# AMERIGAS PROPANE LP — Warning Letter

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** CPF 220120003W
- **title:** AMERIGAS PROPANE LP — Warning Letter
- **source type:** enforcement
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** historical
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2012-04-17
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** CLOSED warning letter citing 192.11(b), 192.463(a), 192.465(a), 192.481(a), 192.491(a), 192.605(a), 192.614, 192.615(c), 192.616(h), 192.616(i), 192.625(f), 192.707(d), 192.721, 192.739(a), 192.747(a), 192.805(b).
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-220120003w.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-220120003w.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-220120003w
- **source url:** https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-data/case/220120003W
**body:**

Warning Letter involving AMERIGAS PROPANE LP. PHMSA's enforcement data identifies the cited regulations as 192.11(b),  192.463(a),  192.465(a),  192.481(a),  192.491(a),  192.605(a),  192.614,  192.615(c),  192.616(h),  192.616(i),  192.625(f),  192.707(d),  192.721,  192.739(a),  192.747(a),  192.805(b). The case was opened on 2012-04-17 and is reported as closed as of 2012-04-17. Open the official case record for notices, responses, orders, and the latest status.

Official case documents:

220120003W_warning letter_04172012.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220120003W/220120003W_warning%20letter_04172012.pdf

220120003W_warning letter_04172012_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220120003W/220120003W_warning%20letter_04172012_text.pdf

220120003W_warning letter_04172012_text.pdf

WARNING LETTER
CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
April 17, 2012
Mr. Eugene Bissell
President & CEO
Amerigas Propane, LP
P.O. Box 965
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0965
CPF 2-2012-0003W
Dear Mr. Bissell:
From October 24 - 27, 2011, a representative of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration (PHMSA) inspected the Amerigas records and procedures in its Rockledge,
Florida office and its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipeline systems in Brevard County,
Florida, pursuant to Chapter 601 of 49 United States Code.
As a result of the inspection, it appears that Amerigas has committed probable violations of
the Pipeline Safety Regulations, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. The items inspected
and the probable violations are:
1. §192.11 Petroleum gas systems.
...(b) Each pipeline system subject to this part that transports only petroleum gas or
petroleum gas/air mixtures must meet the requirements of this part and of
ANSI/NFPA 58 and 59.
Amerigas did not meet the requirements of NFPA 58, Section 6.7.4.6, which states that
“The point of discharge shall also be located not less than 5 ft (1.5 m) in any direction
away from any source of ignition, openings into direct-vent (sealed combustion system)
appliances, or mechanical ventilation air intakes.”



Amerigas installed the point of discharge from pressure relief devices on regulating
equipment less than 5 feet from sources of ignition at the following locations:
– 325 Three Oaks Drive at the Oaks at Lake Front
– 5242 Colleens Way at Stone Lake Estates.
– 3290 and 3420 Biscayne Drive at Sunset Groves
– 1707 Sharon Lane and 512 Summers Creek Drive at Summers Creek
2. §192.463 External corrosion control: Cathodic protection.
(a) Each cathodic protection system required by this subpart must provide a level of
cathodic protection that complies with one or more of the applicable criteria
contained in appendix D of this part. If none of these criteria is applicable, the
cathodic protection system must provide a level of cathodic protection at least equal
to that provided by compliance with one or more of these criteria.
Amerigas did not ensure that its installed cathodic protection systems provided a level of
cathodic protection that complied with one or more of the applicable criteria contained in
Appendix D of Part 192.
Cathodic protection testing performed during the inspection found locations with low1
pipe-to-soil (p/s) readings indicating inadequate levels of cathodic protection. The
locations with associated p/s readings were as follows:
Oaks at Lake Front (10/26/2011) Sunset Groves (10/26/2011)
Tank A -590 mV DC Tank A -580 mV DC
Tank B -750 mV DC Tank B -480 mV DC
Regulator Station -610 mV DC Tank C -360 mV DC
Tank D -550 mV DC
Stone Lake Estates (10/26/2011) Tank E -450 mV DC
Tank A -710 mV DC
Tank B -760 mV DC Summers Creek (10/26/2011)
Tank C -810 mV DC Tank A -410 mV DC
Tank B -470 mV DC
Citrus Isle (10/26/2011) Tank C -520 mV DC
North Tank A -490 mV DC Tank D -620 mV DC
North Tank B -530 mV DC Tank E -590 mV DC
North Tank C -510 mV DC Tank F -520 mV DC
South Tank A -600 mV DC Regulator Station -620 mV DC
South Tank B -600 mV DC
South Tank C -540 mV DC
3. §192.465 External corrosion control: Monitoring.
(a) Each pipeline that is under cathodic protection must be tested at least once each
calendar year, but with intervals not exceeding 15 months, to determine whether the
1 The criteria for cathodic protection are contained in 49 CFR Part 192, Appendix D. The criteria being
referenced in this letter is negative (cathodic) voltage of at least 850mV with reference to a saturated copper-
copper sulfate half-cell. Accordingly, a “low” p/s reading is a reading less negative than 850mV.
2



cathodic protection meets the requirements of §192.463. However, if tests at those
intervals are impractical for separately protected short sections of mains or
transmission line, not in excess of 100 feet (30 meters), or separately protected
service line, these pipelines may be surveyed on a sampling basis. At least 10
percent of these protected structures, distributed over the entire system must be
surveyed each calendar year, with a different 10 percent checked each subsequent
year, so that the entire system is tested in each 10-year period.
Amerigas did not test each pipeline that is under cathodic protection at least once each
calendar year, but with intervals not exceeding 15 months, to determine whether the
cathodic protection met the requirements of §192.463. Amerigas did not provide records
demonstrating that it performed external corrosion control monitoring on the following
systems:
– Citrus Isle for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011
– The Oaks at Lake Front for 2008 and 2010
– Sunset Groves for 2008, 2009, and 2010
– Summers Creek for 2008, 2009, and 2010
– Stone Lake for 2008, 2009, and 2010
4. §192.481 Atmospheric corrosion control: Monitoring.
(a) Each operator must inspect each pipeline or portion of pipeline that is exposed to
the atmosphere for evidence of atmospheric corrosion, as follows:
If the pipeline is located: Then the frequency of inspection is:
Onshore At least once every 3 calendar years, but with intervals
not exceeding 39 months
Offshore At least once each calendar year, but with intervals not
exceeding 15 months
(b) During inspections the operator must give particular attention to pipe at soil-to-
air interfaces, under thermal insulation, under disbonded coatings, at pipe supports,
in splash zones, at deck penetrations, and in spans over water.
(c) If atmospheric corrosion is found during an inspection, the operator must
provide protection against the corrosion as required by §192.479.
Amerigas did not inspect each onshore pipeline or portion of pipeline exposed to the
atmosphere for evidence of atmospheric corrosion at least once every 3 calendar years,
but with intervals not exceeding 39 months. Amerigas has onshore pipelines exposed to
the atmosphere for which it provided no records demonstrating that Amerigas performed
atmospheric corrosion control monitoring for the following systems:
– Citrus Isle. Amerigas provided no records.
– Stone Lake. Amerigas provided 2010 records and no records for the preceding
39 months.
– Sunset Groves. Amerigas provided 2011 records and no records for the preceding
39 months.
3



5. §192.491 Corrosion control records.
(a) Each operator shall maintain records or maps to show the location of
cathodically protected piping, cathodic protection facilities, galvanic anodes, and
neighboring structures bonded to the cathodic protection system. Records or maps
showing a stated number of anodes, installed in a stated manner or spacing, need
not show specific distances to each buried anode.
Amerigas did not maintain records or maps to show the location of cathodically protected
piping and galvanic anodes for its five Brevard County pipeline facilities. Amerigas did
not provide these records when requested during the inspection.
6. §192.605 Procedural manual for operations, maintenance, and emergencies.
(a) General. Each operator shall prepare and follow for each pipeline, a manual of
written procedures for conducting operations and maintenance activities and for
emergency response. For transmission lines, the manual must also include
procedures for handling abnormal operations. This manual must be reviewed and
updated by the operator at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each
calendar year. This manual must be prepared before operations of a pipeline system
commence. Appropriate parts of the manual must be kept at locations where
operations and maintenance activities are conducted.
The Amerigas written procedural manual for operations, maintenance, and emergencies
either did not have procedures, or had inadequate procedures, for the following:
– defining an incident in accordance with the definition found in §191.3.
– requiring reports (except SRCR and offshore pipeline condition reports) be
submitted in accordance with the requirements of §191.7.
– notifying PHMSA electronically through the National Registry of Pipeline and
LNG Operators at http://opsweb.phmsa.dot.gov of certain events, as required by
§191.22.
– filing written safety-related conditions reports in accordance with the requirements
of §191.23.
– installing excess flow valves (EFV) which meet the performance requirements of
§192.381 on new or replaced service lines on single-family residences as required
by §192.383.
– providing public awareness messages as required by §192.616.
– odorizing the gas so that at a concentration in air of one-fifth of the lower
explosive limit, the gas is readily detectable by a person with a normal sense of
smell, as required by §192.625(a); and conducting periodic sampling of
combustible gases using an instrument capable of determining the percentage of
gas in air at which the odor becomes readily detectable as required by §192.625(f).
7. §192.614 Damage prevention program.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, each operator of a
buried pipeline must carry out, in accordance with this section, a written program
to prevent damage to that pipeline from excavation activities. For the purposes of
this section, the term “excavation activities” includes excavation, blasting, boring,
tunneling, backfilling, the removal of aboveground structures by either explosive or4



mechanical means, and other earthmoving operations.
(b) An operator may comply with any of the requirements of paragraph (c) of this
section through participation in a public service program, such as a one-call system,
but such participation does not relieve the operator of responsibility for compliance
with this section. However, an operator must perform the duties of paragraph (c)(3)
of this section through participation in a one-call system, if that one-call system is a
qualified one-call system. In areas that are covered by more than one qualified one-
call system, an operator need only join one of the qualified one-call systems if there
is a central telephone number for excavators to call for excavation activities, or if
the one-call systems in those areas communicate with one another. An operator's
pipeline system must be covered by a qualified one-call system where there is one in
place. For the purpose of this section, a one-call system is considered a “qualified
one-call system” if it meets the requirements of section (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this
section.
(1) The state has adopted a one-call damage prevention program under §198.37 of
this chapter; or
(2) The one-call system:
(i) Is operated in accordance with §198.39 of this chapter;
(ii) Provides a pipeline operator an opportunity similar to a voluntary participant to
have a part in management responsibilities; and
(iii) Assesses a participating pipeline operator a fee that is proportionate to the costs
of the one-call system's coverage of the operator's pipeline.
(c) The damage prevention program required by paragraph (a) of this section must,
at a minimum:
(1) Include the identity, on a current basis, of persons who normally engage in
excavation activities in the area in which the pipeline is located.
(2) Provides for notification of the public in the vicinity of the pipeline and actual
notification of the persons identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section of the
following as often as needed to make them aware of the damage prevention
program:
(i) The program's existence and purpose; and
(ii) How to learn the location of underground pipelines before excavation activities
are begun.
(3) Provide a means of receiving and recording notification of planned excavation
activities.
(4) If the operator has buried pipelines in the area of excavation activity, provide for
actual notification of persons who give notice of their intent to excavate of the type
of temporary marking to be provided and how to identify the markings.
(5) Provide for temporary marking of buried pipelines in the area of excavation
activity before, as far as practical, the activity begins.
(6) Provide as follows for inspection of pipelines that an operator has reason to
believe could be damaged by excavation activities:
(i) The inspection must be done as frequently as necessary during and after the
activities to verify the integrity of the pipeline; and
5



(ii) In the case of blasting, any inspection must include leakage surveys.
(d) A damage prevention program under this section is not required for the
following pipelines:
(1) Pipelines located offshore.
(2) Pipelines, other than those located offshore, in Class 1 or 2 locations until
September 20, 1995.
(3) Pipelines to which access is physically controlled by the operator.
(e) Pipelines operated by persons other than municipalities (including operators of
master meters) whose primary activity does not include the transportation of gas
need not comply with the following:
(1) The requirement of paragraph (a) of this section that the damage prevention
program be written; and
(2) The requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section.
Amerigas did not provide a means of receiving and recording notification of planned
excavation activities through participation in a one-call system. The operator provided
no one-call tickets when requested during the inspection. The field inspection identified
two locations, 3291 Biscayne Drive and 263 Summers Creek Drive, where other utilities
had been located, but Amerigas pipelines had not been located. An investigation by
Amerigas personnel determined that Amerigas had not received notification of the
pending excavations because it did not participate in a one-call system.
8. §192.615 Emergency plans.
... (c) Each operator shall establish and maintain liaison with appropriate fire,
police, and other public officials to:
(1) Learn the responsibility and resources of each government organization that
may respond to a gas pipeline emergency;
(2) Acquaint the officials with the operator's ability in responding to a gas pipeline
emergency;
(3) Identify the types of gas pipeline emergencies of which the operator notifies the
officials; and
(4) Plan how the operator and officials can engage in mutual assistance to minimize
hazards to life or property.
Amerigas did not establish and maintain liaison with appropriate fire, police, and other
public officials. When requested, Amerigas provided no records of its liaison activities
with fire, police, and other public officials.
9. §192.616 Public Awareness.
... (h) Operators in existence on June 20, 2005, must have completed their written
programs no later than June 20, 2006. The operator of a master meter or petroleum
gas system covered under paragraph (j) of this section must complete development
of its written procedure by June 13, 2008. Upon request, operators must submit
their completed programs to PHMSA or, in the case of an intrastate pipeline facility
operator, the appropriate State agency.
6



Amerigas did not complete its public awareness program by the regulatory deadline. At
the time of the inspection, Amerigas did not have a written program or procedures in
place that met the requirements of §192.616.
10. §192.616 Public Awareness.
... (i) The operator's program documentation and evaluation results must be
available for periodic review by appropriate regulatory agencies.
Amerigas did not document its public awareness program. When requested, Amerigas
provided no documentation of public awareness activities.
11. §192.625 Odorization of gas.
... (f) To assure the proper concentration of odorant in accordance with this section,
each operator must conduct periodic sampling of combustible gases using an
instrument capable of determining the percentage of gas in air at which the odor
becomes readily detectable. Operators of master meter systems may comply with
this requirement by-
(1) Receiving written verification from their gas source that the gas has the proper
concentration of odorant; and
(2) Conducting periodic "sniff" tests at the extremities of the system to confirm that
the gas contains odorant.
Amerigas did not assure the proper concentration of odorant by conducting periodic
sampling of combustible gases using an instrument capable of determining the percentage
of gas in air at which the odor becomes readily detectable. Amerigas provided
documentation from its propane supplier showing the propane was odorized prior to
delivery and records showing that the operator conducted periodic “sniff” tests to confirm
the gas contained odorant. However, since Amerigas was not operating master meter
systems, it cannot solely rely on this method to comply with the regulation. The only
acceptable method of complying was to use an instrument capable of determining the
percentage of gas in air at which the odor becomes readily detectable.
12. §192.707 Line markers for mains and transmission lines.
... (d) Marker warning. The following must be written legibly on a background of
sharply contrasting color on each line marker:
(1) The word “Warning,” “Caution,” or “Danger” followed by the words “Gas (or
name of gas transported) Pipeline” all of which, except for markers in heavily
developed urban areas, must be in letters at least 1 inch (25 millimeters) high
with1/4inch (6.4 millimeters) stroke.
(2) The name of the operator and the telephone number (including area code) where
the operator can be reached at all times.
Amerigas pipeline markers did not meet the requirements of the regulation. The pipeline
markers used by Amerigas did not contain the word “Warning,” “Caution,” or “Danger”
followed by the words “Gas (or name of gas transported) Pipeline” written legibly on a
background of sharply contrasting colors. Moreover, the pipeline markers did not contain
a telephone number where the operator can be reached at all times.
7



13. §192.721 Distribution systems: Patrolling.
(a) The frequency of patrolling mains must be determined by the severity of the
conditions which could cause failure or leakage, and the consequent hazards to
public safety.
(b) Mains in places or on structures where anticipated physical movement or
external loading could cause failure or leakage must be patrolled—
(1) In business districts, at intervals not exceeding 4½ months, but at least four times
each calendar year; and
(2) Outside business districts, at intervals not exceeding 7½ months, but at least
twice each calendar year.
Amerigas did not patrol its mains outside business districts at intervals not exceeding 7½
months, but at least twice each calendar year. Amerigas provided no records showing
that it patrolled its mains for its five Brevard County pipeline systems from 2008 to 2011.
14. §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.
Amerigas did not inspect and test its pressure limiting and regulating stations at intervals
not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year. When requested,
Amerigas provided no records of inspection and testing its pressure limiting and
regulating station for 2008 at five systems (Oaks at Lake Front, Sunset Groves, Summers
Creek, Stone Lake Estates, and Citrus Isle) and for 2009 at four systems (Sunset Groves,
Summers Creek, Stone Lake Estates, and Citrus Isle). Furthermore, the PHMSA field
inspection of the regulators at Citrus Isle found the relief vents buried in the dirt, which
might have prevented proper operation.
15. §192.747 Valve maintenance: Distribution systems.
(a) Each valve, the use of which may be necessary for the safe operation of a
distribution system, must be checked and serviced at intervals not exceeding 15
months, but at least once each calendar year.
Amerigas did not check and service each valve which may be necessary for the safe
operation of its pipeline distribution system at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at
least once each calendar year. When requested, Amerigas provided no records of valve
maintenance for 2008 at five systems (Oaks at Lake Front, Sunset Groves, Summers
8



Creek, Stone Lake Estates, and Citrus Isle) and for 2009 at four systems (Sunset Groves,
Summers Creek, Stone Lake Estates, and Citrus Isle).
16. §192.805 Qualification program.
Each operator shall have and follow a written qualification program. The program
shall include provisions to:
... (b) Ensure through evaluation that individuals performing covered tasks are
qualified;
Amerigas did not ensure through evaluation that individuals performing covered tasks
were qualified. When requested, Amerigas provided no records of individuals
performing covered tasks having been qualified through evaluation. Furthermore,
Amerigas personnel did not recall receiving operator qualification training or being
evaluated on their performance of covered tasks.
Under 49 United States Code, § 60122, Amerigas is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed
$100,000 for each violation for each day the violation persists up to a maximum of
$1,000,000 for any related series of violations. 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(s) identified in this letter. Failure to do so will result in Amerigas 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 2-2012-0003W. 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,
Wayne T. Lemoi
Director, Office of Pipeline Safety
PHMSA Southern Region
9
- **truncated:** false
- **body characters:** 23597