PHMSA understands pipeline operators are continuing to encounter personnel and other resource constraints due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Considering these issues, PHMSA’s Pipeline Safety Program issued a Notice of Enforcement Discretion to gas transmission pipeline operators which explains that the agency will temporarily suspend enforcement related to the compliance with certain new gas pipeline safety regulations.
The recently issued Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: MAOP Reconfirmation, Expansion of Assessment Requirements, and Other Related Amendments Final Rule, requires gas pipeline operators to meet certain compliance deadlines specific to 49 CFR Part 192 by 1 July 2020. The enforcement discretion allows gas pipeline operators through 31 December 2020 to comply with these deadlines before PHMSA resumes its normal enforcement processes.