PHMSA provides written clarification regarding the pipeline safety regulations found at 49 CFR parts 190–199 in the form of FAQs and other guidance materials. PHMSA is requesting public comment on a set of DRAFT FAQs that were developed by the Working Group that was established by the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) and the Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, also known as the Liquid Pipeline Advisory Committee (LPAC). These DRAFT FAQs are intended to clarify when each of PHMSA or OSHA intends to exercise its respective regulatory inspection and enforcement authority over midstream processing facilities involved in pipeline transportation of energy products.
The intent of this guidance is to ensure that there is no confusion or unnecessary gaps or overlaps in Federal oversight of midstream processing facilities. All guidance, including these draft FAQs, is intended to be explanatory in nature.