Interpretation Response #PI-81-0104

Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date: 04/24/1981

Company Name:

Individual Name:

Location State: TX Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

April 24, 1981

Mr. Nathan P. Hoffman
Woody, Gumm & Hoffman,P.C.
1208 E. Mockingbird Lane
P.O. Box 4526
Victoria, Texas 77901

Dear Mr. Hoffman:
In regard to your request for interpretative information concerning 49 CFR 192.615, information of
this type was published in the Federal Register as part of the final rule document (amdt. 192-24,
41 FR 13586, March
31, 1976) and as part of the notice of proposed rulemaking (Notice 75-1, 40 FR 13317, March 26,
1975). Copies of these documents are enclosed.

Also, the public file on this rulemaking, Docket No. OPS-32, is available for viewing in Room 8426,
Nassif
Building, 400 7th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The emergency plans required by 49 CFR 192.615 are enforceable only against pipeline operators.
While it is desirable that public officials cooperate with operators as indicated by §192.615, they
are not required by law to do so.
Sincerely, SIGNED
Melvin A. Judah
Acting Associate Director for
Pipeline Safety Regulations
Materials Transportation Bureau
Woody, Gumm & Hoffman,P.C.
1208 E. Mockingbird Lane
P.O. Box 4526
Victoria, Texas 77901

March 20, 1981

Director, Office of Pipeline Safety
Department of Transportation
400 7th Street S. W.
Washington, D. C. 20590

Dear Sir:
I am writing in regard to minimum federal safety standards for gas lines relating to transportation
of natural gas by pipeline as contained in Part 192, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.

My particular interest revolves around Section 192.615 entitled "Emergency Plans".

Please send me any interpretive information that you may have on this section, including legal
opinions, agency memos, pamphlets or other commentaries to date. If you do not have this
information please let me know where I could locate same.

Additionally, I need to know if public officials are required by law or regulation to participate
or make time available for safety and emergency plans outlined in this section. If they are
required could you please send me a copy of the appropriate law or regulation.
Very truly yours,
Very truly yours,
Nathan P. Hoffman

Regulation Sections