Interpretation Response #PI-71-011 ([Memo: External])

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

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date: 01/29/1971

Company Name: Memo: External

Individual Name:

Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

January 29, 1971

Each Owner or Operator of a Gas Pipeline Facility.

Chairman, Each State Agency having jurisdiction over
Gas Pipeline Safety.

SUBJECT: 49 C.F.R., Part 191, Leak Reporting Requirements

Experiences under our leak reporting requirements since they
became effective on February 9, 1970, suggest a need for clarifying
the responsibilities of each operator for telephonic
reporting under OPS requirements, and his related responsibilities
under State agency requirements.

49 C.F.R. 191.5 requires each operator to give direct telephone
notice to the Office of Pipeline Safety (Area Code 202-962-6000),
at the earliest practicable moment following discovery of certain
types of leaks described therein, and identifies the information
to be furnished. In most cases this telephonic report can and
should be made within one to two hours after discovery.

A number of State agencies have identical or similar telephonic
leak reporting requirements. An operator's telephonic report to
a State agency, with the State agency relaying the leak report to
this Office, does not meet the requirements of the Federal
regulation. An operator must telephonically report any leaks
subject to 49 C.F.R. 191.5 directly to this Office, even though
he also may be required to report the same leak to a State
agency.

Sincerely,

Joseph C. Caldwell
Director, Acting
Office of Pipeline Safety

Regulation Sections