Heads Up Everyone!!! The U.S. DOT Regulations for DIMP are fast approaching. Per an email that was issued by the American Gas Association recently, “AGA recently received an update from PHMSA on the final Distribution Integrity Management (DIMP) rule. PHMA met with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on September 3 to review the DIMP final rule. The OMB raised routine questions regarding cost-benefit analysis. Since there were no technical concerns and minimal negative comments in the docket, PHMSA expects little resistance to OMB approval. The final rule will be published to the federal register within a week of receiving OMB approval. The OMB may approve the rule by the end of October, so the final rule may be published to the final register at the beginning of November. The final rule amendment on couplings will be an information request notice on what information is useful to collect on coupling failures. PHMSA and state regulators will hold internal meetings on DIMP implementation in December. AGA will hold workshops and audio conferences after the final rule is published to help members review the final language and plan for implementation.”
With that said, it’s time to start making mental notes of data that will be useful in ‘knowing your system’ regarding system integrity. Data such as pipe installation dates, materials, operating pressures, cathodic protection readings, leak survey frequencies, leak grading, leak histories, etc will all be pertinent to developing an effective DIMP plan that will be in compliance with the U.S. DOT’s rules and regulations. While the specifics have not yet been released, industry experts are predicting these new sets of rules to be quite substantial to the gas distribution industry.
Remember to bookmark this webpage and check back frequently for updates on DIMP standards. Here at GDS Associates, Inc, we’re here to help your LDC comply with the DOT integrity management rules and regulations.
With that said, it’s time to start making mental notes of data that will be useful in ‘knowing your system’ regarding system integrity. Data such as pipe installation dates, materials, operating pressures, cathodic protection readings, leak survey frequencies, leak grading, leak histories, etc will all be pertinent to developing an effective DIMP plan that will be in compliance with the U.S. DOT’s rules and regulations. While the specifics have not yet been released, industry experts are predicting these new sets of rules to be quite substantial to the gas distribution industry.
Remember to bookmark this webpage and check back frequently for updates on DIMP standards. Here at GDS Associates, Inc, we’re here to help your LDC comply with the DOT integrity management rules and regulations.
-Nick
