Underwater Inspection and Reburial of Pipelines in the Gulf of America and Its Inlets [49 CFR 192.612]

(A)A. Each operator shall prepare and follow a procedure to identify its pipelines in the Gulf of America and its inlets in waters less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) deep as measured from mean low water that are at risk of being an exposed underwater pipeline or a hazard to navigation. The procedures must be in effect August 10, 2005. [49 CFR 192.612(a)]#

(B)B. Each operator shall conduct appropriate periodic underwater inspections of its pipelines in the Gulf of America and its inlets in waters less than 15 feet (4.6 meters) deep as measured from mean low water based on the identified risk. [49 CFR 192.612(b)]#

(C)C. If an operator discovers that its pipeline is an exposed underwater pipeline or poses a hazard to navigation, the operator shall: [49 CFR 192.612(c)]#

(1)1. promptly, but not later than 24 hours after discovery, notify the National Response Center, telephone: 1-800-424-8802, as well as Louisiana Pipeline Safety (225) 342-5505 (day or night), of the location and, if available, the geographic coordinates of that pipeline; [49 CFR 192.612(c)(1)]#

(2)2. promptly, but not later than seven 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 [49 CFR 192.612(c)(2)]#

(3)3. within six months after discovery, or not later than November 1 of the following year if the six month period is later than November 1 of the year of discovery, bury the pipeline so that the top of the pipe is 36 inches (914 millimeters) below the underwater natural bottom (as determined by recognized and generally accepted practices) for normal excavation or 18 inches (457 millimeters) for rock excavation: [49 CFR 192.612(c)(3)]#

(a)a. an operator may employ engineered alternatives to burial that meet or exceed the level of protection provided by burial; [49 CFR 192.612(c)(3)(i)]#

(b)b. if an operator cannot obtain required state or federal permits in time to comply with this Section, it must notify OPS; specify whether the required permit is state or federal; and, justify the delay. [49 CFR 192.612(c)(3)(ii)]#

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:501 et seq.#

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 18:858 (August 1992), LR 27:1546 (September 2001), LR 30:1262 (June 2004), LR 31:684 (March 2005), amended by the Department of Conservation and Energy, Office of Enforcement, LR 51:1833 (November 2025).#