Pipeline Safety: Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities; Clarifying and Updating Safety Standards

Summary: This final rule clarifies that the operation, maintenance, and fire protection requirements of the Research and Special Programs Administration's (RSPA) Office of Pipeline Safety's (OPS) regulations for liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities apply to LNG facilities in existence or under construction as of March 31, 2000. An earlier final rule made the applicability of these requirements unclear. Additional changes to the regulations remove incorrect cross-references, clarify fire drill requirements, and require reviews of plans and procedures. Lastly, the final rule changes the regulations so that cross-references to the National Fire Protection Association standard, NFPA 59A, refer to the 2001 edition of that standard rather than the 1996 edition. These clarifications and changes will improve the clarity and effectiveness of the regulations.