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Criteria provided within the UFC documents are aimed at enhancing fuel quality, longevity of tank and pipeline infrastructure, safety, and environmental protection. Compliance with such guidelines can improve the efficiency and integrity of fuel systems.

Compliance with MegaRule regulations for inspection practices is important for evaluating the need for maintenance/repairs and identifying potential hazards and costly corrosion problems before an issue arises or in a timely enough manner to intervene if damages occur. This increases safety and reduces risk of equipment loss and harm to the environment that may be caused by leaks.

MEGARULE

New guidelines have come into effect greatly altering the process for testing pipelines both prior to service and once in service. Our team of experts is ready to test and inspect your equipment, so that your operations remain online.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Mega Rule regulates the operation of transmission pipelines. Specifically, it determines the maximum allowable operating pressure regulations, material verification requirements, and now moderate consequence areas. The rule affects previously “grandfathered” pipelines.

When did the final MegaRule come into effect?
The final phase of the Mega Rule was officially announced at the end of August 2022. The requirements set out by the latest installment of the Mega Rule will take into effect on May 24, 2023. Now is the time to start reviewing how these latest updates to pipeline regulations will impact your current operations and programs.
What is the MegaRule?
The MegaRule is a set of regulations established by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). These regulations are aimed at improving the safety of natural gas transmission pipelines and increasing environmental protections around pipeline systems.
The MegaRule came in three parts and addresses the following:
  • Pipeline inspections to take place after extreme weather events and natural disasters
  • Increasing safety and more rigid regulations around management of change processes (MOC)
  • Definition of terms, adding new definitions, and enhancing definitions
  • Enhancements to management requirements surrounding risk and integrity assessments
  • Increased guidance for repairs, when they are needed, and maintenance checks
  • Increase regulations for mitigation timelines and corrosion control
Pipeline regulations impacted by the MegaRule
The first phase of the rules outlines new regulations for operators to follow to ensure the safety of their lines. The main part of phase 1 outlines new requirements and testing requirements for Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP). In addition, all company records must be clear, comprehensive and traceable for rural gathering lines and hazardous liquid gravity. Everything that’s in the ground must be recorded and inspected to meet these new regulations.
The second phase of the MegaRule outlines new repair requirements for both High Consequence Areas (HCAs) and non-HCAs. These regulations also require pipeline inspections to be done with 72 hours after natural disasters and extreme weather. In addition, leak detection system expansion is required to accommodate all inline inspection tools
The last phase, or third part of the Gas Mega Rule focuses in on gas gathering lines and for new requirements for emergencies. The new regulations set forth by the Mega Rule gives PHMSA the authority to address hazards and issue emergency orders. The third phase also includes more guidelines for accurate record keeping and using available data to understand and address any and all threats to safety.
Need support in becoming PHMSA MegaRule compliant?
The Mega Rule regulates the operation of transmission pipelines. Specifically, it determines the maximum allowable operating pressure regulations, material verification requirements, and now moderate consequence areas. The rule affects previously “grandfathered” pipelines.

Unified Facilities Criteria

Our team of experts is ready to test and inspect your equipment, so that your operations remain online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Unified Facilities Criteria?
Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) are documents that provide guidelines and standard procedures/protocols that apply to: Now is the time to start reviewing how these latest updates to pipeline regulations will impact your current operations and programs.
  • Distribution, storage, and dispense of fuels
  • Pipeline and tank infrastructure design and maintenance
  • Frequency and modes of inspection for fuel systems and applicable procedures
  • Requirements for record keeping (maintenance information, safety practices)
  • Safety regulations and notification of potential hazards
Keeping up with UFC Protocols
The UFC documents are regularly reviewed and updated. They are in effect upon electronic publication. Many changes in criteria seen over the years come from lessons learned from previous design, construction, maintenance, and operation of fuel facilities as well as to keep up with new technology. Other changes are meant to achieve the goal of standardization and unification between different branches of the military and other industry standards. Recent amendments to UFC have incorporated criteria from other industry standards such as Energy Institute (EI), American Petroleum Institute (API), and Steel Tank Institute.
How Hydrotech Can Help
Hydrotech will help you comply with the United Infrastructure Criteria regulations through their inspection services to keep your fuel systems up to code. Their expertise in practices such as fluid management, smart pigging, and hydrostatic testing will keep your fuel systems up to standard while ensuring safety, timely repairs and maintenance, and optimal performance.

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FAQs

What is Renewable Natural Gas?

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is a renewable, clean fuel source. RNG is a a type of biogas, or biomethane gas that is refined and cleaned to meet the pipeline-quality standards of natural gas.

How is RNG Collected?

The most common collection points for RNG are landfills, farms, and wastewater treatment. Renewable Natural Gas can also be collected from factories from industrial processes. 

Methane emissions are collected on site and go through a complex purification process before they are ready for use and considered a natural gas equivalent. 

Uses and Benefits of Renewable Natural Gas

The most common uses for Renewable Natural Gas is as an alternative fuel source. It can be used to fuel cars, for heat, and for electricity generation.

 

RNG has a variety of benefits, including environmental and economic advantages over other fuel sources. It has been linked to improved air quality and removes harmful methane from the air. RNG also diversifies our fuel sources and can improve local economies. 

How is RNG Collected?

The most common collection points for RNG are landfills, farms, and wastewater treatment. Renewable Natural Gas can also be collected from factories from industrial processes. 

Methane emissions are collected on site and go through a complex purification process before they are ready for use and considered a natural gas equivalent. 

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