Navigating the PHMSA Leak Detection Mandate: What Pipeline Operators Need to Know Before October 2024

Navigating Industry Change: The PHMSA Leak Detection Mandate

A major shift is underway in the U.S. pipeline industry. Starting October 1, 2024, all operators of hazardous liquid pipelines must comply with a new federal leak detection mandate issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR 195.134.

For many pipeline owners and operators—particularly those managing aging infrastructure—this marks a critical turning point in pipeline safety, operational risk management, and regulatory compliance.

What the New PHMSA Leak Detection Rule Requires

Under § 195.134, hazardous liquid pipelines transporting single-phase liquid constructed before October 1, 2019, must be equipped with effective leak detection systems by the looming October 2024 deadline.

Key Requirements:

• Scope: Applies to all onshore liquid pipelines operating in a single phase (liquid without gas).

• Compliance Deadline:

  • Pipelines constructed before October 1, 2019 must comply by October 1, 2024.

  • Pipelines constructed on or after October 1, 2019 should have already complied by October 1, 2020.

• CPM Systems: Any new or replaced Computational Pipeline Monitoring (CPM) components must be designed per API RP 1130 section 4.2, ensuring real-time, high-fidelity leak monitoring.

• Exemptions: Offshore gathering and regulated rural gathering lines are excluded from this rule.

Why This Matters: Compliance, Safety & Liability

Failure to comply with the PHMSA leak detection requirements can result in hefty fines, operational shutdowns, and environmental liabilities. Beyond the legal ramifications, operators also face reputational and safety risks if pipeline leaks go undetected or unresolved.

In an era where public and environmental safety are paramount, real-time leak detection is no longer a luxury—it’s a legal and operational necessity.

Enter PipeGuard: Advanced Leak Detection Without the Guesswork

To support operators during this transition, PipeSense offers PipeGuard, a next-generation pipeline integrity solution designed for full compliance and peace of mind.

Why Operators Choose PipeGuard:

• 24/7 Real-Time Monitoring – Catch leaks as they happen, no matter the cause.

• Precise Leak Localization – Reduce downtime and environmental impact with accurate data.

• False-Positive Protection – Smart alerts delivered only when they matter.

• Flexible Notification Options – Via SCADA, email, SMS, and web apps.

• Cybersecure and Scalable – Built to meet the most rigorous IT and operational standards.

PipeGuard seamlessly integrates with existing pipeline infrastructure and is ideal for operators with complex networks across North America—from the Permian Basin to the Midwest and Gulf Coast.

Countdown to Compliance: Don’t Wait Until Q4

With less than six months to meet the federal deadline, pipeline operators must act quickly to:

• Assess current compliance status

• Identify gaps in existing leak detection coverage

• Implement and test approved CPM systems

PipeSense is actively working with operators nationwide to prepare for this regulatory milestone. Whether you manage legacy assets or oversee new builds, we can help ensure full compliance while optimizing safety and uptime.