PHMSA Updates Pipeline Safety Regulations: Key Changes and Actions
Presented by TrueComply
Executive Summary
On July 1, 2025, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued technical amendments to its April 29, 2024, final rule, updating the incorporation of the ASME B31.8S standard to its 2018 edition and addressing a May 29, 2024, Petition for Reconsideration. Effective July 1, 2025, these changes enhance pipeline safety by aligning regulations with modern industry standards. Here’s what changed and what pipeline operators should do to ensure compliance.
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1. Incorporation of ASME B31.8S-2018 Standard
What Changed?
The amendments update the incorporation by reference (IBR) of ASME B31.8S, "Managing System Integrity of Gas Pipelines," from the 2004 to the 2018 edition in 49 CFR Part 192 provisions. This resolves omissions from the April 2024 rule, caused by prior litigation, and incorporates updated integrity management practices for gas pipelines.What Should I Do?
Obtain and review the 2018 edition of ASME B31.8S via ASME or authorized platforms.
Update integrity management plans to align with the 2018 standard, focusing on risk assessment, inspection, and remediation.
Train engineers and inspectors on the new requirements by Q3 2025 to meet the July 1, 2025, effective date.
2. Response to Petition for Reconsideration
What Changed?
The amendments address a May 29, 2024, Petition for Reconsideration from industry groups (INGAA, GPA Midstream, and API), updating references to ASME B31.8S in sections like § 192.714 and § 192.933 to the 2018 edition for consistency across regulations.What Should I Do?
Verify all references to ASME B31.8S in compliance documents, especially in § 192.714 (repair criteria) and § 192.933 (high-consequence area repairs), against the 2018 edition.
Revise internal repair and maintenance procedures to reflect the updated standard.
Keep detailed records of changes for PHMSA audits.
3. Effective Date and Compliance Timeline
What Changed?
The final rule takes effect on July 1, 2025, with the incorporation by reference approved by the Federal Register Director as of June 28, 2024, giving operators time to adopt the updated standards.What Should I Do?
Create a compliance plan with milestones to complete standard adoption and training by June 2025.
Contact PHMSA’s technical (Rod Seeley, 281-513-1741, rodrick.m.seeley@dot.gov) or regulatory (Brianna Wilson, 771-215-0969, brianna.wilson@dot.gov) staff for guidance.
Monitor the Federal Register and PHMSA’s website for additional updates before the effective date.
Read: PHMSA seeks to streamline pipeline safety regulations
PHMSA’s amendments strengthen pipeline safety by adopting ASME B31.8S-2018 and addressing industry feedback. Operators must review the updated standard, revise plans, and ensure compliance by July 1, 2025, to maintain regulatory adherence and enhance gas pipeline safety. For details, see the Federal Register notice (Docket No. PHMSA-2016-0002).