# COLONIAL PIPELINE CO — Notice of Probable Violation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** CPF 220205001
- **title:** COLONIAL PIPELINE CO — Notice of Probable Violation
- **source type:** enforcement
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** historical
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2020-12-15
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** CLOSED notice of probable violation citing 195.262(b)(2), 195.412(b), 195.567(a), 195.567(c), 195.61(b).
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- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-220205001
- **source url:** https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-data/case/220205001
**body:**

Notice of Probable Violation involving COLONIAL PIPELINE CO. PHMSA's enforcement data identifies the cited regulations as 195.262(b)(2),  195.412(b),  195.567(a),  195.567(c),  195.61(b). The case was opened on 2020-12-15 and is reported as closed as of 2026-03-13. Open the official case record for notices, responses, orders, and the latest status.

Official case documents:

220205001_Closure Letter_03132026_(18-162643S).pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220205001/220205001_Closure%20Letter_03132026_(18-162643S).pdf

220205001_Closure Letter_03132026_(18-162643S)_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220205001/220205001_Closure%20Letter_03132026_(18-162643S)_text.pdf

220205001_Consent Agreement and Order_05042021_(18-162643S).pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220205001/220205001_Consent%20Agreement%20and%20Order_05042021_(18-162643S).pdf

220205001_Consent Agreement and Order_05042021_(18-162643S)_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220205001/220205001_Consent%20Agreement%20and%20Order_05042021_(18-162643S)_text.pdf

220205001_NOPV PCO_12152020.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220205001/220205001_NOPV%20PCO_12152020.pdf

220205001_NOPV PCO_12152020_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220205001/220205001_NOPV%20PCO_12152020_text.pdf

220205001_Operator Hearing Request Withdrawn (PHC-Hearing Scheduled Canceled)_05042021_(18-162643S).pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220205001/220205001_Operator%20Hearing%20Request%20Withdrawn%20(PHC-Hearing%20Scheduled%20Canceled)_05042021_(18-162643S).pdf

220205001_Operator Response to Notice and Request for Settlement Conference and Request for Hearing_02122021.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220205001/220205001_Operator%20Response%20to%20Notice%20and%20Request%20for%20Settlement%20Conference%20and%20Request%20for%20Hearing_02122021.pdf

220205001_PHC Hearing Scheduled_03102021.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220205001/220205001_PHC%20Hearing%20Scheduled_03102021.pdf

220205001_PHC Hearing Scheduled_03102021_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/220205001/220205001_PHC%20Hearing%20Scheduled_03102021_text.pdf

220205001_Consent Agreement and Order_05042021_(18-162643S)_text.pdf

May 4, 2021
Mr. Joseph Blount
President and Chief Executive Officer
Colonial Pipeline Company
1185 Sanctuary Parkway
Suite 100
Alpharetta, Georgia 30009
CPF No. 2-2020-5001
Dear Mr. Blount:
Enclosed please find a Consent Order incorporating the terms of the Consent Agreement
between the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and Colonial
Pipeline Company which was executed on May 3, 2021. Service of the Consent Order and
Consent Agreement by electronic mail is deemed effective upon the date of transmission, or as
otherwise provided under 49 C.F.R. § 190.5.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Alan K. Mayberry
Associate Administrator
for Pipeline Safety
Enclosure: Order and Consent Agreement
cc: Mr. James Urisko, Director, Southern Region, Office of Pipeline Safety, PHMSA
Mr. Mark Piazza, Manager, Pipeline Compliance and R&D, Colonial Pipeline Company,
mpiazza@colpipe.com
Ms. Catherine Little, Troutman Pepper, Counsel for Colonial Pipeline Company,
catherine.little@troutman.com
CONFIMRATION OF RECEIPT REQUESTED



U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590
____________________________________
In the Matter of
Colonial Pipeline Company,
Respondent.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
CPF No. 2-2020-5001
CONSENT ORDER
By letter dated December 15, 2020, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration,
Office of Pipeline Safety, issued a Notice of Probable Violation and Proposed Compliance Order
(Notice) to Colonial Pipeline Company (Colonial).
In response to the Notice, Colonial requested a hearing and an opportunity to discuss settlement
outside of the hearing, whereupon the parties engaged in good-faith settlement discussions that
have resulted in the Consent Agreement attached to this Order that settles all of the allegations in
the Notice.
Accordingly, the Consent Agreement is hereby approved and incorporated by reference into this
Order. Colonial is hereby ordered to comply with the terms of the Consent Agreement, effective
immediately.
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 C.F.R. § 190.223.
The terms and conditions of this Consent Order are effective upon service in accordance with 49
C.F.R. § 190.5.
May 4, 2021
___________________________________ __________________________
Alan K. Mayberry Date Issued
Associate Administrator
for Pipeline Safety



1
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590
____________________________________
)
In the Matter of )
)
Colonial Pipeline Company, ) CPF No. 2-2020-5001
)
Respondent. )
)
CONSENT AGREEMENT
From January 14, 2019 to February 7, 2020, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60117, representatives of
the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety
(OPS), conducted an on-site pipeline safety inspection of the facilities and records of Colonial
Pipeline Company’s (Colonial or Respondent) pipeline system located in Alabama, Georgia,
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
As a result of the inspection, the Director, Southern Region, OPS (Director), issued to
Respondent, by letter dated December 15, 2020, a Notice of Probable Violation and Proposed
Compliance Order (Notice). In accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.207, the Notice alleged
Colonial had committed four probable violations, including violations of 49 C.F.R. §§ 195.61(b),
195.262(b)(2), 195.412(b), and 195.567(c), and proposed ordering Respondent to take certain
measures to correct the alleged violation of § 195.262(b)(2).
Colonial requested additional time to respond to the Notice on December 22, 2020. PHMSA
granted the extension on December 31, 2020. Colonial responded to the Notice by letter dated
February 2, 2021 (Response). The company did not contest the allegations regarding Items 1, 3,
and 4 of the Notice. The Response did contest the allegation of violation in Item 2 of the Notice,
requested a settlement conference with the Southern Region, and reserved the company’s right to
a hearing regarding that Item. On March 11, 2021, April 14, 2021, and again on April 23, 2021,
Colonial and PHMSA (collectively, the Parties), met to discuss a possible resolution of the case.
During the meetings, an agreement was reached that resolves all of the issues in the Notice.
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 C.F.R. Part 190, and upon consent and agreement of the Colonial
and PHMSA, the Parties hereby agree as follows:



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I. General Provisions
1. Respondent acknowledges that as the operator of the Colonial system in Texas,
Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland,
Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, Respondent and its Colonial Pipeline system 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 Agreement,
Respondent acknowledges that it received proper notice of PHMSA's action in this proceeding
and that the Notice 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 Colonial 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 as set forth herein.
4. This Agreement shall apply to and be binding upon PHMSA and Colonial, 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 and any
incorporated work plans and schedules to all of Colonial’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 Notice.
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, 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 Colonial 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 Colonial’s pipeline
system which occur while this Agreement is in effect, Colonial will provide a copy of this
Agreement to the prospective transferee at least 30 days prior to such transfer. Colonial will
provide written notice of the transfer to the PHMSA Southern Regional Director no later than 60
days after the transfer occurs.



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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. Colonial
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. Colonial 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. This Agreement does not constitute a finding of violation of any 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.
11. Upon issuance of the Consent Order, the Parties agree to the terms in this
Agreement and its appendices, which are incorporated herein.
II. Items 1, 3 and 4 of the Notice:
12. Allegations of Violation - §§ 195.61(b), 195.412(b), and 195.567(c): With respect
to Items 1, 3 and 4 of the Notice, the Director, Southern Region, Colonial does not contest but
neither admits nor denies any allegation or conclusion in the Notice. As such, Items 1, 3 and 4 of
the Notice are issued as warning items, as proposed in the Notice. PHMSA advises Colonial to
promptly correct these items. Failure to do so may result in additional enforcement action.
III. Item 2 of the Notice:
13. Allegation of Violation - § 195.262(b)(2): With respect to Item 2 of the Notice,
the Parties agree that the facts as alleged in the Notice are true and correct, but Colonial neither
admits nor denies that it violated the federal pipeline safety regulations. The Director, Southern
Region has reviewed additional information provided by Colonial and discussed with Colonial
the important safety implications of the issues raised by this allegation. PHMSA agrees to issue
Item 2 as a warning item on the condition that Colonial completes the additional compliance
actions outlined below. The Parties agree that the facts as alleged in the Notice may be
considered by PHMSA as a prior offense in any future enforcement action taken against
Colonial. If the compliance actions incorporated into this Agreement are not completed,
PHMSA reserves the right to take further enforcement action, including issuing a finding of
violation and assessing a civil penalty.



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14. Proposed Compliance Order: The Proposed Compliance Order included in the
Notice is withdrawn. Respondent agrees to complete the corrective actions specified in
Appendix A of this Agreement, titled “Work Plan for Identification, Inspection, and Safe Use of
Emergency Shut Down Devices in Relevant Pumping Stations throughout the Colonial Pipeline
System” (Work Plan).
IV. Additional Work to be Performed:
15. Respondent agrees to complete the actions described in the Work Plan in
accordance with the schedules set forth therein. Respondent agrees that the activities described
in the Work Plan go beyond the minimum federal pipeline safety regulations.
16. Respondent agrees to revise the Work Plan as necessary to incorporate new
information obtained during the activities performed under the Work Plan. Respondent shall
submit any such plan revisions to the Director for prior approval. The Director may approve
Work Plan revision elements incrementally.
17. The Director may grant an extension of time for completion of any of the work to
be performed under the Work Plan upon Respondent’s timely, written request that demonstrates
both good cause for an extension and provides sufficient detail to enable the Director to evaluate
Respondent’s request.
18. With respect to any submission by the Respondent under the Work Plan that
requires the approval of the Director, the Director may: (1) approve the submission, in whole or
in part; (2) disapprove the submission on specified conditions; (3) disapprove the submission, in
whole or in part; or (4) undertake any combination of the foregoing. In the event of approval in
whole, in part, or upon conditions, Colonial will proceed to take all actions required by the
submission as modified by the Director. In the event the Director does not approve all or any
portion of a submission, the Director will provide Colonial with a written notice of the
deficiencies. Respondent will correct all deficiencies within the time specified by the Director
and resubmit it for acceptance.
IV. Enforcement
19. This Agreement, including all elements of the incorporated Work Plan, is subject
to all enforcement authorities available to PHMSA under 49 U.S.C. § 60101, et seq., and
49 C.F.R. Part 190, including administrative civil penalties under 49 U.S.C. § 60122, of up to
$200,000 (as adjusted) 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 determinations made by the
Director, or if appealed, in accordance with decisions of the Associate Administrator. The
maximum civil penalty amounts are adjusted annually for inflation. See 49 C.F.R. § 190.233.



5
V. Dispute Resolution
20. The Director and Colonial will informally attempt to resolve any disputes arising
under this agreement, including, but not limited to, any decision of the Director. If Colonial and
the Director are unable to informally resolve the dispute within 15 calendar days after the dispute
is first raised in writing, Colonial may submit a written request for a determination resolving the
dispute from the Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. The written request for a
determination must be provided to the Director, counsel for the Southern Region, and to the
Associate Administrator no later than 10 calendar days after the 15-day deadline for informal
resolution referenced in this paragraph. Along with its request, Colonial must provide the
Associate Administrator with all information Colonial believes is relevant to the dispute.
Determinations of the Associate Administrator under this paragraph 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, except as agreed
upon by the Director or Associate Administrator in writing.
VI. Effective Date
21. The term “Effective Date,” as used herein, is the date on which the Consent Order
is issued by the Associate Administrator, PHMSA, incorporating the terms of this Agreement.
VII. Modification
22. 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.
IX. Termination
23. This Agreement will terminate upon submission, and approval where specified, of
the deliverables set forth in the Work Plan.
X. Ratification
24. 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.



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25. The Parties hereby agree to all conditions and terms of this Agreement.
For Colonial Pipeline Company:
________________________
Wes Dunbar
Vice President of Operations
________________________
Date
For PHMSA:
_________________________
James Urisko
Director, Southern Region
_________________________
Date

220205001_Closure Letter_03132026_(18-162643S)_text.pdf

U.S. Department
of Transportation
Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety
Administration
230 Peachtree Street N.W.
Suite 2100
Atlanta, GA 30303
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL TO: MLittle@colpipe.com; QFrazier@colpipe.com
March 13, 2026
Melanie Little
President and Chief Executive Officer
Colonial Pipeline Company
1185 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Re: CPF No. 2-2020-5001
Dear Ms. Little:
On May 4, 2021, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) entered
into a Consent Agreement with Colonial Pipeline Company. This Agreement, and resulting
Order, included corrective actions to comply with 49 CFR § 195.262(b)(2).
PHMSA has confirmed satisfactory completion of all required elements of the Consent
Agreement and Order. Accordingly, this case is now closed, and no further action is required.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
James A. Urisko
Director, Southern Region, Office of Pipeline Safety
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
CC: James Urisko, Director, PHMSA Office of Pipeline Safety, Southern Region
Quintin Frazier, Director, Pipeline Compliance, Colonial Pipeline
QFrazier@colpipe.com

220205001_PHC Hearing Scheduled_03102021_text.pdf

March 10, 2021
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL TO: mpiazza@colpipe.com and james.urisko@dot.gov
Mr. Mark Piazza
Manager, Pipeline Compliance and R&D
Colonial Pipeline Company
1185 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Mr. James Urisko
Director, Southern Region
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
233 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 600
Atlanta, GA 30303
Re: Notice of Hearing, Colonial Pipeline Company
CPF No. 2-2020-5001
Dear Mr. Piazza and Mr. Urisko:
In accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.211, an informal hearing will be held regarding the Notice of
Probable Violation and Proposed Compliance Order issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration in the above-referenced case. The hearing will take place on May 5, 2021,
beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
The hearing will be held via videoconference. I will provide the videoconference information prior
to the hearing. At least 10 calendar days prior to the hearing (or by April 26, 2021), 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
cc: Ms. Lauren Clegg, Counsel, Southern Region, Office of Pipeline Safety, PHMSA
lauren.clegg@dot.gov
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