Interpretation Response #PI-79-027 ([Leo L. Andrews])
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: Leo L. Andrews
Location State: OK Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
Mr. Leo L. Andrews
1511 North 13th
Duncan, Oklahoma 73533
Dear Mr. Andrews:
Your memo on June 12, 1979, asks whether certain oil pipelines constructed prior to 1954 must meet the construction requirements of 49 CFR 195.210 and 195.248.
In accordance with Section 195.200, the provisions of the Federal liquid pipeline safety standards to which you refer are construction standards which apply to "new" pipelines and "existing" pipelines that are relocated, replaced, or otherwise changed. As used in this section, the term "new" means a pipeline upon which construction was begun after March 31, 1970, and "existing" refers to a pipeline in operation or under construction on that date (see Section 195.402(d)).
As construction standards, the "cover" requirements of Sections 195.210 and 195.248 are intended to apply at the time a new pipeline is constructed or an existing pipeline is replaced, relocated, or otherwise changed. The Federal standards do not require that construction burial depths be maintained over the operating life of pipelines.
However, it should be noted that the requirements of Section 195.402(c) call for corrective action by the carrier whenever it discovers any condition that could adversely affect the safe
operation of its pipelines. Such a condition could involve insufficient cover over a pipeline to protect it against external loads.
Sincerely,
Cesar DeLeon
Associate Director for
Pipeline Safety Regulation
Materials Transportation Bureau