Interpretation Response #PI-74-0109 ([Farm Service Company] [Mr. Monroe Hartman])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Farm Service Company
Individual Name: Mr. Monroe Hartman
Location State: OK Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
April 22, 1974
Mr. Monroe Hartman
Farm Service Company
P.O. Box 77
Chickasha, OK 73018
Dear Mr. Hartman:
Your letter of March 22, 1974, to the National Transportation Safety Board, asking several questions about the Federal gas pipeline safety standards, has been referred to this office for reply.
The standards are contained in Part 192 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (copy enclosed). We have no requirements which specify the location of a pipeline right-of-way, since the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 expressly precludes such requirements. However, many of the safety measures prescribed by the standards vary in nature according to pipeline locations.
Requirements concerning the depth of cover over buried pipelines, applicable to pipelines readied for service after March 12, 1971, or replaced or relocated after November 12, 1970, are set forth in Subparts G and H of the standards. The requirements vary according to whether the pipeline is a transmission line, main, or service line and certain other factors of construction. Although cover material is normally compacted during construction, the Federal standards do not require compaction.
Many of the standards concern leaks. Under Subpart J, pipelines readied for service after March 12, 1971, and pipelines replaced or relocated after November 12, 1970, must be pressure tested after installation. Leakage surveys are required by section 192.723. In general, the Federal standards do not prohibit leaks, but hazardous leaks must be repaired promptly and many leaks could lead to a pipeline having to be replaced, repaired, or removed from service (section 192.703).
We trust this information is helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Joseph C. Caldwell
Director
Office of Pipeline Safety