Pipeline Safety: Passage of Internal Inspection Devices

Summary: The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) published a regulation requiring that new gas transmission lines and sections of existing transmission lines in which pipe or components are replaced be designed and constructed to accommodate the passage of instrumented internal inspection devices. Responding to petitions for reconsideration, RSPA stayed enforcement on some facilities and invited comments on proposed changes to the regulation. The present action concludes our consideration of the petitions and comments. For existing onshore transmission lines, this action restricts the regulation to replacements of pipe or components. For offshore transmission lines, the regulation is restricted to certain new lines that run between platforms or from platforms to shore. The action aligns the regulation with the supporting congressional directive and a related Marine Board recommendation.