Interpretation Response #PI-76-034 ([Memo: Internal])

Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date: 08/08/1976

Company Name: Memo: Internal

Individual Name:

Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

SPEED MEMO

SUBJECT: Interpretation
TO: Chiefs, All Regions
Date: 7-8-76

INITIAL MESSAGE:

The attached material (letter to New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission and June
1976 Advisory Bulletin) is sent for your information.

OPSO Advisory Bulletin No. 76-6 June, 1976 page 4

37 cities nationwide. Details of the cost and the list of the 37 examination cities may be
obtained from the AWS. Application closing date for the first round of examinations is
August 15th. For a free copy of the Guide to AWS Welding Inspector Qualification and
Certification with application form, contact the Qualification-Certification Manager in
Miami: American Welding Society, 2501 Northwest 7th Street, Miami, Florida 33125,
telephone (305) 642-7090.

The Reading Rack... Technical information relating to pipeline safety appears in the
following industry publications
(Note--copies of these articles are not available from OPSO, and inclusion here does not
necessarily indicate that content is consistent with current Federal regulations):

GAS INDUSTRIES, Natural Gas Edition, April 1976, "The OPSO Odorization
Requirements for Gas in Transmission Lines," Staff Report; May 1976, "Reminder Issued
by OPSO on Corrosion Control Deadlines," Cesar DeLeon, Office of Pipeline Safety
Operations; "Conclusions Announced in Study of Plastic Pipe Use," Jack W. Pierce,
formerly with Toups Corp. GAS DIGEST, March 1976, "Monitoring Cathodic Protection
of Isolated Services," George Hendrick, Southern California Gas Co.; "Intermountain Gas
Updates System Odorization Operations," Oscar Kash, Intermountain Gas Co.

EXCAVATING CONTRACTOR, May 1976, "Utility Alert Networks," Staff Report.

PIPELINE AND UNDERGROUND UTILITIES CONSTRUCTION, April 1976, "Miss
Dig Program Now Covers Upper Michigan," Staff Report.

PIPELINE & GAS JOURNAL, May 1976,"Put Corrosion Control in Your Design Plans,"William McGary, Henkels & McCoy, Inc.

PIPE LINE INDUSTRY, May 1976, "Status of Automatic Welding for Onshore/Offshore
Lines, Part 1," Harry C. Cotton, The British Petroleum Co. Ltd.

OIL & GAS JOURNAL, May 10, 1976, "Improved Pipeline Coatings Emerge," J. R.

Hancock, H. C. Price Co.; " Pipeline Plunges Into Deeper Water," Staff Report.

Relates to 49 CFR, §192.3

INTERPRETATION OF REGULATIONS

Question: Under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, at what point in a propane
air peak-shaving facility does jurisdiction begin?

OPSO Interpretation:..."In a propane air peak-shaving facility, liquid propane is vaporized
and mixed with air to supplement natural gas supplies during peak shaving. All 'pipeline
facilities' are within the jurisdiction of the Act. 'Pipeline facilities' are defined in the Act to
include 'without limitation . . . any equipment, facility, or building used in the
transportation of gas or the treatment of gas during the course of transportation' (49 USC
1671(4)). Peak-shaving facilities are an interrelated and often essential part of a gas
distribution system and fall within the intended coverage of the term 'pipeline facilities.'

Consequently, a propane air peak-shaving facility is in its entirety subject to the
jurisdiction of the Act."

Cesar DeLeon
Acting Director
Office of Pipeline
Safety Operations

Regulation Sections