Navigating PHMSA’s Gas Transmission RIN2 Rule: A Pipeline Operator’s Handbook

Navigating PHMSA’s Gas Transmission RIN2 Rule: A Pipeline Operator’s Handbook

For Pipeline Operators, adopting and adapting to PHMSA’s Gas Mega Rule Part 2, RIN2 demands a comprehensive understanding of its nuanced requirements. Let’s break down the key mandates and their practical applications:

What is RIN2?
RIN2 references PHMSA’s updated safety regulations for onshore gas transmission pipelines, incorporating lessons learned from incidents like the one in San Bruno, CA, in 2010. This final rule responds to public input, clarifying integrity management, implementing change management processes, reinforcing pipeline corrosion control, mandating post-extreme weather event inspections, enhancing integrity management assessments, and refining repair criteria for different consequence areas. Additionally, it introduces or revises specific definitions aligned with these changes.

Management of Change (MOC)
The core of RIN2’s MOC requirement necessitates a detailed process for pipeline modifications, whether temporary or permanent. To comply, operators must establish a robust MOC process for segments outside high-consequence areas (HCAs). This covers technical, design, physical, environmental, procedural, operational, maintenance, and organizational changes. Implementation in non-HCAs must be completed by the deadline of February 26, 2024, with the potential for a one-year extension, substantiated with technical justifications submitted to PHMSA.

Data Integration
RIN2, part of the PHMSA Gas Mega Rule, introduces heightened standards for comprehensive data management in gas transmission pipelines. The rule significantly expands data requirements beyond previous norms, demanding operators to integrate and manage an extensive array of over 50 data elements. This data integration must go beyond existing standards set by ASME B31.8S, necessitating the incorporation of validated data wherever possible. Moreover, stringent controls, such as subject matter expert (SME) validation, consistency checks, and spatial anomaly analysis, are mandated to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and consistency. 

Repair and Response Criteria
In addition to data integration, RIN2 mandates a unified set of immediate and scheduled response criteria, aligning requirements for both high-consequence areas (HCAs) and non-HCAs while allowing different response times. This rule builds upon Part 1 amendments, providing clear criteria for addressing cracks, including considerations for ILI (In-Line Inspection) tolerance and conservative toughness values. Moreover, it compels pipeline operators to develop procedures for conducting Engineering Critical Assessments (ECA), particularly for evaluating dents and mechanical damage, thus establishing critical strain values. These revised standards aim to enhance the industry’s preparedness and effectiveness in promptly addressing pipeline issues, fostering a proactive approach to pipeline integrity and safety management.

Risk Assessments
The bar for risk assessment will also be raised in requiring evaluation of failure likelihood and emphasizing analyzing potential incident consequences for each covered segment. Operators must also ensure the validity of risk assessment methods, ensuring consistency with industry and operator experience. This involves scrutinizing incidents, leak and failure histories, and other relevant data for a comprehensive risk characterization. Additionally, RIN2 demands sensitivity analyses to evaluate factors used in determining the likelihood and consequences of an incident. The rule compels operators to assess potential risk reduction activities, encompassing preventive and mitigative measures, anomaly remediation, and reduced assessment intervals. 

Integrity Management Expansion
Updates expand the geographical scope beyond previous regulations by including integrity assessments for pipelines located in Class 3 and Class 4 locations, as well as within newly defined moderate consequence areas (MCAs). Operators are now obliged to conduct initial assessments within 14 years from the publication date of the rule and reassess at least once every 10 years thereafter, significantly elevating the frequency of evaluations.

This expansion is driven by the need to gather vital information about pipeline conditions, including detecting anomalies, internal and external corrosion, and other potential risks. It reflects a proactive approach by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to extend integrity management practices beyond traditionally identified high-consequence areas (HCAs). By doing so, the rule aims to enhance safety measures for communities residing in moderate-consequence areas while allowing operators to prioritize safety in high-consequence areas, effectively fulfilling the directive set forth in the 2011 Pipeline Safety Act.

RIN2 and Beyond
In essence, integrating these rules demands meticulous planning, procedural adjustments, and a steadfast commitment to safety. Ensure your teams are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to comply with these regulations effectively and efficiently.

Tailored Solutions for RIN2 Compliance With MMT 
MMT understands the complexities of RIN2 requirements, including MOC processes, repair and response criteria, data integration, risk assessments, and adherence to RIN1 stipulations. We offer tailored solutions designed to assist pipeline operators in navigating and implementing these regulations effectively. 

As an industry-leading provider of pipe grade verification and toughness technology, we are dedicated to aiding pipeline operators in achieving and maintaining compliance with the evolving regulatory landscape, including PHMSA’s Gas Mega Rule Part 2 (RIN2).