# Shell Western E&P Inc. — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

**Citation:** PI-97-100  
**Type / status:** guidance / guidance  
**Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration  
**Effective:** Not stated  
**Published:** 1997-05-19

PI-97-100 response to Shell Western E&P Inc. concerning 195.3.

## Document text

<<<PAGE 1>>>

Mr. R.J Redweik
Staff Environmental Engineer
Shell Western E&P, Inc.
P.O. Box 576
Houston, TX 77001
Dear Mr. Redweik:
We are in receipt of your letter dated March 17, 1997,
requesting clarification of DOT jurisdiction over Shell
pipeline facilities transporting non-HVI through low stress
lines in Cook Inlet, Alaska.
Under 49 C.F.R. 195.3 (a) "Except as provided in paragraph (b)
of this section, this part applies to pipeline facilities and
the transportation of hazardous liquids or carbon dioxide
associated with those facilities in or affecting interstate
oI
foreign commerce, including pipeline facilities on the Outer
Continental Shelf.
(b) This part does not apply to
(1)
Transportation of a hazardous liquid that is
transported in a gaseous state;
(2)
Transportation of a hazardous liquid through a
pipeline by gravity;
(3)
Transportation of non-HVL through low-stress
pipelines, except for any pipeline or pipeline
segment that is located
(i)
In an onshore area other than a rural area;
(ii)
Offshore; or
(iii)
In a waterway that is navigable in fact and
currently used for commercial navigation;
(4)
Transportation of petroleum in onshore gathering
lines in rural areas except gathering lines in the
inlets of the Gulf of Mexico subject to $195.413."
The lines in Cook Inlet are offshore, conducting
transportation of non-HVL through low-stress pipelines and in
a waterway that is navigable, in fact, and currently used for

<<<PAGE 2>>>

Cook Inlet waters are considered offshore as they are in
direct contact with the open sea and not categorized as
"inland waters". Inland waters are specifically established
by the U.S. Coast Guard under 33 CFR 80.01. Under this Coast
Guard regulation, none of the sounds, bays, harbors, or
inlets of Alaska are considered to be inland waters.
If you have any further questions, please contact L.E. Herrick
at (202) 366-5523.
Sincerely,
Richard D. Huriaux
Director for Technology and Regulations
Office of Pipeline Safety
cc: Ed Ondak
Chris Hoidel

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretations/Pipeline/1997/Cook%20Inlet%20Offshore%20Interpretation2.pdf>
- Source ID: `phmsa`
- SHA-256: `886a8f043bf11452d122dbe2f35cb3f65ee974e51a61a0ca877eef665bbeddb1`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T00:59:31.977Z
- Exported: 2026-08-22T22:00:44.611Z
- Document slug: `phmsa-interpretation-pi-97-100`

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