CPF 32022026NOPV
CPF 32022026NOPV
case documentOfficial PDF32022026NOPV_Operator Post-Hearing Submission_01132023_(20-173062).pdf#
case documentOfficial PDF32022026NOPV_Operator Pre-Hearing Submission_10062022_(20-173062).pdf#
party submissionOfficial PDF32022026NOPV_Operator Response to Notice etc (Part 1)_06062022_(20-173062).pdf#
party submissionOfficial PDF32022026NOPV_Operator Response to Notice etc (Part 2)_06062022_(20-173062).pdf#
party submissionOfficial PDF32022026NOPV_Operator Withdrawal of Hearing Request_09012023_(20-173062).pdf#
case documentOfficial PDF32022026NOPV_PCP PCO_05052022_(20-173062).pdf#
case documentOfficial PDF32022026NOPV_PCP PCO_05052022_(20-173062)_text.pdf#
32022026NOPV_Closure Letter_04092024_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 1Official PDFVIA ELECTRONIC MAIL TO: MLittle@colpipe.com; QFrazier@colpipe.com; akolar@colpipe.com; catherine.little@bracewell.com April 9, 2024 Melanie Little President and Chief Executive Officer Colonial Pipeline Company 1000 Lake Street Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 RE: CPF 3-2022-026-NOPV Dear Ms. Little: On September 1, 2023, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued to Colonial Pipeline Company (Colonial) a Consent Order incorporating the terms of the Consent Agreement and entered into between the parties in the above-referenced case. This Consent Order included a Compliance Order and Civil Penalty assessment. Based on our review of the documentation you provided and confirmation of payment of the civil penalty, it has been determined that Colonial has complied with the terms of this Consent Order. Accordingly, this case is now closed and no further action is contemplated with respect to the matters involved in this case. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely, Gregory A. Ochs Director, Central Region, Office of Pipeline Safety Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration cc: Quintin Frazier, Director, Pipeline Compliance, Colonial Pipeline Co. QFrazier@colpipe.com Angela D. Kolar, Senior Vice President, Operations, EHS, & Compliance, Colonial Pipeline Co. , akolar@colpipe.com Catherine Little, Esq., Counsel for Colonial Pipeline Co., Bracewell LLP, catherine.little@bracewell.com#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 1Official PDFSeptember 1, 2023 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL TO: MLittle@colpipe.com Melanie Little President and Chief Executive Officer Colonial Pipeline Company 1000 Lake Street Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 CPF No. 3-2022-026-NOPV CPF No. 3-2022-028-NOA Dear Ms. Little: 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 August 30, 2023. 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 C.F.R. § 190.5. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely, Alan K. Mayberry Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety Enclosure: Consent Order and Consent Agreement cc: Mr. Gregory Ochs, Director, Central Region, Office of Pipeline Safety, PHMSA Ms. Angela D. Kolar, Senior Vice President, Operations, EHS, & Compliance, Colonial Pipeline Company, akolar@colpipe.com Ms. Catherine Little, Counsel for Colonial Pipeline Company, Bracewell LLP, catherine.little@bracewell.com CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT REQUESTED#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_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 ) ) ) Colonial Pipeline Company, ) CPF No. 3-2022-026-NOPV ) CPF No. 3-2022-028-NOA Respondent. ) ____________________________________) CONSENT ORDER By letter dated May 5, 2022, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), issued a Notice of Probable Violation, Proposed Civil Penalty and Proposed Compliance Order (Notice) to Colonial Pipeline Company (Colonial or Respondent). PHMSA issued a separate Notice of Amendment (NOA) to Colonial by letter on May 27, 2022. In response to the Notice, Respondent requested a hearing on Items 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 of the Notice, the associated proposed civil penalty, and the proposed compliance order obligations (Response). Respondent did not contest Items 3 and 6 of the Notice. In its Response, Colonial also requested a hearing on Items 5 and 7 of the NOA. Respondent did not contest Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 of the NOA. Colonial also asked for the opportunity to meet informally with PHMSA to discuss the issues raised by the contested Notice and NOA Items. Respondent and PHMSA (The Parties) subsequently met on several occasions to discuss the issues raised in the Response. Through these meetings, the Parties agreed on a resolution of all Items except Item 5 of the Notice and Item 5 of the NOA. A hearing was held on November 30, 2022, regarding Notice Item 5 and NOA Item 5. In July 2023, the Parties resumed informal settlement discussions for Item 5 of the Notice and Item 5 of the NOA. As a result of those resumed discussions, as explained in more detail below, the Parties have agreed to a Consent Agreement which resolves the allegations set forth in the Notice and NOA, to include a reduced civil of $948,400. Accordingly, the Consent Agreement is hereby approved and incorporated by reference into this Consent Order. Colonial 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 C.F.R. § 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 C.F.R. § 190.5. September 1, 2023 _________________________________ ________________________ Alan K. Mayberry Date Issued Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 3U.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. 3-2022-026-NOPV ) CPF No. 3-2022-028-NOA Respondent. ) ____________________________________) CONSENT AGREEMENT From January 27 to November 12, 2020, and from October 29 to November 4, 2021, a representative of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA or the Agency), Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), pursuant to Chapter 601 of 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) inspected Colonial Pipeline Company’s (Colonial or Respondent) procedures and records for Control Room Management (CRM) in Linden, New Jersey; Hebert, Texas; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Alpharetta, Georgia. As a result of the inspection, the Director, Central Region, OPS (Director), issued to Colonial, by letter dated May 5, 2022, a Notice of Probable Violation, Proposed Civil Penalty and Proposed Compliance Order (Notice), and a separate Notice of Amendment (NOA) and Warning Letter issued by letters on May 27, 2022. In accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.207, the Notice proposed finding that Respondent had violated seven provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 195 (Items 1 through 7), proposed ordering Respondent to take certain measures to correct the alleged violations, and proposed a civil penalty in the amount of $986,400. In accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.206, the NOA alleged eight procedures were inadequate to assure the safe operation of a pipeline facility and proposed that Respondent submit revised procedures to address the inadequacies identified. In accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.205, the Warning Letter advised Colonial to address two areas to avoid potential future enforcement action, but otherwise did not require further response by Respondent. During and following PHMSA’s inspections in 2020 and 2021, Respondent worked with the Agency to better understand and proactively address the comments and concerns raised by PHMSA, including those raised by PHMSA shortly before issuance of the Notice. With that as background and in response to the Notice, Respondent requested a hearing to address the issues presented by Items 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 of the Notice, the associated proposed civil penalty, and the associated proposed compliance order (PCO) obligations. Respondent did not contest Items 3#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 4and 6 of the Notice. Item 6 of the Notice was brought as a warning requiring no further action by Respondent. In response to the NOA, Respondent requested a hearing on Items 5 and 7 of the NOA. Respondent did not contest Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 of the NOA and timely submitted revised procedures for review by the Director, Central Region, to address those Items. In responding to the Notice and the NOA, Respondent asked for the opportunity to meet informally with PHMSA to discuss the issues raised by the contested Notice and NOA Items. Respondent and PHMSA (the Parties) subsequently met on several occasions to discuss the issues. Through those meetings, the Parties agreed on a resolution of all items except Item 5 of the Notice and Item 5 of the NOA. Additionally, Respondent addressed all PCO obligations with subsequent approval by PHMSA. Joint stipulations were provided to the Presiding Official on November 29, 2022 regarding Notice Items 1-4, 6-7 and NOA Items 1-4, 6-8 in advance of a Hearing limited to Item 5 of the Notice and Item 5 of the NOA. A Hearing was held on November 30, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri regarding Notice Item 5 and NOA Item 5. After the Hearing, post-hearing briefings were timely filed by the Parties. The Parties resumed informal settlement meetings in July 2023. As a result of those discussions, and subject to the clarifications set forth below, the Parties have agreed to resolve the allegations set forth in the Notice and NOA and Respondent has agreed to pay a reduced civil penalty in the amount of $948,400. Having agreed that settlement of the Notice and the NOA will avoid further administrative proceedings or litigation of those Items 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 Respondent and PHMSA, the Parties hereby agree as follows: I. General Provisions 1. Respondent acknowledges that as the operator of the pipeline facilities subject to the Notice and NOA, Respondent and its referenced hazardous liquid 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 actions in these proceedings and that the Notice and NOA state 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 as long as it is consistent with the terms of this Agreement. Respondent waives all rights to contest the adequacy of the Notice or#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 5the NOA, 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 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 and any incorporated work plans and schedules 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 Notice and the NOA. 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 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 PHMSA Central Regional 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 system. 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 noted below, Respondent neither admits nor denies any allegation or conclusion in the Notice, the NOA, or this Agreement. Respondent agrees for purposes of this Agreement to accept the findings of violation and to comply with the terms of this Agreement. 11. During informal discussions, Respondent presented evidence showing that the number of prior offenses during the 5-year period preceding the issuance of the Notice was incorrectly calculated in the Pipeline Safety Violation Report (Violation Report). As such,#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 6PHMSA agrees to reduce the number of prior offenses during the 5-year period preceding the Notice date from 4 to 3 for Items 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. 12. 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. 13. Upon issuance of the Consent Order, the Parties agree to the following terms. II. Notice - Warning Item 14. Item 6: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(c)(4): The Notice alleged that Respondent failed to test the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) backup servers at the Linden, Hebert, and Greensboro field operations control rooms at least once each calendar year, but at intervals not to exceed 15 months, for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. This Item was brought as a warning and does not constitute a finding of violation for any purpose. Respondent was advised to promptly correct this issue going forward, and that a failure to do so may result in future enforcement action. Respondent did not contest this Warning Item. Following PHMSA’s inspection and without admission, Respondent developed procedures and performed tests of its servers to meet the requirements of this section. The Director found that the procedures and tests for Linden, Hebert and Greensboro are adequate. III. Notice - Findings of Violation 15. Item 1: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a): The Notice alleged that Respondent failed to follow its procedure, ADM-CPC-008 Rev.2 7/1/2019 Point-To-Point Verification, when documenting a point-to-point verification between SCADA displays and related field equipment at Linden Station in calendar year 2019. Respondent neither admits nor denies the allegation of violation for this Item, but, for purposes of settlement, agrees to accept the finding of violation. As such, PHMSA finds a violation of 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a). This violation may be considered by PHMSA as a prior offense in any future PHMSA enforcement action taken against Respondent. During informal discussions, Respondent, without admission, provided updated procedures to address this Item and presented evidence showing that the failure to document a point-to-point verification between SCADA displays and related field equipment at Linden Station was a records violation, not an activities violation. As such, PHMSA agrees to amend the nature of the offense to a records violation. 16. Item 2: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a): The Notice alleged that Respondent failed to follow its procedures when conducting and documenting point-to-point verifications in Safety Life Cycle Management (SLM) system for Safety Related Alarms to ensure alarms are accurate and support safe pipeline operations. Respondent neither admits nor denies the allegation of violation for this Item, but has without admission updated its procedures to address this Item. Further, for purposes of settlement, Respondent agrees to accept the finding of violation. As such, PHMSA finds a violation of 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a). This violation may be considered by PHMSA as a prior offense in any future PHMSA enforcement action taken against Respondent.#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 717. Item 3: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a): The Notice alleged that Respondent failed to complete and document verifications of alarm set-point and alarm descriptions in compliance with its procedures when associated field instruments were calibrated or changed for safety related points at the Greensboro facility. The Notice also alleged that for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019, Respondent was not able to verify that all safety-related alarm set-point values and alarm descriptions were correct. Respondent did not contest this Item. As such, PHMSA finds a violation of 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a). This violation may be considered by PHMSA as a prior offense in any future PHMSA enforcement action taken against Respondent. 18. Item 4: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a): The Notice alleged that Respondent failed to provide a procedure to satisfy the requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(e)(3), which requires verification of the correct safety-related alarm set-point values and alarm descriptions when associated field instruments are calibrated or changed and at least once each calendar year not to exceed 15 months. Respondent neither admits nor denies the allegation of violation for this Item but has without admission updated its procedures to address this Item. Further, for purposes of settlement, Respondent agrees to accept the finding of violation. As such, PHMSA finds a violation of 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a). This violation may be considered by PHMSA as a prior offense in any future PHMSA enforcement action taken against Respondent. 19. Item 5: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(c)(3): The Notice alleged that Respondent failed to “test and verify its internal communication plan to provide adequate means for manual operation of the pipeline safely at least once each calendar year, not to exceed 15 months,” as required by 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(c)(3), at Linden and Hebert in 2017, 2018, and 2019, Greensboro in 2018 and 2019, Alpharetta in 2017, and Baton Rouge, Collins, and Charlotte in 2018, 2019, 2020. Specifically, the Notice alleged that Respondent’s plan is required to include communications for monitoring and manual operation of the pipeline which may include manual shut down and/or start up in the event of SCADA loss as well as a method for leak detection. 20. Respondent maintains that, in compliance with 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(c)(3), it tested and verified its internal communication plan annually, not to exceed 15 months, through actual events at other locations on its system. While testing based on actual events may be used to satisfy the requirements of § 195.446(c)(3), PHMSA maintains that Respondent’s failure to test and verify an internal communication plan at all of its control room locations is a violation. Respondent expressly denies that its alleged failure to comply with the regulation was a deliberate decision as set forth in the Violation Report. Further, PHMSA is not alleging that Respondent did anything to cause the May 7, 2021, criminal cyberattack on Respondent’s pipeline system and PHMSA acknowledges that the criminal cyberattack has no bearing on the underlying facts giving rise to the allegation; i.e., the criminal cyberattack was not a factor causing or contributing to the underlying alleged non-compliance. 21. Prior to the Notice, Respondent believed that testing and verification of the internal communication plan was required in a single control room operating under the same control room management plan. Based on discussions with PHMSA since issuance of the Notice, Respondent acknowledges the importance of having an internal communication plan which has been tested and verified at all control rooms to facilitate manual operations. Upon further discussion between the Parties, Respondent (1) updated its plans and procedures to address this Item, (2) tested and verified its internal communication plan in each of its control#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 8rooms in 2022, and (3) has and will continue to test and verify its internal communication plan in each applicable control room on an annual basis, not to exceed 15 months. Respondent provided its updated plans and procedures and testing and verification records to Central Region for review. Respondent neither admits nor denies the allegation of violation for this Item, but, for purposes of settlement, agrees to accept the finding of violation. As such, PHMSA finds a violation of 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(c)(3). This violation may be considered by PHMSA as a prior offense in any future PHMSA enforcement action taken against Respondent. 22. Item 7: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(e)(2): The Notice alleged that Respondent, for the control rooms in Greensboro, Hebert, and Linden, failed to identify and record, at least monthly, all points affecting safety that had been taken off scan in the SCADA host; all points that have had alarms inhibited; or that have had forced or manual values for periods of time exceeding that required for associated maintenance or operating activities for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019. Respondent neither admits nor denies the allegation of violation for this Item, but, for purposes of settlement, agrees to accept the finding of violation. As such, PHMSA finds a violation of 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(e)(2). This violation may be considered by PHMSA as a prior offense in any future PHMSA enforcement action taken against Respondent. During informal discussions, Respondent without admission provided updated procedures to address PHMSA’s concern and presented evidence showing that this offense was a records violation, not an activities violation. Respondent also presented evidence showing that its failure to comply with the regulation was not deliberate. As such, PHMSA agrees to amend the nature of the offense to a records violation and reduce the culpability assigned to it. IV. Civil Penalty 23. Item 1: The Notice proposed assessing a civil penalty in the amount of $31,100 for Item 1. As noted in paragraphs 11 and 15, during the informal meetings between the Parties, Respondent provided additional information showing that the number of prior offenses was incorrectly calculated in the Violation Report and that the nature of the offense was a records violation. Based on the information provided, PHMSA agrees to reduce the proposed civil penalty. As such, Respondent shall pay a reduced civil penalty in the amount of $24,100, to be paid in full no later than 30 days from the Effective Date of this Agreement. 24. Item 2: The Notice proposed assessing a civil penalty in the amount of $31,700 for Item 2. As noted in paragraph 11, during the informal meetings between the Parties, Respondent provided additional information showing that the number of prior offenses was incorrectly calculated in the Violation Report. Based on the information provided, PHMSA agrees to reduce the proposed civil penalty. As such, Respondent shall pay a reduced civil penalty in the amount of $28,300, to be paid in full no later than 30 days from the Effective Date of this Agreement. 25. Item 3: The Notice proposed assessing a civil penalty in the amount of $31,700 for Item 3. As noted in paragraph 11, during the informal meetings between the Parties, Respondent provided additional information showing that the number of prior offenses was incorrectly calculated in the Violation Report. Based on the information provided, PHMSA agrees to reduce the proposed civil penalty. As such, Respondent shall pay a reduced civil#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 9penalty in the amount of $28,300, to be paid in full no later than 30 days from the Effective Date of this Agreement. 26. Item 5: The Notice proposed assessing a civil penalty in the amount of $846,300 for Item 5. Prior to the Notice, Respondent believed that testing and verification of the internal communication plan was required in a single control room operating under the same control room management plan and for this reason expressly denies that its alleged failure to comply with the regulation was deliberate. As noted in paragraph 11, during the informal meetings between the Parties, Respondent provided additional information showing that the number of prior offenses was incorrectly calculated in the Violation Report. Based on the information provided, PHMSA agrees to reduce the proposed civil penalty. As such, Respondent shall pay a reduced civil penalty in the amount of $842,900, to be paid in full no later than 30 days from the Effective Date of this Agreement. 27. Item 7: The Notice proposed assessing a civil penalty in the amount of $45,600 for Item 7. As noted in paragraphs 11 and 22, during the informal meetings between the Parties, Respondent provided additional information showing that the number of prior offenses was incorrectly calculated in the Violation Report, that the offense was a records violation, and that its failure to comply with the regulation was not deliberate. Based on the information provided, PHMSA agrees to reduce the proposed civil penalty. As such, Respondent shall pay a reduced civil penalty in the amount of $24,800, to be paid in full no later than 30 days from the Effective Date of this Agreement. V. Compliance Order 28. Items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7: The Notice proposed certain compliance order actions to address the allegations of non-compliance. Respondent, in response to the Notice, requested an informal discussion with PHMSA to discuss the terms of proposed compliance order. During these discussions, Respondent, without admitting or denying the allegations of violation, presented evidence of the remedial actions, including updated and revised procedures, it undertook in response to Notice Items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 and associated PCO actions. Based upon these remedial actions and revised procedures, PHMSA finds the terms of the proposed compliance order for these Items have been satisfied. 29. Item 5: The Notice proposed certain compliance order actions to address the allegation of non-compliance. Respondent, without admitting or denying the allegation of violation, completed and provided documentation, which has been approved by the Director, Central Region, of Respondent’s tests and verifications of its internal communication plan to provide adequate means for manual operation for all eleven (11) CRM control rooms (including Alpharetta and field) in 2022, and for five (5) of the eleven (11) control rooms thus far in 2023. Based upon these remedial actions, PHMSA finds the terms of the proposed compliance order for Item 5 have been satisfied.#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 10VI. NOA – Findings of Inadequacy 30. Item 1: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a): The NOA alleged that Respondent failed to define the roles and responsibilities of controllers related to time absent from the console when conducting a shift turnover during normal operations, and the procedures were therefore inadequate to comply with 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(b)(1). Respondent did not contest this allegation of inadequacy and provided revised procedures for review by the Director, Central Region. The Director found that the procedures, as revised, are adequate and no further action is necessary. 31. Item 2: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a): The NOA alleged that Respondent failed to provide specific actions for the controller, or control room staff, to take including communicating with others, and were therefore inadequate to comply with 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(b)(3). Respondent did not contest this allegation of inadequacy and provided revised procedures for review by the Director, Central Region. The Director found that the procedures, as revised, are adequate and no further action is necessary. 32. Item 3: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a): The NOA alleged that Respondent failed to have a shift hand-over process for instances when an outgoing controller was not/unable to be present and was therefore inadequate to comply with 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(b)(4). Respondent did not contest this allegation of inadequacy and provided revised procedures for review by the Director, Central Region. The Director found that the procedures, as revised, are adequate and no further action is necessary. 33. Item 4: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(b)(4): The NOA alleged that Respondent’s procedure at the Greensboro Control room for periodically changing physical responsibility failed to cover the local desk operation where the pipeline is shut down, and when the console logged out and controllers leave the console unattended on weeknights and weekends, and was therefore inadequate to comply with 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(b)(4). The NOA also alleged there was no alternative in the procedure for monitoring alarms normally assigned to the local desk during the unattended console times. Respondent did not contest this allegation of inadequacy and provided revised procedures for review by the Director, Central Region. The Director found that the procedures, as revised, are adequate and no further action is necessary. 34. Item 5: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a): The NOA alleged that Respondent failed to address the testing and verification of the internal communications plan to facilitate manual operation and that the procedures were therefore inadequate to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(c)(3). Respondent neither admits nor denies the NOA allegation, but for purposes of settlement, has amended its CRM plans and certain site-specific procedures, which have been approved by the Director, Central Region, to require testing and verification of an internal communication plan to facilitate manual operations of the pipeline safely once each calendar year, not to exceed fifteen (15) months. Specifically, the Director, Central Region, reviewed and approved Respondent’s amended CRM manual and related attachments regarding the internal communication plan for manual operation. The operator provided certain amended site-specific operating procedures for each of Respondent’s eleven (11) control rooms and one (1) representative records log, which were reviewed and approved by PHMSA. For the amended site-specific operating procedures for the five (5) control rooms tested in 2023 using Respondent’s amended 2022 procedures (i.e., Collins, Charlotte, Greensboro, Linden, and#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 11Woodbury), the Director found that these plans and procedures reviewed, as revised, are adequate to provide adequate means for manual operations and no further action is necessary as to those specific procedures. Respondent will provide the remaining revised site-specific operating procedures associated with six (6) of its control rooms (i.e., Alpharetta, Baton Rouge, Hebert, Houston, Lake Charles, and Port Arthur) to the Director, Central Region, for review and approval within forty-five (45) calendar days of the Effective Date. The Central Region will review and notify Respondent whether the revised procedures are adequate within thirty (30) business days of their receipt. 35. Item 6: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(a): The NOA alleged that Respondent’s procedure for testing the backup SCADA systems failed to require testing the field servers and was therefore inadequate to comply with 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(c)(4). Respondent did not contest this allegation of inadequacy and provided revised procedures for review by the Director, Central Region. The Director found that the procedures, as revised, are adequate and no further action is necessary. 36. Item 7: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(e)(2): The NOA alleged that Respondent’s procedure for the monthly review of safety related alarms failed to define the required process of review. Respondent neither admits nor denies the NOA allegation, but, for purposes of settlement, agreed to amend its procedures. During the Parties’ informal discussions, Respondent without admission provided PHMSA an updated version of its procedures that address the alleged inadequacy. As such, PHMSA agrees to withdraw the allegation of inadequacy for this Item. 37. Item 8: 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(h): The NOA alleged that Respondent’s controller training program (CRM Plan Revision 13.0 7/2/2020) failed to require a review at least once each calendar year, but at intervals not to exceed fifteen (15) months, and was therefore inadequate to comply with 49 C.F.R. § 195.446(h). Respondent did not contest this allegation of inadequacy and provided revised procedures for review by the Director, Central Region. The Director found that the procedures, as revised, are adequate and no further action is necessary. VII. Enforcement 38. This Agreement 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 $239,142 per violation for each day the violation continues (as may be adjusted for inflation) 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. § 190.223. VIII. Force Majeure 39. Respondent agrees to perform all the terms of this Agreement within the timeframes established within this Agreement, including pursuant to modifications under Section XI, unless performance is delayed by a force majeure. For purposes of this Agreement, a force#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 12majeure is defined by an event arising from causes beyond the control of the Respondent, or any entity controlled by Respondent or Respondent’s contractors, which delays or prevents performance of any obligation under this Agreement despite Respondent’s commercially reasonable efforts to fulfill the obligation. 40. If a force majeure event occurs or has occurred that may delay the performance of any term of this Agreement beyond the approved timeframe, Respondent shall notify the Director, in writing, within five (5) business days of when Respondent knew that the event might cause a delay. Such notice shall identify the cause of the delay or anticipated delay and the anticipated duration of the delay, state the measures taken or to be taken to prevent or minimize the delay, and estimate the timetable for implementation of those measures. Failure to comply with the notice provision of this paragraph and to undertake reasonable efforts to avoid and minimize the delay shall waive any claim of force majeure by Respondent. 41. If the Director determines, upon notification by Respondent, that a delay or anticipated delay in performance is or was attributable to a force majeure, then the Director will extend the time period for the performance of that term for a reasonable period. The Director will notify Respondent, in writing, of the length of any extension of performance of such terms affected by the force majeure. Any such extensions shall not alter Respondent’s obligation to perform or complete other terms of this Agreement which are not affected by the force majeure. IX. Dispute Resolution 42. The Director and Respondent will informally attempt to resolve any disputes arising under this Agreement, including but not limited to any decision of the Director. If Respondent and the Director are unable to informally resolve the dispute within fifteen (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 for Pipeline Safety, PHMSA. Such request must be made in writing and provided to the Director, counsel for the Central Region, and to the Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety, no later than ten (10) calendar days from the fifteen (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, except as agreed by the Director or the Associate Administrator in writing, or ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. X. Effective Date 43. 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. XI. Modification 44. 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.#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 13XII. Termination 45. The Agreement shall not terminate until the Director confirms, in writing, that the Agreement is terminated in accordance with this paragraph. XIII. Recordkeeping and Information Disclosure 46. Respondent agrees to maintain records demonstrating compliance with all requirements of this Agreement for a period of at least five (5) years from the date of termination of the Agreement. XIV. Review and Approval Process 47. With respect to any submission under Section V (Compliance Order) or Section VI (NOA – Findings of Inadequacy) of this Agreement that requires the approval of the Director, the Director may: (a) approve, in whole or in part, the submission; (b) approve the submission on specified, reasonable conditions; (c) disapprove, in whole or in part, the submission; or (d) any combination of the foregoing. If the Director approves, approves in part, or approves with conditions, Respondent will take all actions as approved by the Director, subject to Respondent’s right to invoke the dispute resolution procedures with respect to any conditions the Director identifies. If the Director disapproves all or any portion of the submission, the Director will provide Respondent a written notice of the deficiencies. Respondent will correct all deficiencies within the time specified by the Director and resubmit it for approval. XV. Ratification 48. 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. 49. The Parties hereby agree to all conditions and terms of this Agreement. [Signature Lines on Following Page]#
32022026NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_09012023_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 14For Colonial Pipeline Company: Date For PHMSA: Gregory A. Ochs, Director, Central Region, OPS Date#
32022026NOPV_PHC Hearing Rescheduled_10072022_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 1Official PDFOctober 7, 2022 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL TO: catherine.little@bracewell.com and gregory.ochs@dot.gov Ms. Catherine D. Little, Esq. Counsel for Colonial Pipeline Company Bracewell LLP 600 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 3000 Atlanta, GA 30308 Mr. Gregory Ochs Director, Central Region Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 901 Locust Street, Suite 480 Kansas City, MO 64106-2641 Re: Notice of Hearing, Colonial Pipeline Company CPF No. 3-2022-026-NOPV Dear Ms. Little and Mr. Ochs: As you know, at the request of Colonial Pipeline Company, a hearing was scheduled for October 11, 2022 in the above-referenced case. For logistical reasons, it has become necessary to postpone this hearing for 30 days. I will follow-up shortly with additional correspondence concerning the new date. Thanks very much for your cooperation. Sincerely, Larry White Presiding Official cc: Mr. Joseph A. Blount, President and Chief Executive Officer, Colonial Pipeline Company, jblount@colpipe.com Mr. Quintin Frazier, Director, Pipeline Compliance, Colonial Pipeline Company, qfrazier@colpipe.com Mr. Joseph Hainline, Counsel, Central Region, Office of Pipeline Safety, joseph.hainline@dot.gov#
32022026NOPV_PHC Hearing Rescheduled_10172022_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 1Official PDFOctober 17, 2022 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL TO: catherine.little@bracewell.com and gregory.ochs@dot.gov Ms. Catherine D. Little, Esq. Counsel for Colonial Pipeline Company Bracewell LLP 600 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 3000 Atlanta, GA 30308 Mr. Gregory Ochs Director, Central Region Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 901 Locust Street, Suite 480 Kansas City, MO 64106-2641 Re: Notice of Rescheduled Hearing, Colonial Pipeline Company CPF Nos. 3-2022-026-NOPV and 3-2022-028-NOA Dear Ms. Little and Mr. Ochs: In accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.211, an informal hearing will be held regarding the Notice of Probable Violation, Proposed Civil Penalty, and Proposed Compliance Order and the Notice of Amendment issued to Colonial Pipeline Company by the Office of Pipeline Safety in the above- referenced matters. The hearing, which was originally scheduled for October 11, 2022, has been rescheduled to take place on November 30, 2022, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Central Time. The hearing will take place at the PHMSA Central Region office, 901 Locust Street, Suite 480, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 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 (816) 329-3800. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Larry White Presiding Official cc: Mr. Joseph A. Blount, President and Chief Executive Officer, Colonial Pipeline Company, jblount@colpipe.com#
32022026NOPV_PHC Hearing Rescheduled_10172022_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 2Mr. Quintin Frazier, Director, Pipeline Compliance, Colonial Pipeline Company, qfrazier@colpipe.com Mr. Joseph Hainline, Counsel, Central Region, Office of Pipeline Safety, PHMSA, joseph.hainline@dot.gov#
32022026NOPV_PHC Hearing Scheduled_06242022_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 1Official PDFJune 24, 2022 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL TO: catherine.little@bracewell.com and gregory.ochs@dot.gov Ms. Catherine D. Little, Esq. Counsel for Colonial Pipeline Company Bracewell LLP 600 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 3000 Atlanta, GA 30308 Mr. Gregory Ochs Director, Central Region Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 901 Locust Street, Suite 480 Kansas City, MO 64106-2641 Re: Notice of Hearing, Colonial Pipeline Company CPF No. 3-2022-026-NOPV Dear Ms. Little and Mr. Ochs: In accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.211, an informal hearing will be held regarding the Notice of Probable Violation, Proposed Civil Penalty, and Proposed Compliance Order issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in the above-referenced case. The hearing will take place on October 11, 2022, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Central 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 October 3, 2022), 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#
32022026NOPV_PHC Hearing Scheduled_06242022_(20-173062)_text.pdf, page 2cc: Mr. Joseph A. Blount, President and Chief Executive Officer, Colonial Pipeline Company, jblount@colpipe.com Mr. Quintin Frazier, Director, Pipeline Compliance, Colonial Pipeline Company, qfrazier@colpipe.com Mr. Joseph Hainline, Counsel, Central Region, Office of Pipeline Safety, PHMSA joseph.hainline@dot.gov#
This material provides agency context. It does not replace binding regulatory text, and its legal effect depends on the underlying authority and facts.