The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has extended the public comment period on a special permit request from Columbia Gulf Transmission, LLC (CGT), a subsidiary of TC Energy. This notice, published in the Federal Register on October 10, 2025, pushes the deadline to October 27, 2025, granting an additional 15 days for stakeholders to review and comment on the proposal. The request seeks to add a new segment to an existing special permit that allows deviations from federal pipeline safety regulations following a class location change. This development underscores ongoing efforts to balance operational needs with safety standards in the natural gas transmission sector, particularly in areas experiencing population growth.
Background on the Special Permit
Special permits from PHMSA enable pipeline operators to deviate from certain federal regulations under 49 CFR Part 192, which governs the safety of gas pipelines. In this case, the permit in question, PHMSA-2008-0066, was originally issued on March 2, 2010, and renewed on July 21, 2021. It remains active until July 21, 2031. The permit allows CGT to bypass requirements in 49 CFR 192.611(a) and (d), which mandate confirmation of pipeline integrity after a class location change, and 49 CFR 192.619(a), which addresses maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP).
Class locations classify pipeline areas based on population density, with Class 3 indicating higher density than Class 2. When a segment shifts from Class 2 to Class 3 due to development, operators typically must reduce pressure or replace pipe to meet stricter safety standards. Special permits provide an alternative by imposing compensatory safety measures, such as enhanced inspections or monitoring, to ensure equivalent protection. CGT's permit covers 41 segments totaling about 27.657 miles in Tennessee, reflecting a history of such approvals for legacy infrastructure.
PHMSA's authority to issue these permits stems from the Pipeline Safety Act, as amended, which prioritizes public safety while allowing flexibility for operators. Similar permits have been granted to other companies, such as in cases involving Enbridge or Kinder Morgan, where environmental assessments and public input helped shape conditions.
Details of the Current Request
CGT submitted its request on March 27, 2024, to incorporate a new segment into special permit inspection area (SPIA) #2. The proposed addition involves 7,900 feet, or roughly 1.496 miles, of 30-inch diameter pipeline on Main Line 200 in Wilson County, Tennessee. Installed in 1965, this segment operates at an MAOP of 1,007 pounds per square inch gauge.
If approved, the total permitted segments would increase to 42, covering approximately 29.153 miles. PHMSA's initial notice soliciting comments appeared on June 26, 2025, with the original comment period ending July 28, 2025. The extension aims to allow more time for public review of the proposal and updated documents, including the existing special permit conditions and a final environmental assessment (FEA).
The FEA, reviewed by PHMSA upon receiving the request, concludes that the addition would not significantly impact the human environment. This finding aligns with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires agencies to evaluate potential effects before decisions. No further assessment is deemed necessary, as the proposal fits within the scope of the original analysis.
Comments can be submitted via regulations.gov, fax, mail, or hand delivery, with instructions to reference Docket No. PHMSA-2008-0066. PHMSA emphasizes handling confidential business information under Freedom of Information Act exemptions, directing such submissions to Lee Cooper at the agency.
Key Players and Regulatory Context
CGT, part of TC Energy, operates extensive natural gas transmission networks across the U.S. TC Energy, formerly TransCanada, has a track record of seeking regulatory flexibilities for aging infrastructure amid expanding urban areas. PHMSA, under the U.S. Department of Transportation, oversees pipeline safety and has issued numerous special permits since the early 2000s to address class location changes without mandating immediate pipe replacements.
Relevant precedents include PHMSA's handling of similar requests, such as the 2021 renewal of this very permit, which incorporated public feedback to strengthen safety conditions. Broader political forces include congressional oversight through the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act, which has pushed for modernized regulations. Industry groups like the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America often advocate for permits as cost-effective alternatives to full compliance, while environmental advocates, such as the Sierra Club, may raise concerns over risks in populated areas.
From a legal standpoint, deviations must demonstrate 'equivalent or greater' safety levels, as outlined in 49 U.S.C. 60118. PHMSA's evaluation process includes technical reviews, as evidenced by contact points like Zaid Obeidi for technical inquiries.
Potential Implications
Short-term implications center on the comment period extension, which could lead to more robust input from local residents, environmental groups, and industry experts. Wilson County, experiencing growth, exemplifies challenges in Class 3 areas where pipelines built decades ago face new demands.
Long-term, approval might set precedents for other operators seeking expansions, influencing how PHMSA balances innovation with safety. Perspectives vary: operators view permits as essential for efficient operations, citing economic benefits like uninterrupted gas supply. Critics, including safety advocates, argue for stricter adherence to regulations to prevent incidents, referencing past events like the 2010 San Bruno explosion, though not directly related here.
Environmental considerations remain key, with the FEA's no-significant-impact finding potentially contested if new data emerges. Economic impacts include avoided costs for CGT, estimated in similar cases at millions per mile for replacements, versus enhanced monitoring under permits.
Forward-Looking Considerations
This special permit request highlights the evolving landscape of pipeline regulation, where legacy systems must adapt to changing demographics. PHMSA will review all comments before deciding to grant or deny the addition, potentially incorporating new conditions based on feedback. Ongoing debates may focus on updating class location rules amid climate goals and infrastructure investments under acts like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Future challenges include integrating advanced technologies for integrity management, ensuring public trust, and addressing any appeals or litigation that could arise from the decision.