Risk-Based Breakout Tank Inspections

Summary#

This bill would let an owner or operator of a pipeline facility use risk-based inspections to meet inspection requirements for in-service breakout tanks. The bill refers to inspection requirements under chapter 601 of title 49, United States Code, and to relevant requirements in chapter 195 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. It also directs the Secretary of Transportation, through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), to revise 49 CFR 195.432 to allow such risk-based inspections “as soon as practicable” after the bill becomes law.

What it means for you#

  • If you own or operate a pipeline facility, this bill would allow you to use risk-based inspections for in-service breakout tanks to comply with the listed inspection rules.
  • PHMSA would need to change its regulation (49 CFR 195.432) to permit these inspections.
  • No publicly available information on how the change would affect inspection schedules, oversight, or public safety beyond what the bill text states.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on costs, savings, or budget effects appears in the bill text or provided metadata.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information on supporters' arguments or reasons is included in the bill text or provided metadata.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' arguments or concerns is included in the bill text or provided metadata.