# Lovaca Gathering Company — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** PI-75-0108  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1975-07-24

PI-75-0108 response to Lovaca Gathering Company concerning 192.5.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

PI-75-0108
July, 24, 1975
Mr. Jay C. Eichhorn
Lovaca Gathering Company
Five Greenway Plaza East
Houston, Texas 77046
Dear Mr. Eichhorn:
In your letter of June 26, 1975, you ask:
"With consideration given to the word 'prevalent' as used in CFR 192.5(e), what affect would the
construction of one four or more story building have on a Class 1 area?"
In accordance with 49 CFR 192.5, the construction of a four or more story building in a Class 1 area could
change the area to a:
(1) Class 2 location, if after construction the area has more than 10 buildings;
(2) Class 3 location, if the building will be occupied by 20 or more persons during normal use
and be within 100 yards of the pipeline; or
(3) Class 4 location, if after construction, buildings with four or more stories are "prevalent" in
the area.
The term "prevalent" in Section 192.5(e) regarding Class locations is used in its ordinary dictionary sense.
Sincerely,
Cesar DeLeon
Acting Director
Office of Pipeline Safety Operations
Materials Transportation Bureau

<<<PAGE 2>>>

June 26, 1975
Lovaca Gathering Company
Five Greenway Plaza East
Houston, Texas 77046
Office of Pipeline Safety
400 7th Street Southwest
Washington, D.C. 20590
ATTENTION: Mr. Furrow, Chief of Regulations Division
Dear Mr. Furrow:
While reviewing the Minimum Federal Safety Standards for Gas Lines, I became unsure of the proper
interpretation of "Class 4" area. My question is as follows:
With consideration given to the word "prevalent" as used in CFR 192.5 (e), what affect would the construction of
one four or more story building have an a Class 1 area?
Any assistance in resolving this question will be greatly appreciated.
Yours truly,
Jay c. Eichhorn

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/Pipeline/1975/g75-07-24_Eichhorn_192.5-lmx.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `96f4e618624ccef990a980a474896a427e13245c27d7e1b15e711d51b3fd8a2c`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T06:12:07.353Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-pi-75-0108`

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