API 2350.
\7\ INGAA et al., Doc. No. PHMSA-2016-0002, ``Petitioners'
Motion to Stay Final Rule (May 29, 2024). The Petitioners requested
a stay of the Final Rule or, in the alternative, a stay of
enforcement. Petitioners' Motion to Stay at 4. On May 29, 2024, GPA
and API also filed a parallel motion to stay the effective date of
the Final Rule.
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On June 20, 2024, PHMSA issued a Notice of Limited Enforcement
Discretion (Notice) in response to the Petitioner's stay motion. The
Notice advised regulated entities that PHMSA would not take any action
to enforce the provisions in Periodic Standards Update 1 Rule until
January 1, 2025.\8\ On December 18, 2024, shortly before that
enforcement discretion expired, the 2022 final rule litigation ended,
effectively resolving the uncertainty surrounding the regulatory status
of Sec. Sec. 192.714(d) and 192.933(d)(1) and (d)(2)(iv).\9\
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\8\ The Notice, which expired by its terms on January 1, 2025,
is available in the docket for this rulemaking at Doc. No. PHMSA-
2016-0002-0018.
\9\ Interstate Natural Gas Association of America v. Pipeline
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and United States
Department of Transportation, No. 23-1173 (D.C. Cir. Dec. 18, 2024);
Interstate Nat. Gas Ass'n of Am. v. Pipeline & Hazardous Materials
Safety Admin., 114 F.4th 744 (D.C. Cir. 2024).
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Now that the 2022 final rule litigation is complete, PHMSA is
amending Sec. Sec. 192.714(d) and 192.933(d)(1) and (d)(2)(iv) to
incorporate the 2018 ASME B31.8S, which was previously approved by the
Director of the Federal Register for incorporation by reference in
those sections. PHMSA is also making conforming amendments to Sec.
192.7.
[[Page 28095]]
PHMSA notes that these amendments are supported by the record and
consistent with the GPAC's recommendations in the Periodic Standards
Update 1 Final Rule. This document also responds to the Petitioners'
May 29, 2024, Petition for Reconsideration.
II. Regulatory Analyses and Notices
A. Statutory/Legal Authority
This final rule is published under the authority of the Secretary
of Transportation delegated to the PHMSA Administrator under 49 CFR
1.97. Among the statutory authorities vested in the Secretary under the
Federal Pipeline Safety Statutes (49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq.), section
60102(l) authorizes, to the extent appropriate and practicable, the
Secretary to update incorporated, voluntary, consensus industry
technical standards that were adopted as part of the PSRs to protect
public safety and the environment.
PHMSA finds it has good cause to make these amendments without
notice and comment pursuant to section 553(b) of the Administrative
Procedure Act (APA, 5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.). Section 553(b)(B) of the APA
provides that, when an agency for good cause finds that notice and
public procedure are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest, the agency may issue a rule without providing notice
and an opportunity for public comment. This final rule contains
editorial and technical amendments, including revision to or
codification of regulatory language not adopted in the Periodic
Standards Update 1 Rule due to then-pending litigation, consistent with
statements in the administrative record. The technical amendments align
the regulatory text with the October 2021 GPAC discussions, the GPAC's
recommendation, and public comments received on the proposed rule.\10\
Furthermore, the technical and editorial amendments herein ensure
consistency within, and intended effect of the Periodic Standards
Update 1 Rule. These amendments will also help alleviate potential
confusion created by incorporating by reference in the PSR two
different editions of the same voluntary, industry standard. Because
these amendments are the product of an extensive administrative record
with numerous opportunities for public comment, including through
written comments and the GPAC, PHMSA finds that additional comment on
the amendments herein are unnecessary.
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\10\ PHMSA explained in the Periodic Standards Update 1 Rule
Final Rule that it originally understood, mistakenly, that the
updated 2018 edition of ASME B31.8S removed certain particular
safety enhancing provisions elements, and thus, proposed
incorporation by reference of the 2016 edition. However, commenters
explained that the standards were merely relocated and were not
deleted. PHMSA explicitly sought comment on potential incorporation
by reference of the 2018 edition of ASME B31.8S; the Petitioners
urged PHMSA to incorporate by reference the 2018 edition.
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The immediate effective date of the amendments contained in this
document is authorized under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) of the APA. Section
553(d)(3) provides that a rule should take effect ``not less than 30
days'' after publication in the Federal Register, except for when good
cause is found by the agency and published within the rule, thus
allowing for earlier effectiveness. 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). ``[T]he purpose
of the thirty-day waiting period is to give affected parties a
reasonable time to adjust their behavior before the final rule takes
effect.'' Omnipoint Corp. v. F.C.C., 78 F.3d 620, 630 (D.C. Cir. 1996).
PHMSA finds that good cause under section 553(d)(3) of the APA supports
making the revisions effective upon publication in the Federal Register
because the editorial and technical amendments at Sec. Sec.
192.7(c)(6), 192.714(d)(1), 192.933(d)(1), and 192.933(d)(2)(iv) are
consistent with statements in the administrative record, GPAC
discussions and recommendations, and advance public interest.
B. Executive Order 12866; Regulatory Planning and Review
This document has been evaluated in accordance with existing
policies and procedures and is considered not significant under each of
Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 (``Regulatory Planning and Review'') \11\
and DOT Order 2100.6B (``Policies and Procedures for Rulemaking'').
Therefore, this document has not been reviewed by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB). PHMSA finds that the editorial and
technical amendments herein, in all respects are consistent with the
Final Rule, impose no incremental compliance costs nor adversely affect
safety. These amendments are merely updates to the edition of ASME
B31.8S incorporated by reference in the PSR that could not be updated
at issuance of the Final Rule due to then-pending 2022 final rule
litigation. These amendments also are consistent with the intent of the
Periodic Standards Update 1 Final Rule as discussed within comments on
the proposed rule, the GPAC meeting, and the supporting administrative
record.
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\11\ 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993).
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C. Executive Orders 14192 and 14219
This final rule will be a deregulatory action pursuant to E.O.
14192 (``Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation'').\12\ PHMSA
estimates that the total costs of the rule on the regulated community
will be less than zero. Nor does this rule implicate any of the factors
identified in section 2(a) of E.O. 14219 (``Ensuring Lawful Governance
and Implementing the President's `Department of Government Efficiency'
Deregulatory Initiative'') indicative that a regulation is ``unlawful .
. . [or] that undermine[s] the national interest.'' \13\
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\12\ 90 FR 9065 (Feb. 6, 2025).
\13\ 90 FR 10583 (Feb. 25, 2025).
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D. Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 13272
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires
agencies to review regulations to assess their impact on small entities
unless the agency head certifies that a rulemaking will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities
including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are
independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields,
and governmental jurisdictions with populations under 50,000. The
Regulatory Flexibility Act directs agencies to establish exceptions and
differing compliance standards for small businesses, where possible to
do so and still meet the objectives of applicable regulatory statutes.
E.O. 13272 (``Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking'')
\14\ requires agencies to establish procedures and policies to promote
compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act and to ``thoroughly
review draft rules to assess and take appropriate account of the
potential impact'' of the rules on small businesses, governmental
jurisdictions, and small organizations. The DOT posts its implementing
guidance on a dedicated web page.
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\14\ 68 FR 7990 (Feb. 19, 2003).
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As explained in the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA)
discussion in the Final Rule, PHMSA found that the Final Rule would not
have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Therefore, PHMSA expects that these amendments--like the amendments in
the Final Rule--will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities. Because the technical amendments
herein will impose no new incremental compliance costs, PHMSA
understands its analysis in the Final Rule regarding
[[Page 28096]]
compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act remains unchanged.
In addition, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act do not apply when the agency finds good cause under the
APA to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment.\15\ Because PHMSA
has ``good cause'' under the APA to forego comment on the corrections
herein, no Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis is required.
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\15\ 5 U.S.C. 603-604. See also Small Business Administration,
``A Guide for Government Agencies: How to Comply with the Regulatory
Flexibility Act'' 55 (2017).
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E. Paperwork Reduction Act
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.),
no individual is required to respond to an information collection
unless it has been approved by OMB and displays a valid OMB control
number. Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(B) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d), PHMSA
must provide interested members of the public and affected agencies an
opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping
requests.
The technical amendments in this document impose no new or revised
information collection requirements beyond those discussed in the Final
Rule. The changes being made in this document will require no change to
the current reporting requirements.
F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
PHMSA analyzed the technical amendments in this document under the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) and
determined that the amendments herein do not impose enforceable duties
of $100 million or more, adjusted for inflation, in any one year, on
State, local, or Tribal governments, or on the private sector. Because
the amendments herein will impose no new incremental compliance costs,
the analysis in that UMRA discussion for the Final Rule remains
unchanged.
G. Environmental Assessment
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321
et seq.) requires Federal agencies to prepare a detailed statement on
major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human
environment. PHMSA has determined that the amendments in this document
have no effect on its earlier NEPA analysis, as the amendments merely
update incorporated by reference standards for particular provisions
that were subject to then-pending litigation that has now concluded.
H. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)
PHMSA analyzed the amendments in accordance with the principles and
criteria contained in E.O. 13132 (``Federalism'').\16\ The amendments
herein are consistent with the Periodic Standards Update 1 Final Rule,
and does not have any substantial direct effect on the States, the
relationship between the Federal Government and the States, or the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government beyond what was accounted for in the Final Rule. This
document does not contain any provision that imposes any substantial
direct compliance costs on State or local governments, nor any new
provision that preempts State law. Therefore, the consultation and
funding requirements of E.O. 13132 do not apply.
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\16\ 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 10, 1999).
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I. Energy-Related Executive Orders 13211, 14154, and 14156
E.O. 13211 (``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly
Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use'') \17\ requires Federal
agencies to prepare a Statement of Energy Effects for any ``significant
energy action.'' Under E.O. 13211, a ``significant energy action'' is
defined as any action by an agency (normally published in the Federal
Register) that promulgates, or is expected to lead to the promulgation
of, a final rule that (1)(i) is a significant regulatory action under
E.O. 12866 or any successor order and (ii) is likely to have a
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of
energy (including a shortfall in supply, price increases, and increased
use of foreign supplies); or (2) is designated by the Administrator of
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) as a
significant energy action. These editorial and technical corrections in
this document are not a ``significant energy action'' under E.O. 13211,
as they are not a significant regulatory action, and they are not
likely to have a significant adverse effect on supply, distribution, or
use of energy. These amendments are also not likely to impose an undue
burden on the identification, development, or use of domestic energy
resources pursuant to E.O. 14154 (``Unleashing American Energy'').\18\
Similarly, these amendments are not likely to inhibit the
identification, leasing, siting, production, transportation, refining,
and generation of domestic energy resources pursuant to E.O. 14156
(``Declaring a National Energy Emergency'').\19\
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\17\ 66 FR 28355 (May 22, 2001).
\18\ 90 FR 9065 (Feb. 6, 2025).
\19\ 90 FR 10583 (Feb. 25, 2025).
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J. Executive Order 13175
This document was analyzed in accordance with the principles and
criteria contained in E.O. 13175(``Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments'') \20\ and DOT Order 5301.1A (``Department
of Transportation Tribal Consultation Policies and Procedures''). E.O.
13175 and DOT Order 5301.1A require DOT Operating Administrations to
assure meaningful and timely input from Native American tribal
government representatives in the development of rules that
significantly or uniquely affect tribal communities by imposing
``substantial direct compliance costs'' or ``substantial direct
effects'' on such communities, or the relationship and distribution of
power between the Federal Government and Native American tribes.
Because the amendments herein do not have Tribal implications or impose
substantial direct compliance costs on Indian Tribal governments, the
funding and consultation requirements of E.O. 13175 do not apply.
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\20\ 65 FR 67249 (Nov. 6, 2000).
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K. Executive Order 13609 and International Trade Analysis
Under E.O. 13609 (``Promoting International Regulatory
Cooperation''),\21\ agencies must consider whether the impacts
associated with significant variations between domestic and
international regulatory approaches are unnecessary or may impair the
ability of American business to export and compete internationally. In
meeting shared challenges involving health, safety, labor, security,
environmental, and other issues, international regulatory cooperation
can identify approaches that are at least as protective as those that
are or would be adopted in the absence of such cooperation.
International regulatory cooperation can also reduce, eliminate, or
prevent unnecessary differences in regulatory requirements. The
amendments herein do not impact international trade.
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\21\ 77 FR 26413 (May 4, 2012).
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L. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15
U.S.C. 272 note) directs federal agencies to use voluntary consensus
standards in their regulatory activities unless doing so would be
inconsistent with
[[Page 28097]]
applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards
are technical standards (e.g., specification of materials, test
methods, or performance requirements) that are developed or adopted by
voluntary consensus standard bodies. The Final Rule adopted more than
20 new or updated voluntary, consensus industry technical standards.
The amendments herein do not change the Periodic Standards Update 1
Final Rule's analysis.
M. Severability
The technical amendments herein focus on specific provisions.
Therefore, PHMSA finds that each correction in this rule is severable
and able to function independently from the others. Further, these
provisions are severable from the Periodic Standards Update 1 Final
Rule. In the event a court were to invalidate one or more of the
amendments in this rule, the remaining provisions should stand, thus
allowing their continued effect.
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 192
Incorporation by reference, Natural gas, Pipeline safety.
In consideration of the foregoing, PHMSA amends 49 CFR part 192 as
follows:
PART 192--TRANSPORTATION OF NATURAL AND OTHER GAS BY PIPELINE:
MINIMUM FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS
0
1. The authority citation for part 192 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 185(w)(3), 49 U.S.C. 5103, 60101 et seq.,
and 49 CFR 1.97.
0
2. Amend Sec. 192.7 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (c)(5);
0
b. Revise paragraph (c)(6); and
0
c. Remove and reserve paragraph (c)(7).
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 192.7 What documents are incorporated by reference partly or
wholly in this part?
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(5) ASME B31.8-2018, Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping
Systems, Issued November 20, 2018, (ASME B31.8); IBR approved for
Sec. Sec. 192.112(b); 192.619(a); and 192.911(m).
(6) ASME B31.8S-2018, Managing System Integrity of Gas Pipelines,
Issued November 28, 2018, (ASME B31.8S); IBR approved for Sec. Sec.
192.13(d); 192.714(c); 192.714(d); 192.903 note to Potential impact
radius; 192.907(b); 192.911 introductory text, (i), and 192.913(a)
through (c); 192.917(a) through (e); 192.921(a); 192.923(b);
192.925(b); 192.933(c) and (d); 192.935(b); 192.937(c); 192.939(a);
192.945(a).
* * * * *
0
3. Amend Sec. 192.714 by revising the introductory text of paragraph
(c), introductory text of paragraph (d)(1), and paragraph (d)(2)(iv) to
read as follows:
Sec. 192.714 Transmission lines: Repair criteria for onshore
transmission pipelines.
* * * * *
(c) Schedule for evaluation and remediation. An operator must
remediate conditions according to a schedule that prioritizes the
conditions for evaluation and remediation. Unless paragraph (d) of this
section provides a special requirement for remediating certain
conditions, an operator must calculate the predicted failure pressure
of anomalies or defects and follow the schedule in ASME B31.8S
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 192.7), section 7, Figure 7.2.1-
1. If an operator cannot meet the schedule for any condition, the
operator must document the reasons why it cannot meet the schedule and
how the changed schedule will not jeopardize public safety. Each
condition that meets any of the repair criteria in paragraph (d) of
this section in an onshore steel transmission pipeline must be--
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(1) Immediate repair conditions. An operator's evaluation and
remediation schedule for immediate repair conditions must follow
section 7 of ASME B31.8S (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 192.7).
An operator must repair the following conditions immediately upon
discovery:
* * * * *
(2) * * *
(iv) For metal loss anomalies, a calculation of the remaining
strength of the pipe shows a predicted failure pressure, determined in
accordance with Sec. 192.712(b) at the location of the anomaly, of
less than 1.39 times the MAOP for Class 2 locations, or less than 1.50
times the MAOP for Class 3 and 4 locations. For metal loss anomalies in
Class 1 locations with a predicted failure pressure greater than 1.1
times MAOP, an operator must follow the remediation schedule specified
in ASME B31.8S (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 192.7), section 7,
Figure 7.2.1-1, as specified in paragraph (c) of this section.
* * * * *
0
4. Amend Sec. 192.933 by revising paragraphs (d)(1) introductory text
and (d)(2)(iv) to read as follows:
Sec. 192.933 What actions must be taken to address integrity issues?
(d) * * *
(1) Immediate repair conditions. An operator's evaluation and
remediation schedule must follow ASME B31.8S, section 7 (incorporated
by reference, see Sec. 192.7) in providing for immediate repair
conditions. To maintain safety, an operator must temporarily reduce
operating pressure in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section or
shut down the pipeline until the operator completes the repair of these
conditions. An operator must treat the following conditions as
immediate repair conditions:
(2) * * *
(iv) Metal loss anomalies where a calculation of the remaining
strength of the pipe at the location of the anomaly shows a predicted
failure pressure, determined in accordance with Sec. 192.712(b), less
than 1.39 times the MAOP for Class 2 locations, and less than 1.50
times the MAOP for Class 3 and 4 locations. For metal loss anomalies in
Class 1 locations with a predicted failure pressure greater than 1.1
times MAOP, an operator must follow the remediation schedule specified
in ASME B31.8S (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 192.7), section 7,
Figure 7.2.1-1, in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 26, 2025, under authority
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
Keith Coyle,
Chief Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2025-12116 Filed 6-27-25; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P