The NPMS Operator Standards is an online document that contains detailed information about the NPMS data submission requirements. The NPMS Operator Submission Supplemental Instructions is an online document that contains tips for preparing a complete and accurate NPMS submission. The NPMS Operator Standards and the NPMS Operator Submission Supplemental Instructions may be viewed via a web browser or saved as a PDF file to your local computer.

Determine Applicable Breakout Tank Submission Timeline

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) accepts voluntary data submissions to the NPMS for breakout tanks under PHMSA jurisdiction. To align with hazardous liquid annual report deadlines, a breakout tank submission reflects operations as of December 31 of the previous year (e.g., a submission received June 15, 2023 reflects data as of December 31, 2022).

Although breakout tank submissions are voluntary, if the operator decides to submit, the submission must adhere to the requirements defined in the NPMS Operator Standards.

Determine if Changes Have Occurred

Operators can view their existing breakout tank data in the NPMS via OSAVE, which is accessible to operators using their PIMMA username and password. If it is determined that no changes are necessary to the breakout tank data since the previous submission, the operator should alert NPMS staff via email. The email sent to the staff must include the OPID and state that there are no changes to the existing breakout tank data reflecting as of December 31 of the previous year (e.g., the submission received June 15, 2023 reflects operations as of December 31, 2022 ).

If the change is that all breakout tank data for the OPID should be removed from the NPMS (e.g., due to divestiture or permanent abandonment of all breakout tanks), the operator should alert NPMS staff via email. The email sent to NPMS staff must include the OPID and the completed cover/transmittal letter (refer to the Summary of Required Components for Breakout Tanks for a template cover/transmittal letter).

Please note that if at any time throughout the year the primary contact has changed, please notify NPMS staff via email. The primary contact is used internally by NPMS staff regarding questions about your submission/Operator ID (OPID) and to notify you of changes concerning the NPMS process. The NPMS does not currently collect technical or public contact information specifically for breakout tank submissions.

Develop Breakout Tank Submission Components

Section 2 General Requirements (Key Terms and Definitions) of the NPMS Operator Standards outlines the main components of the NPMS submission. This section also defines the types of breakout tanks that would be included in an NPMS data submission; if you are unsure if your breakout tanks meet PHMSA’s definition, please refer to this section. The Summary of Required Components for Breakout Tanks provides of a brief overview of the submission components.

Submit Breakout Tank Components via OSAVE

Once all the components of the NPMS breakout tank data submission are prepared, the operator should send the submission to NPMS staff.

The breakout tank data submission should be transmitted digitally via the OSAVE submission workflow tool. This tool prompts you to attach your data files. Please attach one zip file containing all required components. The zip file should contain your Operator ID as part of the file name. This tool also prompts you to add any desired notes, and to submit to NPMS staff. The files from your local computer will be automatically sent to our NPMS server where NPMS staff will retrieve it. Please note that a PIMMA login is required to access this tool.

Review Processed Breakout Tank Data

Once NPMS staff receives your NPMS breakout tank submission, staff will verify that the submission contains the required components. You will be sent an email confirming receipt of your complete breakout tank data submission or requesting additional information. Once all the components are received and validated, NPMS staff will process your submission. Please note that submissions are processed in the order they arrive.

Once the submission has been processed, the NPMS submission is incorporated into the NPMS national layer. This step finalizes the NPMS submission and concludes the NPMS submission process. Once the submission data is available for viewing in the NPMS map viewers, NPMS staff sends an email notification to the primary contact. If an error is identified in the incorporated data, please contact NPMS staff to determine the best approach for making necessary corrections to your breakout tank data.

Questions regarding the NPMS data or NPMS submissions should be directed to NPMS staff at npms@dot.gov or 703-317-6294.