PHMSA Final Rule Requires Faster Notification Following Pipeline Accidents

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) today issued a final rule entitled, "Operator Qualification, Cost Recovery, Accident and Incident Notification, and Other Pipeline Safety Changes." Specifically, the rulemaking lays out a specific time frame requirement for telephonic or electronic notifications of accidents and incidents. The rule also amends drug and alcohol testing requirements, and incorporates consensus standards by reference for in-line inspection and Stress Corrosion Cracking Direct Assessment. The rule addresses mandates included in the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011. The rulemaking is scheduled to publish in the Federal Register on January 23, 2017 and is currently on public inspection. The rulemaking will become effective 60 days from the date of its publication.