Audit-Ready Compliance Documentation and MAOP Alignment for a New Regulator Station

Client: Regulated Natural Gas Utility and Pipeline Operator

Challenge

Following installation of a new regulator station, a natural gas utility and pipeline operator needed to confirm that construction records, testing documentation and construction drawings could withstand regulatory review. The project included multiple interconnected lines with documentation indicating different maximum allowable operating pressures (MAOPs), requiring a thorough review of records to ensure accuracy. In addition, construction drawings contained conflicting site location and crossover details. These discrepancies introduced inaccurate data for future integrity management and ongoing compliance efforts.

Solution

Altamira conducted a structured compliance and records audit designed to produce defensible, audit-ready deliverables. Our approach integrated as-built drawings, construction records, geographic information system (GIS) data and operational documentation to validate material traceability, confirm pressure-test compliance and ensure MAOP alignment with applicable regulatory requirements, including 49 CFR Part 192 and the PHMSA Mega Rule.

Key Activities:

  • Validated project records and traceability: Confirmed alignment between procurement, installation and construction records to support end-to-end material traceability and a complete, compliant project closeout.
  • Resolved location and alignment discrepancies: Reconciled GPS-based site survey data, engineering drawings, GIS layers and geotagged photos to eliminate inconsistencies in site location, naming and crossover alignment.
  • Confirmed materials and weld quality documentation: Reviewed Material Test Reports (MTRs), Visual Weld Inspection Records (VWIRs), Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) reports, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and pressure-test documentation. Verified that critical material properties met design specifications, including Specified Minimum Yield Strength (SMYS) where applicable.
  • Verified pressure-test compliance against MAOP basis: Evaluated test factors, calibration records and pressure limits to ensure compliance with MAOP safety requirements and adherence to SMYS constraints.
  • Closed documentation gaps efficiently: Collaborated with vendors and client engineering teams to recover missing records, resolve discrepancies and support Management of Change (MOC) actions necessary to reconcile MAOP values across connected lines.
  • Delivered an audit-ready closeout package: Produced a comprehensive, version-controlled project file including a clear project summary, design and testing verification records, as-built drawings, certified MTRs and traceability logs — fully prepared for internal QA and regulatory review.

Results

Altamira delivered a fully defensible record set demonstrating that installed materials and pressure testing information were properly aligned with the established MAOP basis for the regulator station and its associated tie-ins. By systematically resolving drawing conflicts and closing critical documentation gaps, the operator strengthened material traceability and enhanced readiness for regulatory audits under PHMSA Mega Rule requirements. The final package provided a clear, reliable foundation for future integrity management efforts, enabling more confident MAOP validation, streamlined change management decisions and improved long-term system visibility.

For more information, please contact TK Akins, Vice President, Integrity.
TK can be reached at tk.akins@altamira-us.com

Empower Your Next Project With Altamira’s Expertise

Whether you’re addressing regulatory requirements, improving asset integrity, reducing emissions or planning critical infrastructure projects, Altamira delivers the technical expertise and practical solutions to help you succeed. Contact our expert team and discover how we can support your operational, environmental and compliance goals.

Contact us today to discuss your project.