# ENBRIDGE PIPELINES (SOUTHERN LIGHTS) L.L.C. — Warning Letter

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** CPF 320125005W
- **title:** ENBRIDGE PIPELINES (SOUTHERN LIGHTS) L.L.C. — Warning Letter
- **source type:** enforcement
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** historical
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2012-02-27
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** CLOSED warning letter citing 195.573(c).
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-320125005w.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-320125005w.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-320125005w
- **source url:** https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-data/case/320125005W
**body:**

Warning Letter involving ENBRIDGE PIPELINES (SOUTHERN LIGHTS) L.L.C.. PHMSA's enforcement data identifies the cited regulation as 195.573(c). The case was opened on 2012-02-27 and is reported as closed as of 2012-02-27. Open the official case record for notices, responses, orders, and the latest status.

Official case documents:

320125005W_Warning Letter_02272012.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/320125005W/320125005W_Warning%20Letter_02272012.pdf

320125005W_Warning Letter_02272012_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/320125005W/320125005W_Warning%20Letter_02272012_text.pdf

320125005W_Warning Letter_02272012_text.pdf

WARNING LETTER
CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
February 27, 2012
Mr. Rich Adams
Vice President, US Operations
Enbridge Energy, L.P.
Superior City Center
1409 Hammond Avenue
Superior, WI 54880
CPF 3-2012-5005W
Dear Mr. Adams:
On October 18-21 and October 24-27, 2011, a representative of the Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) pursuant to Chapter 601 of 49 United States Code
inspected your Enbridge Energy, L.P. (Enbridge) Southern Lights Pipeline in North Dakota,
Wisconsin, and Illinois.
As a result of the inspection, it appears that you have committed a probable violation of the
Pipeline Safety Regulations, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. The item inspected and
the probable violation is:



1. §195.573 What must I do to monitor external corrosion control?
(c) Rectifiers and other devices. You must electrically check for proper
performance each device in the first column at the frequency stated in the second
column.
Device Check frequency
Rectifier
Reverse current switch
Diode
Interference bond whose failure
would jeopardize structural
protection
At least six times each calendar year,
but with intervals not
exceeding 2 ½ months
Other interference bond At least once each calendar year, but
with intervals not exceeding 15
months.
Enbridge did not monitor an interference bond whose failure would jeopardize
structural protection six times a calendar year with intervals not exceeding 2 ½
months. At the time of PHMSA’s inspection, the bond at Milepost 475 was only
monitored once during the last year.
The pipeline was commissioned in 2010 and Enbridge conducted some interference
testing at crossings with foreign pipeline systems. One bond at approximate Milepost
475 was reported by Enbridge representatives as a critical bond, but it was not being
monitored 6 times per calendar year, at intervals not exceeding 2 ½ months, as
required. All bonds should be reviewed to determine and document which ones whose
failure would jeopardize structural protection, and monitor for proper performance at
the required intervals.
Under 49 United States Code, § 60122, you are 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
identified in this letter. Failure to do so will result in Enbridge Energy, L.P. 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 3-2012-5005W. 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
2



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,
David Barrett
Director, Central Region
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
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