top of page
Search

⚖️Regulatory Landscape in Pipeline Construction

  • Shane Musgrove
  • Jul 10
  • 1 min read
ree

🏛️ Federal Oversight: PHMSA’s Role

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation, is the primary federal agency regulating pipeline safety:

  • Enforces standards under 49 CFR Parts 190–199, covering design, construction, operation, and maintenance2.

  • Conducts inspections to verify compliance and identify issues like poor welding, coating failures, or improper fittings.

  • Oversees special permits and Alternative Maximum Allowed Operating Pressure (AMAOP) rules, which require strict quality controls.

  • Partners with state agencies and industry groups to improve safety practices and share lessons learned.

🌎 Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)

Pipeline projects often trigger environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA):

  • Federal agencies must assess environmental, social, and economic impacts before approving projects4.

  • Reviews result in either an Environmental Assessment (EA) or a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)6.

  • Agencies like FERC (for interstate gas pipelines) and EPA play key roles in reviewing and commenting on these documents6.

  • Public participation is required, ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Stakeholder Engagement Standards

The American Petroleum Institute (API) recently published RP 1185, a recommended practice for public engagement:

  • Encourages proactive, inclusive, and collaborative dialogue throughout a pipeline’s lifecycle8.

  • Involves local officials, tribal representatives, landowners, and community leaders in planning and safety discussions.

  • Builds on API RP 1173 (Pipeline Safety Management Systems) to foster a zero-incident safety culture.

🏛️ State-Level Regulation

  • States regulate intrastate pipelines, often adopting PHMSA standards or imposing stricter requirements.

  • Agencies like the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) help coordinate state-level oversight.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page