LEPA COMMENDS PHMSA STARTING UPDATE OF TANK INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
Urges Full Embrace of Modern Technology & Engineering
Washington, DC – Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA) President and CEO Andy Black issued the following statement after initial review of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) proposed rule to update inspection requirements for breakout tanks:
“LEPA commends PHMSA for beginning the journey of modernizing its liquids pipeline inspection and maintenance requirements. PHMSA’s tanks standard is over 15 years old and reflects out-of-date technologies and approaches available at the time. As PHMSA seeks to lead the way in reducing energy costs while promoting safety, LEPA urges PHMSA to embrace the full potential of modern engineering-based safety standards when regulating reinspection intervals. LEPA looks forward to providing comments that reflect current technology and engineering capabilities that protect pipeline safety,” said Andy Black.
On Tuesday, PHMSA published in the Federal Register notice of proposed rulemaking on its breakout tank inspection requirements, which direct how and when operators must inspect and repair their petroleum storage tanks. Avoiding unnecessary tank inspections reduces worker safety threats, minimizes hazardous waste, and avoids harmful air pollutants. Industry standards recommend leveraging the latest inspection technologies and engineering analysis to determine when a tank is due for reinspection. LEPA expects to submit comments on how PHMSA can best reflect these modern approaches.