CPF 12023046NOA
CPF 12023046NOA
party submissionOfficial PDF12023046NOA_Operator Post-Hearing Brief_08092024_(22-233293).pdf#
case documentOfficial PDF12023046NOA_Operator RtN SoI Req Informal Mtg Hearing_11292023_(22-233293).pdf#
party submissionOfficial PDF12023046NOA_Operator Withdrawal of Hearing Request_06122026_(22-233293).pdf#
12023046NOA_Notice of Amendment_10312023_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 1Official PDFNOTICE OF AMENDMENT OVERNIGHT EXPRESS DELIVERY October 31, 2023 Ms. Tina Faraca President and Executive Vice President, US Natural Gas Pipelines ANR Pipeline Company 700 Louisiana Street Houston, Texas 77002 CPF 1-2023-046-NOA Dear Ms. Faraca: From March 14 to November 3, 2022, a representative of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) pursuant to Chapter 601 of 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) inspected ANR Pipeline Co’s (ANR) procedures for maintenance and normal operations as part of an integrated inspection of ANR’s pipeline system identified by PHMSA as inspection system #1168. As a result of the inspection, PHMSA has identified the apparent inadequacy found within ANR’s plans or procedures. The item inspected and the inadequacy is described below: 1. 49 C.F.R. § 192.605 Procedural manual for operations, maintenance, and emergencies. (a) … (b) Maintenance and normal operations. The manual required by paragraph (a) of this section must include procedures for the following, if applicable, to provide safety during maintenance and operations. (1) Operating, maintaining, and repairing the pipeline in accordance with each of the requirements of this subpart and Subpart M of this part. ANR’s manual of written procedures for operating and maintaining its pipeline in accordance with requirements of Subpart M of 49 CFR Part 192 were inadequate to assure safe operation of a pipeline facility. Specifically, ANR’s maintenance procedures for inspecting and testing relief devices pursuant to §§ 192.731, 192.739, and 192.743 failed to include provisions for inspecting and testing each pressure relieving device in a compressor station at the required intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year. During the inspection, PHMSA requested ANR’s procedures regarding testing and inspection of relief#
12023046NOA_Notice of Amendment_10312023_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 2devices. ANR provided the following documents as its Operations and Maintenance Manual (O&M) and supplements to its O&M: • 192.739 Pressure Limiting and Reg Stations - Inspect and Test (O&M) • 192.743 Pressure Limiting and Reg Sta - Capacity of Relief Devices (O&M) • TEC-ME-OPP-G_Overpressure_Protection_Commentary_US (Presented by ANR as supporting document, but unreferenced in O&M) • Safety_Relief_Valve_Inspection_USGO_US – TC Energy Work Task Package (Referenced in O&M) Section 192.731(a) requires, in part, that “. . . each pressure relieving device in a compressor station must be inspected and tested in accordance with §§192.739 and 192.743 . . .” (emphasis added). In reviewing “Table 2-4: Test and Inspection Frequencies” in the ANR document titled TEC-ME-OPP- G_Overpressure_Protection_Commentary_US, ANR incorrectly lists safety relief valves at its compressor stations as being in “non-OPP service” and/or not being subject to the requirements of applicable sections of Part 192. The relief valves are installed to protect pressure vessels, pipe and fittings that are located between equipment isolating valves These relief valves under consideration are over-pressure protection devices that are designed and installed to protect gas transportation equipment from a scenario of thermal expansion of natural gas and natural gas liquids that could over pressure pipeline transportation equipment and/or its connected pipe and fittings when subjected to heat due to exposure to sun or fire. ANR fails to subject these certain relief valves designed and installed to protect transportation pipeline equipment to the inspection and testing frequencies required by the applicable sections of Part 192 listed above. As such, and by way of ANR declassifying relief valves that are subject to PHMSA jurisdiction under § 192.731(a)1, ANR failed to follow the §§ 192.7392 and 192.7433 inspection and testing frequencies listed in its O&M procedures titled 192.739 Pressure Limiting and Reg Stations - Inspect and Test, and 192.743 Pressure Limiting and Reg Sta - Capacity of Relief Devices. Therefore, ANR’s procedures required by § 192.605(b)(1) were inadequate. ANR must revise its procedures to address the issues noted above and to properly classify its pipeline transportation equipment safety relief valves. Response to this Notice This Notice is provided pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60108(a) and 49 C.F.R. § 190.206. Enclosed as part of this Notice is a document entitled Response Options for Pipeline Operators in Compliance Proceedings. Please refer to this document and note the response options. 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). Following the receipt of this Notice, you have 30 days to submit written comments, revised procedures, or a request for a hearing under §190.211. If you do not respond within 30 days of receipt of this Notice, this constitutes a waiver of your right to contest the allegations in this Notice and authorizes#
12023046NOA_Notice of Amendment_10312023_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 3the Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety to find facts as alleged in this Notice without further notice to you and to issue an Order Directing Amendment. If your plans or procedures are found inadequate as alleged in this Notice, you may be ordered to amend your plans or procedures to correct the inadequacies (49 C.F.R. § 190.206). If you are not contesting this Notice, we propose that you submit your amended procedures to my office within 30 days of receipt of this Notice. This period may be extended by written request for good cause. Once the inadequacies identified herein have been addressed in your amended procedures, this enforcement action will be closed. It is requested (not mandated) that ANR Pipeline Co maintain documentation of the safety improvement costs associated with fulfilling this Notice of Amendment (preparation/revision of plans, procedures) and submit the total to Robert Burrough, Director, Eastern Region, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. In correspondence concerning this matter, please refer to CPF 1- 2023-046-NOA and, for each document you submit, please provide a copy in electronic format whenever possible. Sincerely, Robert Burrough Director, Eastern Region Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Enclosure: Response Options for Pipeline Operators in Enforcement Proceedings 1 §192.731 Compressor stations: Inspection and testing of relief devices. (a) Except for rupture discs, each pressure relieving device in a compressor station must be inspected and tested in accordance with §§192.739 and 192.743, and must be operated periodically to determine that it opens at the correct set pressure. 2 §192.739 Pressure limiting and regulating stations: Inspection and testing. (a) Each pressure limiting station, relief device (except rupture discs), and Pressure regulating station and its equipment must be subjected at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year, to inspections and tests to determine that it is- (1) In good mechanical condition; (2) Adequate from the standpoint of capacity and reliability of operation for the service in which it is employed; (3) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, set to control or relieve at the correct pressure consistent with the pressure limits of §192.201(a); and (4) Properly installed and protected from dirt, liquids, or other conditions that might prevent proper operation. 3 §192.743 Pressure limiting and regulating stations: Capacity of relief devices (a) Pressure relief devices at pressure limiting stations and pressure regulating stations must have sufficient capacity to protect the facilities to which they are connected. Except as provided in §192.739(b), the capacity must be consistent with the pressure limits of §192.201(a). This capacity must be determined at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year, by testing the devices in place or by review and calculations.#
12023046NOA_PHC Hearing Scheduled_01092024_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 1Official PDFJanuary 9, 2024 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL TO: kcoyle@babstcalland.com and robert.burrough@dot.gov Mr. Keith Coyle Counsel for ANR Pipeline Company Babst Calland Attorneys at Law 505 9th Street NW, Suite 602 Washington, DC 20004 Mr. Robert Burrough Director, Eastern Region Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 840 Bear Tavern Road, Suite 300 West Trenton, NJ 08628 Re: Notice of Hearing, ANR Pipeline Company CPF No. 1-2023-046-NOA Dear Mr. Coyle and Mr. Burrough: In accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.211, an informal hearing will be held regarding the Notice of Amendment issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in the above- referenced case. The hearing will take place on July 10th, 2024, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The hearing will be held at the PHMSA Eastern Region office, 840 Bear Tavern Road, Suite 300, West Trenton, NJ 08628. Upon arrival at the building, attendees will be required to present photo identification to security personnel. A contact phone number for the day of the hearing is (609) 989-2171. At least 10 calendar days prior to the hearing (or by July 1, 2024), both parties must submit and exchange any additional written materials they intend to present at the hearing and the name and email address of each attendee. This information should be provided electronically. Materials not submitted by this date may be excluded. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Larry White Presiding Official#
12023046NOA_PHC Hearing Scheduled_01092024_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 2cc: Ms. Amy Willis, Director, U.S. Regulatory Compliance, U.S. Natural Gas, ANR Pipeline Company, amy_willis@tcenergy.com Mr. Joseph St. Peter, OPS Eastern Region Counsel, PHMSA, joseph.st.peter@dot.gov#
12023046NOA_Consent Agreement and Order_08032026_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 1Official PDFU.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590 August 3, 2026 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL TO: David_brast@tcenergy.com David Brast President/Chief Executive Officer ANR Pipeline Company 700 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002 CPF No. 1-2023-046-NOA; 1-2023-47-NOPV Dear Mr. Brast, Enclosed please find a Consent Order incorporating the terms of the Consent Agreement between the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and ANR Pipeline Company, which was executed on July 20, 2026. Service of the Consent Order and Consent Agreement by electronic mail is deemed effective upon the date of transmission and acknowledgement of receipt, or as otherwise provided under 49 CFR § 190.5. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely, Paul Roberti Administrator Enclosure: Consent Order and Consent Agreement cc: Robert Burrough, Region Director, Eastern Region, Office of Pipeline Safety, PHMSA Brianne Kurdock, Counsel for ANR, Babst Calland, bkurdock@babstcalland.com CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT REQUESTED#
12023046NOA_Consent Agreement and Order_08032026_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 2U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 ____________________________________ In the Matter of ) ) ) ANR Pipeline Company, ) CPF No. 1-2023-047-NOPV ) 1-2023-046-NOA Respondent. ) ____________________________________) CONSENT ORDER By letters dated October 31, 2023 and December 4, 2023, respectively, pursuant to 49 CFR §§ 190.206 and 190.207, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), issued a Notice of Amendment (NOA) and a Notice of Probable Violation and Proposed Compliance Order (NOPV) (together, Notices) to ANR Pipeline Company (ANR or Respondent). In response to the Notices, Respondent contested the alleged violations and the proposed compliance order in the NOPV, as well as the alleged inadequacy in the NOA, and requested a hearing (Responses). Respondent also requested to meet informally with PHMSA to discuss the matters raised in its Responses. Respondent and PHMSA (the Parties) subsequently met, but were unable to resolve the allegations. On July 10, 2024, PHMSA conducted a hearing concerning the allegations contained in the Notices. Following the hearing, the Parties agreed to revisit settlement discussions. As a result of those discussions, the Parties have agreed to a Consent Agreement by which PHMSA withdraws the NOA and Item 2 of the NOPV, makes a finding of violation for Item 1 as alleged in the NOPV, and Respondent will complete certain compliance actions. Accordingly, the Consent Agreement is hereby approved and incorporated by reference into this Consent Order issued pursuant to § 190.219. ANR is hereby ordered to comply with the terms of the Consent Agreement pursuant to its terms. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60101, et seq., failure to comply with this Consent Order may result in the assessment of civil penalties as set forth in 49 U.S.C. § 60122 and 49 CFR § 190.223, or in referral to the Attorney General for appropriate relief in a district court of the United States. The terms and conditions of this Consent Order are effective upon service in accordance with 49 CFR § 190.5. ______________________ ______________________ Paul Roberti Date Issued Administrator#
12023046NOA_Consent Agreement and Order_08032026_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 3CPF Nos. 1-2023-046-NOA and 1-2023-047-NOPV Page 1 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 ____________________________________ In the Matter of ) ) ) ANR Pipeline Company, ) CPF Nos. 1-2023-047-NOPV ) 1-2023-046-NOA Respondent. ) ____________________________________) CONSENT AGREEMENT From March 14 through November 3, 2022, a representative of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), pursuant to Chapter 601 of Title 49, United States Code (U.S.C.), conducted an on-site pipeline safety inspection of the facilities and records of ANR Pipeline Company (ANR or Respondent) in Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana and Kentucky. As a result of the inspection, the Director, Eastern Region, OPS (Director), issued to Respondent, by letters dated October 31, 2023 and December 4, 2023, respectively, a Notice of Amendment (NOA) and Notice of Probable Violation and Proposed Compliance Order (NOPV) (together, Notices). In accordance with 49 CFR § 190.206, the NOA alleged that ANR’s manual of written procedures was inadequate to ensure safe operation of a pipeline facility. In accordance with 49 CFR § 190.207, the NOPV proposed finding that ANR committed two violations of 49 CFR Part 192 (Items 1 – 2), and proposed ordering Respondent to take certain measures to correct the alleged violations. TC Energy, on behalf of Respondent, responded to the NOA by letter dated November 29, 2023, and to the NOPV by letter dated January 16, 2024 (Responses). Respondent contested both alleged violations and the proposed compliance order in the NOPV, as well as the alleged inadequacy in the NOA, and requested a hearing. TC Energy also requested to meet informally with PHMSA to discuss the matters raised in its Responses. PHMSA and Respondent (the Parties) subsequently met to discuss the issues raised in the Responses, but were unable to resolve the allegations. On July 10, 2024, PHMSA conducted a hearing concerning the allegations contained in the Notices. Following the hearing, the Parties agreed to revisit settlement discussions. As a result of those discussions and as explained in more detail below, the Parties have agreed to a Consent Agreement by which PHMSA withdraws the NOA and Item 2 of the NOPV, makes a#
12023046NOA_Consent Agreement and Order_08032026_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 4CPF Nos. 1-2023-046-NOA and 1-2023-047-NOPV Page 2 finding of violation for Item 1 as alleged in the NOPV, and Respondent will complete certain compliance actions. Having agreed that settlement of this proceeding will avoid further administrative proceedings or litigation and will serve the public interest by promoting safety and protection of the environment, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60101, et seq. and 49 CFR Part 190, and upon consent and agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows: I. General Provisions 1. Respondent acknowledges that as the operator of the pipeline facilities subject to the Notices, Respondent and its referenced pipeline facilities are subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal pipeline safety laws, 49 U.S.C. § 60101, et seq., and the regulations and administrative orders issued thereunder. For purposes of this Consent Agreement (Agreement), Respondent acknowledges that it received proper notice of PHMSA’s action in this proceeding and that the Notices states claims upon which relief may be granted pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60101, et seq., and the regulations and orders issued thereunder. 2. After Respondent returns this signed Agreement to PHMSA, the Agency’s representative will present it to the Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety, recommending that the Associate Administrator adopt the terms of this Agreement by issuing an administrative order (Consent Order) incorporating the terms of this Agreement. The terms of this Agreement constitute an offer of settlement until accepted by the Associate Administrator. Once accepted, the Associate Administrator will issue a Consent Order incorporating the terms of this Agreement. 3. Respondent consents to the issuance of the Consent Order, and hereby waives any further procedural requirements with respect to its issuance. Respondent waives all rights to contest the adequacy of notice, or the validity of the Consent Order or this Agreement, including all rights to administrative or judicial hearings or appeals, except for the Dispute Resolution provisions set forth herein. Respondent agrees to notify the Presiding Official that the Parties have resolved this matter via Consent Agreement. 4. This Agreement shall apply to and be binding upon PHMSA and Respondent, its officers, directors, and employees, and its successors, assigns, or other entities or persons otherwise bound by law. Respondent agrees to provide a copy of this Agreement to all of Respondent’s officers, employees, and agents whose duties might reasonably include compliance with this Agreement. 5. This Agreement constitutes the final, complete and exclusive agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the settlement embodied in this Agreement. The Parties acknowledge that there are no representations, agreements or understandings relating to settlement other than those expressly contained in this Agreement, except that the terms of this Agreement may be construed by reference to the Notices. 6. Nothing in this Agreement affects or relieves Respondent of its responsibility to comply with all applicable requirements of the Federal pipeline safety laws, 49 U.S.C. § 60101,#
12023046NOA_Consent Agreement and Order_08032026_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 5CPF Nos. 1-2023-046-NOA and 1-2023-047-NOPV Page 3 et seq., and the regulations and orders issued thereunder. Nothing in this Agreement alters PHMSA’s right of access, entry, inspection, and information gathering or PHMSA’s authority to bring enforcement actions against Respondent pursuant to the Federal pipeline safety laws, the regulations and orders issued thereunder, or any other provision of Federal or State law. 7. For all transfers of ownership or operating responsibility of Respondent’s pipeline system referenced herein, Respondent will provide a copy of this Agreement to the prospective transferee at least 30 days prior to such transfer. Respondent will provide written notice of the transfer to the Director no later than 60 days after the transfer occurs. 8. This Agreement does not waive or modify any Federal, State, or local laws or regulations that are applicable to Respondent’s pipeline systems. This Agreement is not a permit, or a modification of any permit, under any Federal, State, or local laws or regulations. Respondent remains responsible for achieving and maintaining compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations and permits. 9. This Agreement does not create rights in, or grant any cause of action to, any third party not party to this Agreement. The U.S. Department of Transportation is not liable for any injuries or damages to persons or property arising from acts or omissions of Respondent or its officers, employees, or agents carrying out the work required by this Agreement. Respondent agrees to hold harmless the U.S. Department of Transportation, its officers, employees, agents, and representatives from any and all causes of action arising from any acts or omissions of Respondent or its contractors in carrying out any work required by this Agreement. 10. Except as set forth herein, this Agreement does not constitute a finding of violation of any other federal law or regulation and may not be used in any civil proceeding of any kind as evidence or proof of any fact, fault or liability, or as evidence of a violation of any law, rule, regulation, or requirement, except in a proceeding to enforce the provisions of this Agreement or in future PHMSA enforcement actions. II. Finding of Violation: A. 1-2023-047-NOPV 11. Item 1 - 49 CFR § 192.707(a)(2): The Notice alleged ANR failed to place and maintain as close as practical pipeline markers described by § 192.707(d) over each buried main and transmission line wherever necessary to identify the location of the transmission line or main to reduce the possibility of damage or interference. Specifically, the Notice alleged that Respondent failed to install line markers on Unit #s 2002, 1062, and 1052, located in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi, respectively. Respondent contested the allegation of violation as alleged in the Notice, but, for purposes of settlement, has agreed to accept the finding of violation. As such, PHMSA finds a violation of 49 CFR § 192.707(a)(2). 12. Item 1 will be considered by PHMSA as a prior offense in any future PHMSA enforcement action taken against Respondent for the five-year period following the Effective Date of this Agreement.#
12023046NOA_Consent Agreement and Order_08032026_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 6CPF Nos. 1-2023-046-NOA and 1-2023-047-NOPV Page 4 III. Items Withdrawn: A. 1-2023-047-NOPV 13. Item 2 - 49 CFR § 192.731(a): With respect to Item 2 of the Notice, the Parties agree that this Item should be withdrawn following review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the use of the relief devices referred to in the NOPV. Because this Item is withdrawn, it will not constitute a finding of violation for any purpose, and no further action by Respondent is necessary with respect to this Item. As such, the allegation of violation for Item 2 and the proposed compliance order associated with this Item are withdrawn. B. 1-2023-046-NOA 14. Item 1 - 49 CFR § 192.605(b)(1): With respect to Item 1 of the NOA, the Parties agree that this Item should be withdrawn following review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the use of the relief devices referred to the NOA. Because this Item is withdrawn, no further action by Respondent is necessary with respect to this item. As such, the allegation of inadequacy for Item 1 is withdrawn. IV. Compliance Order: A. 1-2023-047-NOPV 15. Item 1: The NOPV proposed certain compliance order actions to address the non- compliance alleged in the NOPV. Respondent contested the Proposed Compliance Order, in part because it installed line markers at the locations referred to in the Proposed Compliance Order in September 2022, prior to issuance of the NOPV, and in March 2024, prior to the hearing, and provided documentation of the installation. PHMSA accepts Respondent’s records regarding the installation of the line markers, but, because of the passage of time since installation, determines that verification of the continued presence of the line markers is necessary to ensure that Respondent is still in compliance. As such, Respondent agrees to verify that the line markers previously installed remain in the field today. ANR will provide photographic evidence of those line markers to the Director within 90 days of the Effective Date of this Agreement. V. Enforcement: 16. This Agreement is subject to all enforcement authorities available to PHMSA under 49 U.S.C. § 60101, et seq., and 49 CFR Part 190, including administrative civil penalties under 49 U.S.C. § 60122, of up to $272,926 per violation for each day the violation continues and referral of the case to the Attorney General for judicial enforcement, if PHMSA determines that Respondent is not complying with the terms of this Agreement in accordance with the determinations made by the Director, or in accordance with decisions of the Associate Administrator if resolved pursuant to the Dispute Resolution process herein. The maximum civil penalty amounts are adjusted annually for inflation. See 49 CFR § 190.223. All work plans and associated schedules set forth or referenced in Section IV (Compliance Order) are automatically incorporated into this Agreement and are enforceable in the same manner.#
12023046NOA_Consent Agreement and Order_08032026_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 7CPF Nos. 1-2023-046-NOA and 1-2023-047-NOPV Page 5 VI. Dispute Resolution: 17. The Director and Respondent will informally attempt to resolve any disputes arising under this Agreement, including any decision of the Director under the terms of Sections IV (Compliance Order). If Respondent and the Director are unable to informally resolve the dispute within 15 calendar days after the dispute is first raised, in writing, to the Director, Respondent may submit a written request for a determination resolving the dispute from the Associate Administrator. Such request must be made in writing and provided to the Director, counsel for the Eastern Region, and to the Associate Administrator, no later than 10 calendar days from the 15-day deadline for informal resolution referenced in this paragraph. Along with its request, Respondent must provide the Associate Administrator with all information Respondent believes is relevant to the dispute. Decisions of the Associate Administrator under this paragraph will constitute final agency action. The existence of a dispute and PHMSA’s consideration of matters placed in dispute will not excuse, toll, or suspend any term or timeframe for completion of any work to be performed under this Agreement during the pendency of the dispute resolution process. VII. Effective Date: 18. The term “Effective Date,” as used herein, is the date on which the Consent Order is issued by the Associate Administrator incorporating the terms of this Agreement. VIII. Recordkeeping and Information Disclosure: 19. Unless otherwise required in this Agreement, Respondent agrees to maintain records demonstrating compliance with all requirements of this Agreement for a period of at least five (5) years following completion of all work to be performed, unless a longer period of time is required pursuant to 49 CFR parts 190-199. For any reports, plans, or other deliverables required to be submitted to PHMSA pursuant to this Agreement, Respondent may assert a claim of business confidentiality or other protections applicable to the release of information by PHMSA, covering part or all of the information required to be submitted to PHMSA pursuant to this Agreement in accordance with 49 CFR Part 7. Respondent must mark the claim of confidentiality in writing on each page, and include a statement specifying the grounds for each claim of confidentiality. PHMSA determines release of any information submitted pursuant to this Agreement in accordance with 49 CFR Part 7, the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, DOT and PHMSA policies, and other applicable regulations and Executive Orders. IX. Modification: 20. The terms of this Agreement may be modified by mutual agreement of the Parties. Such modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties. X. Termination: 21. This Agreement will remain in effect until the Compliance Order in Section IV is satisfied, as determined by the Director. The Agreement shall not terminate until the Director#
12023046NOA_Consent Agreement and Order_08032026_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 8CPF Nos. 1-2023-046-NOA and 1-2023-047-NOPV Page 6 confirms, in writing, that the Agreement is terminated in accordance with this paragraph. Nothing in this Agreement prevents Respondent from completing any of the obligations earlier than the deadlines provided for in this Agreement. XI. Ratification: 22. The Parties’ undersigned representatives certify that they are fully authorized to enter into the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to execute and legally bind such party to this document. 23. The Parties hereby agree to all findings, conditions, and terms of this Agreement. [Signature Lines on Following Page]#
12023046NOA_Consent Agreement and Order_08032026_(22-233293)_text.pdf, page 9CPF Nos. 1-2023-046-NOA and 1-2023-047-NOPV Page 7 For ANR Pipeline Company: ___________________________________ Vice President, Operations Services, U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines ________________________ Date For PHMSA: ________________________________________ Director, Eastern Region, Office of Pipeline Safety ________________________ Date#
This material provides agency context. It does not replace binding regulatory text, and its legal effect depends on the underlying authority and facts.