RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS
Oversight and Safety Division 
Pipeline Safety Department
NOTICE TO PIPELINE OPERATORS

Gathering Line Mileage Fee and Permit Clarification

On November 15, 2021, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule titled “Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Gathering Pipelines: Extension of Reporting Requirements, Regulation of Large, High-Pressure Lines, and Other Related Amendments” (86 Federal Register 63266). 

The final rule makes changes to the federal pipeline safety regulations [49 Code of Regulations (CFR) Parts 190-199] to improve the safety of onshore gas gathering pipelines. Operators of certain Type C and Type R gathering lines are required to meet compliance deadlines in the new rule of November 16, 2022 (49 CFR §192.8) and May 16, 2023 (49 CFR §192.9). 

Due to these federal rule changes related to gas gathering under 49 CFR Part 192, the Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) would like to provide clarification regarding how to classify these newly regulated gathering lines in accordance with 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §3.70, relating to Pipeline Permits. 

At this time, and until further notice from the Commission, all pipeline facilities defined as Type C and Type R gathering lines per 49 CFR §192.8(c) shall continue to pay the mileage fee associated with Group B pipelines in accordance with 16 TAC §3.70(i)(1)(B). 

We have updated A Guide to Shapefile Submissions to reflect that pipeline facilities defined as Type C and Type R gathering lines should continue to be coded as “N” for the “Texas Regulatory Pipeline Status” required field until further notice from the Commission. To view the guide, visit the Commission’s website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/pipeline-safety/permitting-and-mapping/

If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Commission’s Pipeline Safety Permitting Section at [email protected].