Notice of Stay of Enforcement and Notice of Enforcement Discretion to Operators Affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
PHMSA is continuing to monitor the effects the COVID-19 outbreak is having on the nation’s pipeline operations. As a result, the PHMSA's Pipeline Safety Program issued a Stay of Enforcement to state pipeline safety program managers, pipeline operators, and operators of gas storage and liquefied natural gas facilities. The document explains that the agency will temporarily halt its enforcement of compliance with operator qualification, control room management, and employment drug testing requirements, but does not relieve operators of their safety responsibility to use trained, non-impaired workers to perform operation and maintenance tasks. The document also encourages state pipeline safety partners to consider suspending certain enforcement efforts for noncompliance in the interest of prompt and efficient pipeline safety activities related to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.
PHMSA Guidance to State Pipeline Safety Programs Regarding COVID-19
In light of the recent actions taken by federal, state, and local government agencies in response to the current COVID-19 outbreak, PHMSA is providing guidance to its state pipeline safety partners on ways to continue to effectively execute their shared pipeline safety mission. The guidance also explains actions PHMSA will take in its efforts to continue to support the activities of state pipeline safety programs during this time.
PHMSA recognizes the resources of its state partners may be limited for the foreseeable future and encourages state pipeline safety programs to consider the guidance as they proceed with their oversight activities.