Opportunity
Federal Register #PHMSA-2026-1554
Proposed Rule: Standardized Valve Inspection Intervals for Hazardous Liquid and CO2 Pipelines
Buyer
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Posted
April 24, 2026
Respond By
June 23, 2026
Identifier
PHMSA-2026-1554
This proposed rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) aims to standardize valve inspection intervals for hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipelines: - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named, as this is a regulatory proposal affecting pipeline operators - Products/Services Requested: - Valve inspection service for mainline valves on hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipelines - Includes partial operation of rupture-mitigation valves (RMVs) with at least 25% closure - Required at least once per calendar year, with intervals not exceeding 15 months - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Harmonizes inspection intervals with those for gas transmission pipelines - Applies to 554 hazardous liquid and CO2 pipeline operators and 1,040 gas transmission pipeline operators (including 124 with both system types) - Estimated annual cost impact: $377,147 - No procurement of goods or services; this is a regulatory change - Place of Performance/Delivery: - Nationwide impact on pipeline operators - PHMSA headquarters: 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
Description
This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposes to allow operators of hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipelines to determine a valve inspection schedule with a maximum valve inspection interval of 1 year, not to exceed 15 months. The proposal aims to harmonize valve inspection intervals between hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines to simplify compliance and reduce regulatory burdens. The rule would require inspection of each mainline valve at least once each calendar year, but at intervals not exceeding 15 months, with partial operation of rupture-mitigation valves. The NPRM is expected to result in cost savings without compromising safety.