Underwater inspection and reburial of pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico and its inlets.

(a) Except for gathering lines of 4 1/2 inches (114 mm) nominal outside diameter or smaller, each operator shall, in accordance with this section, conduct an underwater inspection of its pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico and its inlets. The inspection must be conducted after October 3, 1989 and before November 16, 1992.

(b) If, as a result of an inspection under paragraph (a) of this section, or upon notification by any person, an operator discovers that a pipeline it operates is exposed on the seabed or constitutes a hazard to navigation, the operator shall—

(1) Promptly, but not later than 24 hours after discovery, notify the National Response Center, telephone: 1-800-424-8802 of the location, and, if available, the geographic coordinates of that pipeline;

(2) Promptly, but not later than 7 days after discovery, mark the location of the pipeline in accordance with 33 CFR part 64 at the ends of the pipeline segment and at intervals of not over 500 yards (457 meters) long, except that a pipeline segment less than 200 yards (183 meters) long need only be marked at the center; and

(3) Within 6 months after discovery, or not later than November 1 of the following year if the 6 month period is after November 1 of the year that the discovery is made, place the pipeline so that the top of the pipe is 36 inches (914 millimeters) below the seabed for normal excavation or 18 inches (457 millimeters) for rock excavation.

[Amdt. 195-47, 56 FR 63771, Dec. 5, 1991, as amended by Amdt. 195-52, 59 FR 33396, June 28, 1994; Amdt. 195-63, 63 FR 37506, July 13, 1998]