Federal regulators last week delayed the enforcement of safety rules for some smaller natural gas gathering pipelines by one year.

phmsa logo

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) said in its July 8 ruling that it would refrain from taking enforcement action until May 17, 2024, for gas gathering lines with smaller outer diameter of more than 8.625 inches but less than or equal to 12.75 inches.

The ruling is a victory for midstream companies with smaller gathering lines, as PHMSA in November 2021 final ruling had sought to include these lines in its regulations by May 23, 2023. Other gas gathering pipelines remain subject to the earlier date of enforcement for rules requiring gathering lines to be inspected and built to safety standards.

The enhanced...