Introduction
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, announced on October 10, 2025, an extension of the public comment period for a special permit request from Portland Natural Gas Transmission System (PNGTS). This notice, published in the Federal Register Volume 90, Number 195, extends the comment deadline to October 27, 2025, providing an additional 15 days for stakeholders to review and respond to PNGTS's proposals. The request involves adding a new pipeline segment and extending an existing one in Cumberland County, Maine, allowing deviations from federal pipeline safety regulations related to class location changes. This development underscores ongoing efforts to balance infrastructure needs with safety standards, as PHMSA evaluates whether to grant the permit based on public input and technical assessments. The significance lies in its potential impact on natural gas transmission safety in a region experiencing population growth, which has triggered class location upgrades under federal rules.
Background on the Special Permit
Special permits from PHMSA allow pipeline operators to deviate from certain federal regulations when they demonstrate that alternative measures provide an equivalent level of safety. The permit in question, docketed as PHMSA-2006-24058, was originally issued in 2007 and renewed in 2023, remaining active until May 22, 2033. It permits PNGTS to bypass requirements in 49 CFR 192.611(a) and (d), which mandate confirmation of maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) after a class location change, and 49 CFR 192.619(a), which governs how MAOP is determined. Class locations classify pipeline areas based on population density, with Class 1 being rural and Class 3 indicating higher density, such as areas with 46 or more buildings intended for human occupancy within 660 feet of the pipeline.
PNGTS, a natural gas transmission company operating in the northeastern United States, submitted its latest requests on March 27, 2024, for a new segment, and on April 16, 2024, for an extension. These involve segments of its 24-inch diameter mainline in Cumberland County, Maine, installed in 1998 and 1999. The active permit already covers four segments totaling about 1.876 miles across Maine and New Hampshire. If approved, the new additions would expand the permitted area to approximately 3.259 miles.
Key Details of the Request
The specific segments under consideration include an active segment in Cumberland County, Maine, measuring 4,766 feet with an MAOP of 1,440 pounds per square inch gauge (psig), installed in 1998. PNGTS seeks to extend this by an additional 4,678 feet, also installed in 1998 but with a slightly lower MAOP of 1,400 psig. Additionally, a new segment of 2,625 feet, installed in 1999 with an MAOP of 1,440 psig, is proposed for inclusion. All segments are part of the PNGTS mainline and have shifted from Class 1 to Class 3 locations due to development, triggering the need for regulatory compliance or a special permit.
PHMSA's initial notice soliciting comments was published on June 26, 2025, with a closing date of July 28, 2025. The extension aims to allow more time for public review of the proposed actions and updated documents, including the existing special permit conditions and a final environmental assessment (FEA). Comments can be submitted via regulations.gov, fax, mail, or hand delivery, with instructions to reference the docket number. PHMSA emphasizes handling confidential business information under Freedom of Information Act exemptions.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
PHMSA conducted a review of the FEA for the proposed expansions and determined that they would not result in significant environmental impacts. The agency referenced the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), stating that the existing FEA and finding of no significant impact remain adequate. This assessment is available in the docket for public scrutiny.
From a safety perspective, the special permit allows PNGTS to maintain operations without immediate pressure reductions or replacements typically required for class location changes. In exchange, PNGTS must adhere to conditions outlined in the active permit, such as enhanced inspection and maintenance protocols. PHMSA's evaluation process includes technical reviews by experts like Lee Cooper and Zaid Obeidi, who serve as points of contact for further information.
Legal and Regulatory Context
Federal pipeline safety regulations, administered by PHMSA under 49 CFR Part 192, aim to protect public safety and the environment. Precedents for such special permits include similar waivers granted to other operators facing class location changes, often justified by integrity management programs that exceed standard requirements. For instance, PHMSA has issued permits in cases where pipelines demonstrate robust risk assessments and mitigation strategies, as seen in prior dockets involving class upgrades.
Key players include PHMSA as the regulatory authority, PNGTS as the applicant, and the public, including local communities in Cumberland County. Political forces may involve state-level energy policies in Maine, which emphasize reliable natural gas supply amid transitions to renewables. Different perspectives emerge: supporters argue that the permit enables efficient infrastructure use without unnecessary disruptions, while critics might highlight risks of aging pipelines in denser areas, advocating for stricter adherence to regulations.
Implications and Perspectives
Short-term implications include extended public engagement, potentially influencing PHMSA's decision to grant or deny the request. Long-term, approval could set a model for handling class location changes in growing regions, affecting pipeline operators nationwide. Denials might require PNGTS to invest in upgrades, impacting operational costs and gas supply reliability.
Perspectives vary without endorsement. Industry stakeholders view special permits as practical solutions to regulatory burdens, supported by data showing low incident rates in permitted segments. Environmental groups may express concerns over potential leaks or failures, emphasizing NEPA compliance. Local residents could focus on safety in Cumberland County, where population growth has necessitated the class change.
Forward-Looking Conclusion
This extension highlights the importance of thorough public input in pipeline safety decisions. As PHMSA reviews comments, the process may reveal new data on risks or benefits, shaping the final outcome. Ongoing debates center on balancing innovation in pipeline management with stringent safety standards, potentially influencing future regulatory approaches.