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US Department of Transportation
(USDOT)
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
(PHMSA)
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"PHMSA" is an initialism, but is treated by the industry as an acronym, using this non-obvious pronunciation: fihm-suh
While "DOT" obviously could be an acronym, it is always pronounced as an initialism: dee-oh-tee
PHMSA's Responsibilities
Among other things, PHMSA is responsible for regulating…
- LNG terminal Vapor Dispersion Exclusion Zones
- LNG terminal Thermal Radiation Exclusion Zones
- Natural gas pipelines
PHMSA's website
TopThe website ( http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/ ) is a subdomain within the US DOT's website.
Pipeline Regulations
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Pipeline Interpretations with search function
PHMSA Interpretation #09-0001
Jul 14, 2009
PHMSA Response Letter
To: Legal counsel to Calais LNG
Summary: PHMSA considers the City of Calais to be a government agency under the definition of "exclusion zone" within § 193.2007.PHMSA finds the City of Calais may control activities on the Devil' sHead property in accordance with § 193.2057, but we recognize that the City's authority to legally control all activities on the land is ultimately a matter of State law. Calais LNG is responsible for ensuring compliance with the thermal exclusion zone requirements for its LNG facility and the company is not alleviated from those obligations by virtue of the fact that the City of Calais, and not the operator, controls the activities of Devil's Head. Were certain facts to change in the future, such as a change in ownership of Devil's Head or to usage of the land, Calais LNG would still be responsible for ensuring its facility remains in compliance with 49 CFR Part 193.
TopPHMSA Interpretation #PI-10-0005
2010 Jul 16
PHMSA Response Letter
To: Legal counsel to Downeast LNGSummary: Downeast LNG may use the DLNG Source Tenn Model to calculate the vapor-gas exclusion zone for the sumps at the Robbinston LNG Import Terminal. The Company must also examine the effects of jetting and flashing in calculating the vapor-gas dispersion exclusion zone for any appropriate LNG facilities, including pressurized piping or equipment, to comply with the Siting Requirements in Subpart B of 49 C.F.R. Part 193.
Advisory Bulletins
Tophttp://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline/regs/advisory-bulletin
ADB-06-04
2006 Dec 28
Pipeline Safety: Lessons Learned From a Security Breach at a Liquefied Natural Gas FacilitySUMMARY: This advisory reminds operators of the need for vigilance in providing security at liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. PHMSA's pipeline safety regulations require operators to implement security measures that deter intruders at LNG terminals, facilities, and peak-shaving plants. This Advisory Bulletin reinforces the importance of effectively implementing and thoroughly testing security procedures and systems.
ADB-10-07
Sep 24, 2010
PHMSA-2010-0226
Title: Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities: Obtaining Approval of Alternative Vapor-Gas Dispersion ModelsSummary: This Advisory Bulletin provides guidance on the requirements for obtaining approval of alternative vapor-gas dispersion models under Subpart B of 49 CFR Part 193.
Notices
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Standards & Rulemaking
Tophttp://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline/regs
Information on pipeline safety standards, PHMSA rulemakings, special permits, advisory bulletins, state waivers, notices, and interpretations of pipeline safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 49 Parts 190 to 199.
Special Permits and State Waivers
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Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
- DOT & FERC
1985 MOU: DOT and FERC Regarding LNG FacilitiesPHMSA Dockets
> All dockets are located at Regulations.gov <
Filing Comments to a Docket
To submit a comment to a docket, go to any filing in that docket and click the "Submit a Comment" button. (If no Submit a Comment button exists, try a different filing in that docket.)
Although the resulting submission form indicates you are filing a comment a particular filing number, in actuality, your comment will be appended to the end of the docket, with a new filing number. Be sure to include in your comment the number of the filing you are commenting on.
Creating a New Docket
- Instructions on Creating a New PHMSA Docket (in a separate window)
- PHMSA "shell" Docket Page on Regulations.gov (in a separate window)
- Instructions on Creating a New PHMSA Docket (in a separate window)
- Alternative Vapor-Gas Dispersion Models— Obtaining Approval
- 1993 DOT-FERC Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) re LNG & Natural Gas facilities
Color Key to Filings
Grey = LNG Project Neutral
Gold = Anti-LNG Project in Passamaquoddy Bay
Brown = Pro-LNGPHMSA-2011-0075 — use of PHAST, ODEPACK consequence model [gas vapor dispersion Hazard Zone]
Posted2011 Apr 07 PHMSA-2011-0075-0001 Det Norske Veritas
Summary: Request for interpretation.PHMSA-2011-0075-0002 Center for Applied Computing, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories
Summary: A discussion of computer program: ODEPACK - A Systematized Collection of ODE Solvers.PHMSA-2011-0075-0003 Det Norske Veritas
Summary: Documentation for proposed PHAST modeling.2011 Apr 25 PHMSA-2011-0075-0004 USDOT/PHMSA
Summary: List of 2011 Feb 25 conference call participants.PHMSA-2011-0075-0005 USDOT/PHMSA
Summary: List of 2011 Mar 9 conference call participants.2011 Apr 29 PHMSA-2011-0075-0006 USDOT/PHMSA
Summary: Requests additional information from Det Norske Veritas on PHAST model.PHMSA-2011-0075-0007 Det Norske Veritas
Summary: Responses to PHMSA's request for more information.2011 May 24 PHMSA-2011-0075-0008 Det Norske Veritas
Summary: Updated submission to PHAST-UDM vapor dispersion model.PHMSA-2011-0075-0009 Senators Olympia Snowe, John D. Rockefeller, Kay Bailey Hutchison
Summary: Senators Snowe, Rockefeller, & Hutchison ask for a rushed public hearing on vapor dispersion modeling/LNG terminal Exclusion Zones, advocating that new LNG import terminals are needed.
Webmaster’s Comments: All evidence from the Energy Information Administration, from FERC, and from the natural gas industry indicates there is a domestic natural gas glut and massive overbuild of LNG import infrastructure. New LNG import terminals are unneeded.PHMSA-2011-0075-0010 USDOT/PHMSA
Summary: Response to Sen. Snowe in PHMSA-2011-0101-0009, indicating the only two pending petitions for approving two new vapor dispersion models (PHAST-UDM and FLACS) are from Det Norske Veritas and from GexCon US.PHMSA-2011-0075-0011 Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Olympia Snowe
Summary: Senators Collins & Snowe ask for a rushed public hearing on vapor dispersion modeling/LNG terminal Exclusion Zones, especially since some LNG terminal applicants have been in the permitting process for several years.PHMSA-2011-0075-0012 USDOT/PHMSA
Summary: Response to Sen. Collins re PHMSA-2011-0101-0011, indicating only two petitions are pending for approving new vapor dispersion models (PHAST-UDM and FLACS), and the petitioners are Det Norske Veritas and GexCon US.PHMSA-2011-0075-0013 Center for Liquefied Natural Gas [CLNG]
Summary: CLNG opposes a public hearing on vapor dispersion modeling/LNG terminal Exclusion Zones.2011 Jun 02 PHMSA-2011-0075-0014 Members of Congress (8)
Summary: Letter opposing Weaver's Cove Energy's LNG transfer system in Mount Hope Bay and Fall River, Massachusetts.PHMSA-2011-0075-0015 USDOT/PHMSA
Summary: Letter in response to 8 Members of Congress' letter.PHMSA-2011-0075-0016 Ronald S. Rosenfeld, M.D.
Summary: Commends PHMSA for including public comments in the vapor dispersion Hazard Zone modeling decision making.2011 Jun 16 PHMSA-2011-0075-0017 Save Passamaquoddy Bay
Summary: Opposing US Senators and Center for Liquefied Natural Gas wanting to either expedite LNG import terminal permitting, or to prevent public comment on LNG terminal vapor dispersion models.PHMSA-2011-0075-0018 Save Passamaquoddy Bay
Summary: Requesting a regulation interpretation regarding Downeast LNG's terminal Exclusion Zone extending over highway US-1.PHMSA-2011-0075-0019 [Removed] 2011 Jun 21 PHMSA-2011-0075-0020 Det Norske Veritas
Summary: Technical response re vapor dispersion modeling.2011 Jul 01 PHMSA-2011-0075-0021 USDOT/PHMSA
Summary: PHMSA rejects the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas request to disallow public comment and a public hearing. (The public will continue to be allowed to submit comments, and there may be a public hearing.)2011 Jul 13 PHMSA-2011-0075-0022 USDOT/PHMSA
Summary: PHMSA issues its draft decision on the Det Norske Vertias alternative model for gas vapor dispersion modeling, indicating it will likely approve the model, with several conditions. Public comments are invited.2011 Jul 18 PHMSA-2011-0075-0023 Federal Register
Summary: Federal Register Volume 76, Number 137 (Monday, July 18, 2011) has published PHMSA's draft decision on the Det Norske Veritas petition for approval of its Process Hazard Analysis Software Tool--Unified Dispersion Model.
The comment deadline is August 11, 2011. Late comments may be considered, where possible.2011 Aug 11 PHMSA-2011-0075-0024 Det Norske Veritas
Summary: Comments on PHMSA's Draft Decision.2011 Oct 11 PHMSA-2011-0075-0025 USDOT/PHMSA — FINAL DECISION approving the alternative model.
Color Key to Filings
Grey = LNG Project Neutral
Gold = Anti-LNG Project in Passamaquoddy Bay
Brown = Pro-LNGPHMSA-2011-0101 — use of DEGADIS, FLACS vapor dispersion model [gas vapor dispersion Hazard Zone]
Posted2011 Apr 20 PHMSA-2011-0101-0001 GexCon
Summary: Sensitivity analysis inputs for DEGADIS.PHMSA-2011-0101-0002 GexCon
Summary: Supporting documentation.2011 Apr 25 PHMSA-2011-0101-0003 USDOT/PHMSA
Summary: Request for more information.2011 Apr 28 PHMSA-2011-0101-0004 GexCon
Summary: Petition.2011 Apr 29 PHMSA-2011-0101-0005 GexCon
Summary: Model evaluation report on FLACS.PHMSA-2011-0101-0006 GexCon
Summary: Additional information.PHMSA-2011-0101-0007 GexCon
Summary: Model evaluation report on FLACS.2011 Jun 02 PHMSA-2011-0101-0008 Members of Congress: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Sen. John F. Kerry, Sen. Jack Reed, Sen. Scott P. Brown, Rep. James R. Langevin, Rep. Barney Frank, Rep. David Cicilline, Rep. James P. McGovern
Summary: Letter regarding Weaver's Cove Energy in Mount Hope Bay and Weaver's Cove on the Taunton River, MA, and LNG transit route in Rhode Island waters, requesting a public hearing re the hazard zones associated with this project and the unprecedented 4.25-mile undersea cryogenic LNG pipeline.
Webmaster’s Comments: On Jun 13, Weaver's Cove Energy withdrew its federal permit applications, citing lack of need for the project. The Weaver's Cove Energy LNG import terminal project is now dead.2011 Jun 17 PHMSA-2011-0101-0009 GexCon
Summary: Petition for approval of FLACS as alternate model for LNG vapor dispersion. Information in addition to the cover letter is filed as Privileged & Confidential; thus, it is unavailable to the public.2011 Jun 21 PHMSA-2011-0101-0010 US DOT/PHMSA
Summary: Response to Center for LNG (who had objected to allowing public comment), indicating that public comment will be considered "in a manner that is both expeditious and consistent with public safety."2011 Jun 23 PHMSA-2011-0101-0011 US DOT/PHMSA
Summary: Enumerates 19 additional requirements GexCon must supply in order for PHMSA to determine if FLACS is a suitable alternative vapor dispersion model.2011 Aug 15 PHMSA-2011-0101-0012 US DOT/PHMSA
Summary: Draft Decision Letter. FLACS may be more suitable for use than the currently approved vapor gas dispersion models in certain situations. PHMSA is prepared to approve GexCon's Petition to use FLACS as an alternative vapor gas model where suitable and with certain limitations.
The public has 30 days to comment on whether either of the alternatives discussed in the Draft Decision Letter would have a significant impact on the human environment..2011 Aug 17 PHMSA-2011-0101-0013 US DOT/PHMSA
Summary: This notice advises owners and operators of liquefied natural gas facilities and other interested parties that the Administrator has issued a Draft Decision on GexCon US, Inc.'s petition for approval of Flame Acceleration Simulator (FLACS).2011 Sep 01 PHMSA-2011-0101-0014 US DOT/PHMSA
Summary:This notice advises owners and operators of liquefied natural gas facilities and other interested parties that the Administrator has issued a Draft Decision on GexCon US, Inc.'s petition for approval of Flame Acceleration Simulator (FLACS). The Draft Decision is available for public inspection at Docket No. PHMSA-2011-0101 at http://www.regulations.gov.[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 170 (Thursday, September 1, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54533-54534]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-22348]2011 Sep 08 PHMSA-2011-0101-0015 GexCon
Summary: GexCon provides numerous comments on PHMSA's Draft Decision regarding the FLACS model of vapor-gas dispersion.2011 Sep 26 PHMSA-2011-0101-0016 Hess LNG, Ltd.
Summary: Hess welcomes PHMSA's draft approval of the FLACS model, but indicates that it is unclear if PHMSA approves the FLACS source-term sub-model, or if the JET and FLASH utilities are suitable for use with the FLACS Dispersion Model; and, Hess urges PHMSA to explicitly accept the source-term sub-model and JET and FLASH utilities."We believe that the review of the FLACS source term, conducted by PHMSA in preparing this draft approval, is at least as thorough as the review completed by PHMSA in accepting Downeast LNG's source model (Fullbright & Jawarski, PI 10-0005) and the review used to reject the continued use of the SOURCES model (Keppel & Miozza July 7, 2010)."
2011 Oct 11 PHMSA-2011-0101-0017 PHMSA — FINAL DECISION approving the alternative model.
Color Key to Filings
Grey = LNG Project Neutral
Gold = Anti-LNG Project in Passamaquoddy Bay
Brown = Pro-LNGPHMSA-2011-0159 — FERC violation of 1993 DOT-FERC MOU
Posted2011 Jun 20 PHMSA-2011-0159-0001 Save Passamaquoddy Bay
Summary: FERC violated the terms of the 1993 DOT-FERC Memorandum of Understanding. FERC has failed since 2009 to notify the DOT of a Thermal Radiation Public Hazard re LNG and natural gas facilities that were identified in two FERC docket filings.