Interpretation Response #PI-72-0109 ([House of Representatives] [Honorable William D. Hathaway])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: House of Representatives
Individual Name: Honorable William D. Hathaway
Location State: DC Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
PI-72-0109
August 4. 1972
Honorable William D. Hathaway
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Hathaway:
This will acknowledge receipt of your letter of July 21, 1972, to the Office of Congressional Relations, enclosing a copy of a letter from Mr. Edward J. Beauchamp, concerning repairs to gas pipelines.
Mr. Beauchamp's letter inquires if there is some "criteria as expressed by the Federal Commission as to the time that a leak must be repaired in a gas pipe line or distribution system. Is there a fine for not complying with the time requirement?"
Section 192.703 of the Federal gas pipeline safety standards provides in paragraph (b) that each segment of pipeline that becomes unsafe must be replaced, repaired, or removed from service, and further provides in paragraph (c) that hazardous leaks must be repaired promptly. Which leaks are "hazardous," which leaks make a pipeline "unsafe," and whether a repair has been done "promptly," depends upon the nature of the operation and local conditions. The nature and size of the leak, its location, and the danger to the public are among the factors that must be considered by the operator. These same factors would be considered in determining whether a penalty should be imposed for failure to comply with the requirements of Section 192.703.
We trust that this information will assist you in responding to Mr. Beauchamp's inquiry in this matter. If we can be of any further service, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Original signed by:
Joseph C. Caldwell
Director
Office of Pipeline Safety