PAPGA News

DOT Halts 10-Year Cylinder Requalification Enforcement

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DOT Halts 10-Year Cylinder Requalification Enforcement Pending Further Review

NPGA has received formal notice from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) that the agency will not take enforcement action against the requalification of DOT-specification cylinders by volumetric testing according to a 12-year period, as previously authorized in 49 CFR 180.209(e). PHMSA will allow either a 12 or 10 year requalification period for volumetric expansion testing while the agency reviews NPGA’s Petition to return the cylinder requalification period to 12 years. A copy of the Enforcement Notification is available through the membership portal of the NPGA website. Members are encouraged to retain a copy of the notice.

NPGA argued for PHMSA to halt enforcement of the change in the requalification period and challenged the validity of the rulemaking that reduced the requalification period to 10 years. PHMSA formally accepted NPGA’s Petition for Rulemaking to return the cylinder requalification period to 12 years, in conjunction with the Enforcement Notice, and in doing so, the agency’s action initiates the rulemaking process; it is not a final rule. The next step in the rulemaking process is publication of the rulemaking in the Federal Register.

As we reported previously, as part of a broader rulemaking, PHMSA changed 49 CFR 180.209(e) to reduce the initial requalification period for DOT cylinders following volumetric expansion testing from 12 years to 10 years and to increase the timeframe for requalification following a proof pressure test from 7 years to 10 years. Nowhere, in either the proposed rule or final rule, did PHMSA provide any rationale or substantiation for the changes or address them in any form.

In response, NPGA aggressively pursued this issue with PHMSA and engaged the support of members of Congress as well as prepared legal measures in order to secure a correction to this substantive, yet unjustified change to industry practice. NPGA continues to communicate with PHMSA on final correction to return to the 12 year period through the rulemaking process. NPGA will continue to keep you apprised of developments.

If you have any questions, please contact Mike Caldarera at mcaldarera@npga.org or Sarah Reboli at sreboli@npga.org.

Mariner East 2 Pipeline Project Gains DEP Permits

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The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA) today issued the following statement after the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued permits late Monday, Feb. 13 that will allow construction to begin on the Mariner East 2 pipeline project:

“The Mariner East 2 pipeline project will benefit our industry by bringing more product to market, which will help the communities we serve and the customers who rely on us. The project also will bring thousands of construction jobs that will provide a boost all along the pipeline route and across the state. This is a unique opportunity for our commonwealth. Since our founding in 1947, PAPGA has made education and safety our top priority. We appreciate the work DEP has done to review this project, and we’re happy with the agency’s vote of confidence, knowing that this pipeline will be developed responsibly and operated safely for the benefit of all Pennsylvania.”

– Mark Delehanty, PAPGA Board of Director, Independence Propane, Green Lane, PA

The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA) is a member-focused trade association providing services that communicate, educate and promote the propane industry in Pennsylvania. The association was formed in 1947 to offer opportunities to learn through training and networking with peers, and to aid with legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry. PAPGA continues to focus on education, networking and representing the interest of Pennsylvania’s propane businesses to the government, while assisting members in remaining current on topics vital to the propane industry. The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association is affiliated with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC).

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Deep Frying Tips from PA Propane Gas Association

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Deep-fried turkey is popular for Thanksgiving. When safely done, it’s a fun and tasty experience for the whole family. However, when proper precautions are not taken, deep frying a turkey can be dangerous. 

The members of Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association want to help ensure that your family and friends have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Here are a few tips from our propane experts:

Buy the right equipment
Your pot should be at least 30 quarts. Your propane burner and stand must be sturdy, capable of holding the weight of the heavy pot, gallons of oil and a bird. We recommend buying a turkey fryer kit that includes the hanger and thermometer. 
 
Smaller turkeys (8-10 lbs.) and turkey parts are best for frying. If a bigger turkey is needed, detach the dark meat from the breast and fry the sections separately.
 
Properly thaw your turkey
Completely thaw (USDA recommends 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs.) and dry turkey before submerging in fryer, as partially frozen or wet turkeys can produce excessive hot oil splatter.
 
How much oil do you need?
While estimating just how much oil can be difficult, it is absolutely imperative to not overfill your pot.  Follow these steps:                 

  • Place the turkey in an empty fryer
  • Fill the fryer with water until the level is ½ inch above submerged turkey
  • Remove and dry the turkey
  • Mark the water level after the turkey has been taken out and dump the water
  • Dry the pot and refill with oil to the marked level
Speaking of oil, most deep-fryer accidents occur while the oil is being heated. For this reason, it is very important to monitor the temperature of the oil closely. If any smoke at all is noticed rising from a heating pot of oil, the burner should be turned off immediately because the oil is overheated (the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire).
 
Be Prepared
Protect bare skin by wearing long gloves when handling a hot turkey. Since you are dealing with hot oil, you cannot put out potential fires with water. Water will spread the fire. Have a fire extinguisher (multipurpose, dry powder) ready at all times in the event the oil ignites.
 
Final tip: Use common sense
While this list may seem long, deep frying a turkey is a great way to shake up your holiday traditions. A little common sense will go a long way in terms of safety; never leave the fryer unattended.; keep your pot on a level surface, do not fry your turkey on or under a garage, breezeway, carport or porch; towards the end of a driveway is he safest; and place fryer in full view and in an open area away from all walls, fences, or other structures (especially wooden decks).
 
 To answer any questions or to find local propane professionals who service your area are click this link.

 

2016 Football Sweepstakes Winner Announced

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Jennifer Sek of Bethlehem, PA has been named the Grand Prize Winner in the PAPGA 2016 Football Sweepstakes!

Jennifer’s name was randomly selected from just over 700 entries this year. We would like to thank everyone who entered and we appreciate your enthusiasm. Please continue to follow www.facebook.com/PaPropane and www.twitter.com/papga for upcoming sweepstakes and useful information from the energy world.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Our marketer members will keep working hard to keep you warm and safe this winter and beyond!

Pennsylvania Propane Family Portraits Series: The Barber Family of Ebensburg

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The 3rd installment of the Pennsylvania Propane Family Portrait Series. Follow the vision of Dick Barber, the son of Italian Immigrants Katrina and Sam Barbiere, as he built the family business from scratch. Barber Oil & Propane is celebrating 50 years in business in 2016.