TEXAS GAS TRANSMISSION, LLC — Warning Letter

12022009WL_Warning Letter_02082022_(21-173256)_text.pdf, page 1Official PDFWARNING LETTER OVERNIGHT EXPRESS DELIVERY February 8, 2022 Mr. Jeff Sanderson Vice President Field Operations Safety and Security Texas Gas Transmission, LLC 9 Greenway Plaza, Suite 2800 Houston, Texas 77046 CPF 1-2022-009-WL Dear Mr. Sanderson: From June 1 to June 5, 2020 and April 29, 2021, a representative of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) pursuant to Chapter 601 of 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) inspected Texas Gas Transmission, LLC’s (Texas) Oaktown Underground Natural Gas Storage in Oaktown, Indiana. As a result of the inspection, it is alleged that you have committed a probable violation of the Pipeline Safety Regulations, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The item inspected and the probable violation is: 1. § 192.12 Underground natural gas storage facilities. (a) … (b) Depleted hydrocarbon and aquifer reservoir UNGSFs. (1) … (2) Each UNGSF that uses a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir or an aquifer reservoir for natural gas storage and was constructed on or before July 18, 2017, must meet the provisions of API RP 1171 (incorporated by reference, see § 192.7), sections 8, 9, 10, and 11, and paragraph (c) of this section, by January 18, 2018, and must meet all provisions of paragraph (d) of this section by March 13, 2021. Texas failed to meet the provisions of API RP 1171 section 9. Specifically, Texas failed to inspect the master gate valves in accordance with API RP 1171, Section 9.3.2 (Section 9.3.2). Section 9.3.2 states in part:#

12022009WL_Warning Letter_02082022_(21-173256)_text.pdf, page 2CPF 1-2022-009-WL The operator shall visually inspect each wellhead assembly at least annually for leaks. The operator shall test the operation of the master valve and wellhead pipeline isolation valve at least annually for proper function and ability to isolate the well. The valves shall be maintained, repaired, or replaced in accordance with the operator’s valve maintenance program for isolation valves. During the inspection, Texas was not able to provide records of the inspection of all master gate valves. PHMSA noted that certain wells did not have master gate valves or had siphon strings inserted through the existing master gate valve. Texas confirmed they had not inspected the master gate valves which had siphon strings inserted. Therefore, Texas failed to meet the provisions of Section 9.3.2. Under 49 U.S.C. § 60122 and 49 CFR § 190.223, you are subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $225,134 per violation per day the violation persists, up to a maximum of $2,251,334 for a related series of violations. For violation occurring on or after January 11, 2021 and before May 3, 2021, the maximum penalty may not exceed $222,504 per violation per day the violation persists, up to a maximum of $2,225,034 for a related series of violations. For violation occurring on or after July 31, 2019 and before January 11, 2021, the maximum penalty may not exceed $218,647 per violation per day the violation persists, up to a maximum of $2,186,465 for a related series of violations. For violation occurring on or after November 27, 2018 and before July 31, 2019, the maximum penalty may not exceed $213,268 per violation per day, with a maximum penalty not to exceed $2,132,679. For violation occurring on or after November 2, 2015 and before November 27, 2018, the maximum penalty may not exceed $209,002 per violation per day, with a maximum penalty not to exceed $2,090,022. We have reviewed the circumstances and supporting documents involved in this case and have decided not to conduct additional enforcement action or penalty assessment proceedings at this time. We advise you to correct the item identified in this letter. Failure to do so will result in Texas Gas Transmission, LLC being subject to additional enforcement action. No reply to this letter is required. If you choose to reply, in your correspondence please refer to CPF 1-2022-009-WL. Be advised that all material you submit in response to this enforcement action is subject to being made publicly available. If you believe that any portion of your responsive material qualifies for confidential treatment under 5 U.S.C. 552(b), along with the complete original document you must provide a second copy of the document with the portions you believe qualify for confidential treatment redacted and an explanation of why you believe the redacted information qualifies for confidential treatment under 5 U.S.C. 552(b). Sincerely, Robert Burrough Director, Eastern Region, Office of Pipeline Safety Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 12022009WL_Warning Letter_02082022_(21-173256)_text Page 2 of 2#