Interpretation Response #PI-75-0108

Interpretation Response Details

June 26, 1975

Lovaca Gathering Company
Five Greenway Plaza East
Houston, Texas 77046

Office of Pipeline Safety
400 7th Street Southwest
Washington, D.C. 20590

ATTENTION: Mr. Furrow, Chief of Regulations Division

Dear Mr. Furrow:

While reviewing the Minimum Federal Safety Standards for Gas Lines, I became unsure of the proper interpretation of "Class 4" area. My question is as follows:

With consideration given to the word "prevalent" as used in CFR 192.5 (e), what affect would the construction of one four or more story building have an a Class 1 area?

Any assistance in resolving this question will be greatly appreciated.

Yours truly,

Jay c. Eichhorn

July, 24, 1975

Mr. Jay C. Eichhorn
Lovaca Gathering Company
Five Greenway Plaza East
Houston, Texas 77046

Dear Mr. Eichhorn:

In your letter of June 26, 1975, you ask:

"With consideration given to the word 'prevalent' as used in CFR 192.5(e), what affect would the construction of one four or more story building have on a Class 1 area?"

In accordance with 49 CFR 192.5, the construction of a four or more story building in a Class 1 area could change the area to a:

1. Class 2 location, if after construction the area has more than 10 buildings;
2. Class 3 location, if the building will be occupied by 20 or more persons during normal use and be within 100 yards of the pipeline; or
3. Class 4 location, if after construction, buildings with four or more stories are "prevalent" in the area.

The term "prevalent" in Section 192.5(e) regarding Class locations is used in its ordinary dictionary sense.

Sincerely,

Cesar DeLeon
Acting Director
Office of Pipeline Safety Operations
Materials Transportation Bureau

Regulation Sections