Interpretation Response #PI-72-0114 ([Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Roscher])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name:
Individual Name: Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Roscher
Location State: NJ Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
December 19, 1972
Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Roscher
P. O. Box 162
Washington, New Jersey 07402
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Roscher
This is in reference to your letter of November 24, 1972, further concerning a gas pipeline marker, placed in front of your home, about which we had earlier corresponded. You have again expressed concern over what you consider the unsightliness of the marker with its possible effect on property values and have requested that we give the Matter our further attention.
As we explained in our letter of October 2, 1972, the Federal regulations require that each gas transmission be marked to identify its location in order to reduce the possibility of damage or interference. The regulations do not specify a marker’s size or design. In your case, the marker does not appear to violate any Federal standard.
You appreciate, of course, that it is primarily for the safety of persons such as yourselves, who live in close proximity to gas pipelines, that the line markers are placed in recent accidents, a number of people have been killed or seriously injured because contractors unknowingly dug into gas pipelines. Such accidents indicate the importance of having lines well marked.
Because of your overriding concern for the appearance of the marker, we contacted Mr. Peter Kassak, Vice President, Elizabethtown Gas Company. We understand from Mr. Kassak that while there are a number of residences near you, the general area is subject further development. Because water and sewer mains will be installed and other construction undertaken as the area is built up, the existing gas line will be subject to disturbance. Therefore, the company considers it essential for safety that their line be clearly marked.
To further indicate the basis for the company's concern for the safety of persons living in the vicinity of gas pipelines; they report that their one company alone experiences over 200 mains dug up and damaged by others each year. Each of these incidents is a potential accident which could cause loss of life or injury. The company is also subject to regulation by the State of New Jersey which is seeking to reduce the incidence of contractors digging into gas pipelines.
We understand from Mr. Kassak that the marker is approximately 40 feet from your house. Mr. Kassak has personally inspected the marker and believes that it could be lowered to approximately three feet. It is anticipated that the company Will be taking action in that regard in the near future.
I trust that the matter between you and the gas company will be shortly concluded to your mutual satisfaction.
Sincerely,
Joseph C. Caldwell
Director
Office of Pipeline Safety