Frequently-Asked Question FAQ #84

FAQ-84: Off pipe facilities

Question: The Integrity Management Program portion of the rule [192.907] applies to all portions of a pipeline system that are in HCAs, including compressor stations, metering stations, and other equipment. What must an operator do to comply with the rule for these facilities?

Answer: The integrity assessment provisions of the rule apply only to line pipe, including pipe that may be within the boundaries of facilities (e.g., compressor stations, metering stations). The other provisions of the rule apply to the equipment in these facilities (e.g., compressors) if the locations meet the criteria to be designated HCAs. Thus, operators must consider facilities when establishing potential impact circles (the diameter of the pipe into/out of the equipment should be used), and should include in their integrity management program processes for addressing these facilities. These processes should integrate all available information affecting the likelihood and the consequences of equipment or facility failure and identify and implement additional preventive or mitigative measures to reduce risk at these facilities, if needed. An operator's performance monitoring process should evaluate the effectiveness of these processes and the risk controls that are implemented to reduce facility risk.