Interpretation Response #PI-17-0013
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Automatic Propane Gas and Supply
Individual Name: Mr. David Dupuy
Location State: TX Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
November 27, 2017
Mr. David Dupuy,
Safety Director
Automatic Propane Gas and Supply
1677 S US Highway. 69
Mineola, TX 75773
Dear Mr. Dupuy:
In a July 25, 2017, letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), you requested an interpretation of 49 CFR Part 192. Specifically, you requested an interpretation whether the exclusion from Part 192 specified in § 192.1(b)(5)(i) applies to small liquefied petroleum gas systems that serve fewer than 10 customers and are not located in a public place. Also, you asked if the exclusion applies, whether the excluded small regulated liquefied petroleum gas operators would be exempt from the requirements of § 192.1015.
You described your pipeline system as follows:
The liquefied petroleum gas (propane) systems our company operates are only used to provide liquefied petroleum gas to residential homes located in small neighborhoods / subdivisions. The systems meet the requirement in 49 CFR 192.1(b)(5)(i) for fewer than 10 customers, in most cases only 6 or 7 homes. The LPG piping runs from a 1000 gallon or sometimes two 1000 gallon LPG tanks located in the front yard (both at the same location) of one residential property and transports LPG vapor across residential property within the neighborhood from one home to another. At no point does the piping cross under a road within the neighborhood. The question on our end is whether this would not be considered a "public place" and satisfy the rest of the exclusion listed in 49 CFR 192.1(b)(5)(i)? The term public place as taken from a PHMSA manual used to identify and clarify regulations which apply to jurisdictional LP gas operators defines public place as "a place which is generally open to all persons in a community as opposed to being restricted to specific persons. Churches, schools, and commercial buildings as well as any publicly owned rights-of-way or property which if frequented by persons are public places)." It is our understanding that one's residential home / property is considered private being restricted to specific persons thus meeting the definition of not being considered a public place. This would satisfy the complete exclusion for all requirements provided in 49 CFR 192.1 as well as absolve the need for an integrity management plan found in 49 CFR 192.1015?
It is not Automatic Propane Gas and Supply's intent to dodge or avoid regulatory compliance, but to ensure our company follows and correctly interprets the regulations provided by PHMSA to ensure the safety of the public. It is our interpretation that "public place" was listed within the regulation to omit small systems in locations such as these. Your assistance and guidance on this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Also, in an August 28, 2017, email, you provided a drawing and pictures of one of your propane tank and service line systems. You described the tanks as below ground and connected to the poly pipe lines that run to the tanks located at the houses.
The regulations in Part 192 prescribe minimum safety requirements for pipeline facilities and the transportation of gas, but do not apply to "Any pipeline system that transports only petroleum gas or petroleum gas/air mixtures to... few than 10 customers, if no portion of the system is located in a public place." 49 CFR § 192.1(b)(5)(i). Because your system is located solely within private property and serves fewer than 10 customers, your system is exempt from Part 192. Therefore, you are not required to comply with the provisions of § 192.1015.
If we can be of further assistance, please contact Tewabe Asebe at 202-366-5523.
Sincerely,
John A. Gale
Director, Office of Standards
and Rulemaking
Regulation Sections
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 192.1 | What is the scope of this part? |