US PHMSA News

OMB Updates Pipeline Incident Reporting Instructions, Clarifies Intentional vs Unintentional Gas Releases

On January 19, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget approved changes to PHMSA Form F 7100.2 instructions for incident reporting by gas transmission, gas gathering, and underground natural gas storage facilities (OMB Control No. 2137-0635). PHMSA is clarifying that gas released by relief valves or emergency shutdown systems operating as intended by the manufacturer is classified as "intentional," not requiring an incident report. Incident reports remain mandatory for unintentional releases resulting in a loss of 3 million cubic feet or more. The change is designed to eliminate data on non-safety events and provide a more accurate representation of pipeline safety for both operators and regulators.

PHMSA Safety Advisory on Winter Weather Risks to Pipeline Facilities

PHMSA issued a safety advisory bulletin on February 6, 2026, to operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities alerting them to winter weather risks. The advisory identifies four specific threats: heavy snowfall and ice accumulation, rapid winter thaw and flooding, frost heave and ground movement, and ice expansion. PHMSA recommends that operators consider accelerating field patrols, reviewing geohazard plans, and winterizing above-ground facilities. The bulletin was transmitted to the Federal Register for publication on February 11, 2026. Operators should note that advisory bulletins are guidance documents and do not impose new regulatory obligations.

PHMSA Corrective Action Order to Delfin Offshore Pipeline, LLC

PHMSA issued a Corrective Action Order to Delfin Offshore Pipeline, LLC directing the operator to take certain corrective actions following a February 3, 2026, pipeline failure in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The order, issued on February 6, 2026, references Document PHMSA CAO - Delfin Offshore 42026028.pdf containing the specific corrective action requirements. Operators of offshore and onshore hazardous liquid and natural gas pipelines should monitor for the full CAO details to understand PHMSA's enforcement posture following pipeline failures.