USA: LNG facility regulations due for update

The United States Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a notice for a public workshop on LNG regulations to be held on May 18-19, 2016. 

PHMSA is looking to gather input and background information for the formulation of a future regulatory change, stands in the notice issued on Tuesday.

The administrator will describe requirements for transporting LNG in commerce by rail, highway, and waterway currently authorized in the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations in 49 CFR parts 100–185.

The future regulatory change will affect the 49 CFR part 193, Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities which were first promulgated in 1970’s, when the majority of plants were built by natural gas pipeline operators for ‘‘peak shaving’’ or storage for injection back into natural gas pipelines to meet peak winter demand.

Due to the changes in the LNG industry from that period to the present, PHMSA is considering updates to Part 193 to reflect advances in technologies, design, construction, materials, material testing, and to address risks associated with new and aging facilities.

LNG World News Staff