Interpretation Response #PI-14-0020 ([Stoel Rives LLP (Eni)] [Ms. Ramona L. Monroe])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Stoel Rives LLP (Eni)
Individual Name: Ms. Ramona L. Monroe
Location State: AK Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
Ms. Ramona L. Monroe
Stoel Rives LLP
510 I Street, Suite 500
Anchorage, AL 99501
Dear Ms. Monroe:
In a letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) dated October 30, 2014, Stoel Rives LLP (representing Eni US Operating Co, Inc.) requested an interpretation of the applicability of the hazardous liquid pipeline safety regulations to a 2"-inch diameter diesel fuel line that Eni US Operating Co, Inc. (Eni) operates in connection with the Nikaitchuq oil field offshore of the North Slope of Alaska. You noted that 49 CFR 195.1(b)(5) exempts certain offshore pipelines from PHMSA regulation where the pipeline is located in state waters upstream from the farthest downstream facility and where produced hydrocarbons are first processed. You requested PHMSA's interpretation of whether this exemption is applicable to Eni's 2"-inch diesel line.
You stated Eni has constructed a gravel island in the shallow waters of the Beaufort Sea on which it operates a drill site and production equipment. The island is located in state waters near a state-owned island known as Spy Island. Eni also operates an onshore drill site and oil processing facility at Oliktok Point. Viscous crude oil is produced from wells drilled from the offshore gravel island and transported approximately 3.8 miles to a separation and processing facility at Oliktok Point.
You stated that the 2"-inch diameter diesel pipeline is bundled with three other pipelines including the crude oil pipelines inside a 16-inch outer diameter conductor pipe. This pipe-within-a-pipe is encased in concrete. Unlike the crude oil pipeline that transports crude from the production facilities on the gravel island to the Oliktok Point onshore processing facility, the diesel line transports diesel fuel in the opposite direction out to the production facility on the gravel island to power the drill rig and carries base oil used to make drilling mud.
You noted that the regulatory exemption established in § 195.1(b)(5) applies to pipelines that: (i) transport hazardous liquid or carbon dioxide; (ii) are located offshore in state waters; and (iii) are located upstream of the outlet flange of the farthest downstream facility. You pointed out that the diesel pipeline is located upstream of the Oliktok Point facility and expressed the view that because Eni's diesel line meets these criteria it should qualify for the exemption.
Section 195.1(b)(5) states, in relevant part:
§195.1 Which pipelines are covered by this Part?
(a)...
(b) Excepted. This Part does not apply to any of the following:
(1)...
(5) Transportation of hazardous liquid or carbon dioxide in an offshore pipeline in state waters where the pipeline is located upstream from the outlet flange of the following farthest downstream facility: The facility where hydrocarbons or carbon dioxide are produced or the facility where produced hydrocarbons or carbon dioxide are first separated, dehydrated, or otherwise processed;
Based on the information you provided, Eni's conclusion that the exemption in § 195.1(b)(5) applies to its 2"-inch diesel line appears to be incorrect. In this case, the diesel pipeline is not transporting produced liquids downstream for processing, but is transporting finished diesel fuel that was already in the stream of regulated transportation out to a production facility to be used as an energy source for production. The gravel island is not the facility where the diesel fuel was produced. Therefore, the 2"-inch diesel pipeline is regulated under § 195.1(a)(2) because it transports processed petroleum products to the gravel island where they will be consumed.
Please note that this response to your October 30, 2014, request reflects PHMSA's preliminary views of the applicability of Part 195 regulations based on the limited information in your description of the facilities in your letter and is subject to further consideration if any additional information about the facility would be relevant to this determination.
If we can be of further assistance, please contact Tewabe Asebe of my staff at 202-366-5523.
Sincerely,
John A. Gale
Director, Office of Standards
and Rulemaking
TAsebe:jmd:64046:01-27-15
Edits:LWhite:01-29-15
Edits:TAsebe:jmd:02-02-15
cc:PHP-30:OfficialFile:Sharepoint:PHMSAWeb
T:/PHP-30:Interps:Open:Eni-PI-14-0020-06-2014-Part 195.1
Regulation Sections
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 195.1 | Which pipelines are covered by this Part? |