# Environmental Affairs Columbia Gas — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** PI-95-0101  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1995-10-04

PI-95-0101 response to Environmental Affairs Columbia Gas concerning 192.5.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

PI-95-0101
October 4, 1995
Dr. Donald K. Gartman, Ph.D.
Environmental Affairs
Columbia Gas
20 Montchanin Road
P.O. Box 4020
Wilmington, DE 19807-0020
Dear Dr. Gartman:
This is in response to your question to L.E. Herrick at the September 7-8, 1995, INGAA
Foundation Stream and River Crossing Roundtable in Orlando, FL. Your question concerned
allowing a trail system on a natural gas pipeline right-of-way.
Section 192.5(d)(2)(ii) of 49 CFR states "A Class 3 location is an area where the pipeline lies
within 100 yards of either a building or a small, well-defined outside area (such as a
playground, recreation area, outdoor theater, or other place of public assembly) that is occupied
by 20 or more persons on at least five days a week for 10 weeks in any 12-month period. (The
days and weeks need not be consecutive.)"
Although a trail system bears some resemblance to a "small, well-defined outside area that is
occupied by 20 or more people," it differs in a number of significant aspects. In particular, it
appears that a trail used by hikers, bicycles, horses, cross country skiers, etc., would not be
occupied by 20 or more people in a small and well-defined area at the same time. Furthermore,
such a trail system would not be basically similar to a playground, recreation area, outdoor
theater, or other place of public assembly. Therefore, the trail system would not require a change
in class location.
We trust that this has answered your particular question. If we can be of further assistance,
please let us know.
Sincerely,
Cesar De Leon
Deputy Associate Administrator
Office of Pipeline Safety

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/Pipeline/1995/g95_10_04_GARTMAN_192.5_lmX.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `ed2a2e651367e9ceca8721f0dcd924a62fd3e5094270279840cf551bccbfe8e9`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T10:52:20.790Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-pi-95-0101`

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