Understanding and Meeting Industry Regulation
At TRC, we’re committed to helping our clients update facility-wide policies and programs to meet industry-specific regulatory compliance standards. It is important to work with experts who understand the complex obligations and requirements of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). We ensure our clients have the tools to keep their facilities and projects updated to compliance standards from audit preparation to systems compliance.
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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
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PM2.5 Révision annuelle du SNQA
mai 7, 2024
L’EPA des États-Unis a publié une règle finale fondée sur son réexamen de sa décision de 2020 de conserver les normes nationales de qualité de l’air ambiant (NQAA) primaires et secondaires pour les matières particulaires (MP) sans révision.
Le NJDEP publie des mises à jour et des modifications sur la gestion des eaux pluviales
avril 12, 2024
Le New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) a récemment publié deux nouvelles exigences relatives à son programme new Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) qui affectent les exigences de cartographie des municipalités et le dimensionnement des nouvelles pratiques de gestion des eaux pluviales.
Les modifications apportées au Règlement sur le programme de gestion des risques (PGR) de l’EPA sont ici
avril 3, 2024
Les modifications apportées aux règlements du Programme de gestion des risques (PGR) ont été signées dans une règle finale le 27 février 2024 par l’administrateur de l’EPA, Michael S. Regan.
Are You Prepared for 2024 TSCA Chemical Data Reporting?
octobre 9, 2023
Chemical Data Reporting (CDR), like the Olympics, occurs every four years, and then most facilities move on to more pressing environmental, health and safety (EHS) matters.
Intro to NERC Regulatory Guidance on Inverter-Based Resources
août 29, 2023
As renewable energy proliferates across the US power system, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) continues to actively address reliability risks resulting from the implementation of inverter-based resources (solar and wind generation technology) connected at both transmission and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) levels.
Utilisation proposée d’un indice de danger pour le Règlement national sur l’eau potable primaire (NPDWR) sur les SPFA
avril 4, 2023
La LCM et la MCLG proposées pour les quatre SPFA, LE PFNA, le PFHxS, le GenX et le PFBS considèrent leur toxicité comme additif. L’EPA a proposé un IH de 1,0 en tant que MCL et MCLG pour les quatre SPFA combinés.
Setting the Stage for Effective Environmental Compliance Recordkeeping
mars 21, 2023
Recordkeeping is an integral component of demonstrating compliance with environmental regulations.
Equipment Decontamination and Replacement of Legacy Aqueous Film Forming Foams
Décembre 21, 2022
Legacy AFFF used for firefighting are a significant source of PFAS in the environment. With current and expected regulation, many entities are looking for replacements.
Preparing Your RMP Facility for a Future of Extreme Weather
novembre 29, 2022
Facilities dealing with hazardous materials must prepare for extreme weather events that pose a risk to their operations and the community.
NERC Releases Inverter-Based Resource Strategy Plan
octobre 25, 2022
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently released an Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Strategy, which details the steps needed to successfully integrate IBR facilities into the planning and operation of the power system. The strategy was put in place due to the rapid interconnection of IBR systems, which are extensively used for solar and wind generating facilities, including new battery-based energy storage systems and are one of the most significant drivers of power grid transformation. Because of control system inconsistencies, IBR facilities pose well-documented risks to power system reliability when this strategy’s practices are not adhered to. NERC’s plan calls attention to the need for thoughtful integration of IBRs and identifies current and future work required to mitigate reliability risks resulting from the deployment of this technology.
NERC Releases 2022 State of Reliability Report
septembre 16, 2022
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently released its 2022 State of Reliability report, which examines power system performance in calendar year 2021 and evaluates reliability performance trends. The 2022 report identified six key findings regarding power system performance that are summarized as follows:
NERC Proposes Implementation Guidance for PRC-019-2
août 22, 2022
NERC has proposed implementation guidance for PRC-019-2, the standard that verifies coordination of generating unit facility or synchronous condenser voltage regulating controls, limit functions, equipment capabilities and protection system settings.
Regulatory Compliance Items to Consider as Part of Transactional Due Diligence
juillet 19, 2022
Performing a limited environmental regulatory review can identify potential deficiencies with the environmental management of an acquisition.
Revisions to FAC-001 and FAC-002 Submitted for FERC Approval
juillet 12, 2022
Reliability Standards FAC-001-4 and FAC-002-will resolve uncertainty regarding the meaning of “materially modify” under the currently effective standards.
FERC Order No. 881-A Has Implications for NERC Compliance Programs
juin 23, 2022
Updated Order will have significant impact on NERC compliance programs related to both PRC standards and facilities ratings. Utilities should review the Order’s requirements and prepare for changes needed to remain compliant.
Climate Action and Environmental Justice are at the Forefront of EPA’s Strategic Plan
juin 14, 2022
The EPA issued its Fiscal Year 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Although the strategic plans emphases often change with administrations, we can be reasonably certain that the Plan reflects priorities through 2024.
NERC’s Revised PRC-024-3 Standard for Inverter-Based Generation Effective in October 2022
mai 11, 2022
Changes to PRC-024-3 in support of inverter-based generation performance are going into effect in October of this year. Interconnection programs and documentation procedures may need to be updated in order to maintain compliance.
FERC Issues Notice of Inquiry Regarding Dynamic Line Ratings
avril 25, 2022
There are significant technical challenges involved in implementing Dynamic Line Ratings in the planning and operation of utility systems. Utilities should be prepared to modify their NERC compliance programs as necessary to address the potential introduction of DLR in their businesses.
New NERC Guidance Supports the Implementation of Grid Forming Inverters
mars 8, 2022
NERC has issued a new report highlighting the key attributes of various inverter controls to support proper implementation and to protect reliability.
NERC Recommends Approaches for Underfrequency Load Shedding Programs
février 24, 2022
In a recently released reliability guideline, NERC recommends additional approaches for Underfrequency Load Shedding (UFLS) program design to help utilities effectively consider the effects of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). The guidance was developed to address the accelerated transition of the power system to locally installed, decarbonized resources that depend on inverters. These new technologies introduce operational controls issues into the electric grid. UFLS data gathering and analysis methodologies may require modification to address reliability risks.
NERC and FERC Recommend Protection System Commissioning Improvements
janvier 18, 2022
Between 18 and 36 percent of reported utility misoperations were attributed to issues that could have been detected through a properly implemented PSC.
FERC & NERC Issue Joint Report on Freeze Reliability Failures
Décembre 15, 2021
The in-depth report outlines twenty-eight recommendations to address freeze reliability failures, including operating practices and recommendations for NERC standards modifications surrounding generator winterization and gas-electric coordination.
NERC Accelerates Additional Cold Weather Standards Changes
novembre 22, 2021
At its November 2021 meeting, NERC’s Board of Trustees took aggressive action to advance critical cold weather Reliability Standards. Most notably, the group approved the 2022-2024 Reliability Standards Development Plan, which prioritizes standards projects for the coming years including a resolution to include new cold weather operations, preparedness and coordination standards as high priority development projects.
PRC-002-2 Disturbance Monitoring and Reporting Standard: Initial Mandatory Implementation Plan Dates Approach
novembre 18, 2021
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved PRC-002-2 in September, 2015. The initial due date for system studies necessary to identify locations for the collection of disturbance related data under Requirement R1 is January 1, 2017.
OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Heat-Related Illness and Injuries
novembre 3, 2021
On September 20, 2021 in an OSHA National News Release, OSHA published a memorandum establishing an enforcement initiative that is designed to prevent and protect employees from heat-related illnesses and death. This initiative, which develops a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on heat inspections, is an expansion of an already existing Regional Emphasis Program (REP) in OSHA’s Region VI, which covers Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
New Potential Compliance Standards Identified at FERC Technical Conference on Reliability
octobre 18, 2021
With a focus on the reliability impact of extreme weather and the shortcomings of current system planning approaches, both NERC and FERC conference participants opened the door to potential forthcoming compliance standard enhancements or changes.
NJDEP Implements New Jersey Environmental Justice Law Through Administrative Order
octobre 5, 2021
On September 22, 2021, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner announced the issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. 2021-25 to implement New Jersey’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Law. This order is effective immediately, and applicants seeking to site new major source facilities, renew major source permits or expand existing facilities with major source permits (e.g., Title V air permits) in overburdened communities are affected. There are more than 4.5 million people that live within 331 municipalities that are overburdened communities in the state of New Jersey.
OSHA Returns to In-Person Inspections As COVID-19 Restrictions Lift
août 4, 2021
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is authorized by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) to assure employers provide safe and healthful work conditions free of recognized hazards and by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education and technical assistance. OSHA has recently announced the return to in-person inspections as COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift.
TRC and T.D. Williamson Partner to Provide Safe, Innovative and Cost-Saving Services to Pipeline Operators
juillet 18, 2021
TRC is teaming with T.D. Williamson to help oil and gas clients navigate the compliance issues surrounding PHMSA’s upcoming Gas Mega Rule.
NERC Proposes Revisions to CIP-008
mars 27, 2021
NERC’s CIP-008 standard aims to mitigate reliability risks resulting from a Cyber Security Incident by specifying incident response requirements. Newly proposed revisions would augment mandatory reporting to include incidents that compromise, or attempt to compromise, a utility’s Electronic Security Perimeter (ESP) or associated Electronic Access Control or Monitoring Systems (EACMS).
NERC Releases 2021 Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Findings
février 8, 2021
NERC’s 2021 Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program reframes the previous year’s risks and their associated areas of focus. Utilities should review their compliance programs and internal controls to determine if enhancement or changes are need to maintain compliance.
2020 TSCA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
Décembre 7, 2020
Earlier this year, EPA revised the CDR rule to reflect the 2016 amendments to TSCA, including changes for foreign-owned businesses and the reporting responsibilities of suppliers and contractors, as well as an exemption for small businesses.
Integrity Dig Integrated Services
août 4, 2020
Our Integrity Engineers, Surveyors, Right-of-Way Experts and Environmental Scientists are well-versed in all phases of integrity dig programs from preparing the pipeline for a tool run, interpreting results, verifying proper repair procedures and obtaining federal and state environmental approvals. Our team includes former pipeline operators, survey experts, PHMSA and environmental regulators and trainers. We developed the current ILI training curriculum for PHMSA’s training program.
INGAA Foundation Elects TRC’s Lauren O’Donnell as Chair
février 5, 2020
The board of directors of the INGAA Foundation elected Lauren O’Donnell as its chair for a one-year term.
Targeting Perfection in the Construction and Operation of Pipelines
octobre 18, 2019
To have an impact on the delivery or operation of a pipeline, it’s vital to eliminate the intra- and inter-company barriers, including those in the areas of communications, culture and technology.
How Much Does Operator Qualification Matter for In-Line Inspection of Pipelines?
octobre 9, 2019
Successful pipeline inspectors and analysts need more than just the right certifications. Even more important is proper experience and on-the-job training.
PHMSA Publishes New Rules to Increase the Safety of Hazardous Liquid Pipelines and Gas Transmission Pipelines
septembre 25, 2019
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration this week published important new rules aimed at improving pipeline safety.
NERC Calls for New Approach to Reliability Planning Due to Gas Supply Disruption Risks
Décembre 14, 2017
A recently published NERC report concludes that as reliance on natural gas to meet electric generation requirements increases, additional planning and operational measures must be considered to mitigate power system reliability risks.