New Pipeline Rules to Improve Safety, Communications Take Effect Today

Effective today, a new rulemaking by the Public Utility Commission strengthens state safety standards for pipelines transporting hazardous liquids in intrastate commerce. The new rules address several PSATS resolutions. 

Hazardous liquid public utilities will now have Pennsylvania-specific safety standards to comply with in addition to federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulations. The new rules are designed to improve communication among utilities, members of the public, local governments, and emergency responders and require pipelines to provide additional training for emergency responders. The PUC’s Pipeline Safety Section is authorized to ensure compliance with the rulemaking. 

The new rules require: 

• Notice to emergency responders within one hour of certain hazardous liquid releases that cause damage or injury.  
• Notice to local government officials and county emergency management by e-mail and to the affected public by door cards, regular mail, and newspaper notices at least 30 days before beginning construction and one public meeting at least 30 days before drilling.  
• Communication to the affected public and emergency responders at least twice a year and annually to public officials.  
• At least one annual open house for the affected public, quarterly meetings with emergency responders, and annual meetings with public officials upon request. 
• Placement of line markers for buried and above-ground pipelines.  
• Inspection of pipeline facilities in non-high consequence areas at least twice a year and in high consequence areas at least four times a year.  
• Prohibition on pipeline placement under buildings or dwellings except for repairs or replacements of existing pipelines. 

See page 61 of the November 2024 issue of the Pennsylvania Township News for more information. The rulemaking is available in the September 14, 2024 edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin at pacodeandbulletin.gov. PSATS provided input in 2019 to the PUC’s Pipeline Advance Notice of concerns with pipeline activities and the need for improved communication between pipeline companies and municipalities, as well as emergency responders. The letter is available at psats.org under Legislation & Policy and then Letters to Agencies.