Federal Register #PHMSA-2026-1535

PHMSA Pipeline Safety Standards Update: Incorporation of ASME B31.4-2022 and MSS SP75

This regulatory update from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), under the Department of Transportation, revises pipeline safety standards to incorporate the latest industry specifications. - Government Buyer: - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Department of Transportation (DOT) - OEMs and Industry Standards: - American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - ASME B31.4-2022: Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries - Manufacturers Standardization Society (MSS) - MSS SP75: High-Strength, Wrought, Butt-Welding Fittings - Products/Standards Referenced: - ASME B31.4-2022 (no quantities specified) - MSS SP75 (updated edition; no quantities specified) - Notable Requirements: - Updates apply to design, materials, construction, inspection, testing, operation, and maintenance of liquid and slurry pipeline systems - Aims to improve public safety, reduce regulatory confusion, and lessen compliance burdens - No specific products or services are being procured; this is a regulatory standards update - Compliance with the new standards is authorized after the comment period and required by the effective date - Scope and Impact: - National scope for pipeline operators - No significant compliance costs or unfunded mandates expected - No direct procurement, contract value, or quantities involved

Description

This Direct Final Rule updates PHMSA's pipeline safety regulations by incorporating the 2022 edition of the ASME B31.4 industry standard for pipeline transportation systems for liquids and slurries. The update aims to maintain or improve public safety, reduce regulatory confusion, and lessen compliance burdens on stakeholders. The rule will become effective on January 1, 2027, unless adverse comments are received by June 23, 2026, in which case it will be withdrawn and a notice of proposed rulemaking will be published. The standard prescribes requirements for design, materials, construction, inspection, testing, operation, and maintenance of liquid pipeline systems and aqueous slurries pipelines.

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