# PACIFIC COAST ENERGY COMPANY, LP — Notice of Probable Violation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** CPF 520090008
- **title:** PACIFIC COAST ENERGY COMPANY, LP — Notice of Probable Violation
- **source type:** enforcement
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** historical
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2009-01-08
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** CLOSED notice of probable violation citing 192.625(f), 192.706(b), 192.745(a).
- **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-520090008.json
- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-520090008.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-520090008
- **source url:** https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-data/case/520090008
**body:**

Notice of Probable Violation involving PACIFIC COAST ENERGY COMPANY, LP. PHMSA's enforcement data identifies the cited regulations as 192.625(f),  192.706(b),  192.745(a). The case was opened on 2009-01-08 and is reported as closed as of 2012-08-23. Proposed civil penalty: $98,800. Assessed civil penalty: $70,000. Open the official case record for notices, responses, orders, and the latest status.

Official case documents:

520090008_closure letter_08232012.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520090008/520090008_closure%20letter_08232012.pdf

520090008_closure letter_08232012_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520090008/520090008_closure%20letter_08232012_text.pdf

520090008_Final Order_04032012.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520090008/520090008_Final%20Order_04032012.pdf

520090008_Final Order_04032012_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520090008/520090008_Final%20Order_04032012_text.pdf

520090008_NOPV PCP PCO_01082009.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520090008/520090008_NOPV%20PCP%20PCO_01082009.pdf

520090008_NOPV PCP PCO_01082009_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520090008/520090008_NOPV%20PCP%20PCO_01082009_text.pdf

520090008_operator response_07302009.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520090008/520090008_operator%20response_07302009.pdf

520090008_Final Order_04032012_text.pdf

APR 03 2012
Mr. Halbert S. Washburn
Director and Chief Executive Officer
BreitBurn Energy Partners, LP
515 South Flower Street, Suite 4800
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Re: CPF No. 5-2009-0008
Dear Mr. Washburn:
Enclosed please find the Final Order issued in the above-referenced case. It withdraws one
of the allegations of violation, makes other findings of violation, assesses a civil penalty of
$70,000, and specifies actions that need to be taken by BreitBurn Energy Partners, LP, to
comply with the pipeline safety regulations. The penalty payment terms are set forth in the
Final Order. When the civil penalty has been paid and the terms of the compliance order
completed, as determined by the Director, Western Region, this enforcement action will be
closed. Service of the Final Order by certified mail is deemed effective upon the date of
mailing, or as otherwise provided under 49 C.F.R. § 190.5.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey D. Wiese
Associate Administrator
for Pipeline Safety
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Chris Hoidal, Director, Western Region, OPS
Mr. Mark L. Pease, Executive Vice President and CEO, BreitBurn Energy Partners, LP
Ms. Martha Brock, EH&S Manager, BreitBurn Energy Partners, LP
CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED [71791000164203423532]



U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590
___________________________________
In the Matter of )
BreitBurn Energy Partners, LP, ) CPF No. 5-2009-0008
)
)
)
Respondent. )
___________________________________ )
FINAL ORDER
On June 18 and 19, 2008, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60117, a representative 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 BreitBurn Energy
Partners, LP (BreitBurn or Respondent), for its Pico natural gas gathering line in Los Angeles,
California. BreitBurn is an independent oil and gas limited partnership engaged in the
development of oil and gas assets in several states, including California, Wyoming, Florida,
Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky.1 The Pico pipeline is approximately six miles long and lies
entirely within a populated High Consequence Area.2
As a result of the inspection, the Director, Western Region, OPS (Director), issued to BreitBurn
Energy Corporation, an affiliate of Respondent, by letter dated January 8, 2009, a Notice of
Probable Violation, Proposed Civil Penalty, and Proposed Compliance Order (Notice). In
accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.207, the Notice proposed finding that BreitBurn had violated
49 C.F.R. §§ 192.625, 192.706 and 192.745 and proposed assessing a civil penalty of $98,800
for the alleged violations. The Notice also proposed ordering Respondent to take certain
measures to correct the alleged violations.
BreitBurn responded to the Notice by letter dated July 30, 2009 (Response) and submitted
contested the allegations, offered additional information in response to the Notice, and requested
that the proposed civil penalty be reduced or eliminated. Respondent did not request a hearing
additional information by email on August 27, 2009, and in April - May 2011.3 The company
and therefore has waived its right to one.
1 http://www.breitburn.com/ (last accessed 3/9/12).
2 See 49 C.F.R. § 192.903.
3 On file with PHMSA.



2
FINDINGS OF VIOLATION
The Notice alleged that Respondent violated 49 C.F.R. Part 192, as follows:
Item 1: The Notice alleged that Respondent violated 49 C.F.R. § 192.625(f), which states:
§ 192.625 Odorization of gas.
(a) A combustible gas in a distribution line must contain a natural
odorant or be odorized 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.
(b) After December 31, 1976, a combustible gas in a transmission line
in a Class 3 or Class 4 location must comply with the requirements of
paragraph (a) of this section unless:….
(c) ….
(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….
The Notice alleged that BreitBurn violated 49 C.F.R. § 192.625(f) by failing to confirm that the
odorant in its distribution line had the proper concentration 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.
In its Response, BreitBurn argued that the pipeline was exempt from § 192.625 because it was a
Type B gathering line.
4 Regulated gathering lines are classified as either Type A or Type B by
49 CFR § 192.8(b). Type A gathering lines must comply with most requirements of Part 192
that apply to transmission lines, including § 192.625(f),
5 while Type B lines are subject only to
the six requirements of § 192.9(d). BreitBurn stated that the line qualified as a Type B gathering
line under § 192.8(b) because it was operated at less than 20% of the line’s specified minimum
yield strength (SMYS). BreitBurn argued that the pipeline was therefore only subject to the
limited requirements of § 192.9(d), and did not need to comply with § 192.625.
6
Type A lines include those that are “metallic and the [maximum allowable operating pressure]
(MAOP) produces a hoop stress of 20 percent or more of SMYS” and that are located in a Class
2, 3, or 4 location. Type B lines include those which are “metallic and the MAOP produces a
hoop stress of less than 20 percent of SMYS,
” 7
and are commonly referred to as “low-stress”
lines. The classification of an onshore gathering line is therefore determined by its maximum
allowable operating pressure, not its actual operating pressure. BreitBurn stated that the Pico
line operated at less than 20% SMYS, but did not offer any proof that the line qualified as a low-
stress line.
4 Response at 1.
5 49 CFR § 192.9(c).
6 Response at 2.
7 49 CFR § 192.8(b).



3
In fact, it appears that prior to this proceeding, BreitBurn had never accurately determined the
SMYS of the Pico line. The SMYS of a steel pipe is defined as the manufacturer’s specification,
or if the manufacturer’s specification is not known, it is determined in accordance with
§ 192.107(b).8 If the tensile properties of pipe are unknown, § 192.107(b)(1) requires that the
pipe be tensile tested in accordance with Part 192, Appendix B, Section II-D, to calculate SMYS.
The Pico gas gathering line consists of segments of pipe with three different diameters (4, 6, and
strength and wall thickness of the 12-inch diameter pipe used in one segment of the pipeline.
12 inches).9 BreitBurn did not have a record of the manufacturer’s specifications of the yield
To determine the yield strength of the pipe, BreitBurn extracted one sample of pipe for
metallurgical testing,
10
but Appendix B required the company to take multiple samples. PHMSA
estimates that there are approximately 150 lengths of 12-inch diameter pipe, so Appendix B
would require sampling of at least 20 lengths to determine the yield strength. Because such
testing had not been conducted, the default SMYS for this pipeline, in accordance with
§ 192.107(b)(2), was 24,000 psi.
In addition to knowing the SMYS, an operator must know the hoop stress produced by the
MAOP to determine whether a gathering line is Type A or Type B. To calculate the hoop stress
produced by the MAOP, the wall thickness of the pipe is needed, but BreitBurn did not have a
record of the wall thickness of its 12-inch diameter pipe. If the wall thickness of a pipe is
unknown, § 192.109 requires that the wall thickness of at least 10 lengths of pipe be measured at
quarter points on one end.
BreitBurn extracted one sample to measure the wall thickness,
11
but this did not satisfy the
regulatory requirement. Because the pipe’s wall thickness was unknown, the hoop stress could
not be calculated. It was therefore impossible to know whether the MAOP produced a hoop
stress of less than 20% of SMYS. This pipeline is made of steel and is entirely within a class 4
have to comply with all of Part 192 (other than § 192.150 and Subpart O), including the
location.12 Therefore, the Pico pipeline would be considered a Type A gathering line, and would
odorization requirements in § 192.625.
However, this particular Type A gathering line transported gas to a gas dehydration plant which
received gas without an odorant before May 5, 1975.
exemption in § 192.625(b)(2)(iii), and was not required to odorize its gas or assure the proper
concentration of odorant. Accordingly, after considering all of the evidence, I find that
13 Therefore, the pipeline fell under the
8 49 CFR § 192.3.
9 Email from Alison Wong, BreitBurn, to Hossein Monfared, PHMSA (April 29, 2011) (on file with PHMSA).
10 Metallurgical Analysis of Gas Line Pipe Section (Butterfield Vault), Ref: BreitBurn Energy PO: 1001905, Kars’
Advanced Materials, Inc., August 4, 2009, at 1(on file with PHMSA).
11 Email from Alison Wong, BreitBurn, to Hossein Monfared, PHMSA (May 5, 2011) (on file with PHMSA).
12 A pipeline’s class location is determined by the criteria in 49 CFR § 192.5. A class 4 location is defined as an
area where buildings with four or more stories above ground are prevalent.
13 Email from Alison Wong, BreitBurn, to Hossein Monfared, PHMSA (April 7, 2011) (on file with PHMSA).



4
BreitBurn did not violate § 192.625(f) because the pipeline was exempt from this requirement
under § 192.625(b)(2)(iii). Based upon the foregoing, I hereby order that this Item be
withdrawn.
Item 2: The Notice alleged that Respondent violated 49 C.F.R. § 192.706, which states in
relevant part:
§ 192.706 Transmission lines: Leakage surveys.
Leakage surveys of a transmission line must be conducted at intervals
not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year. However,
in the case of a transmission line which transports gas in conformity with
§ 192.625 without an odor or odorant, leakage surveys using leak detector
equipment must be conducted—
(a) ….
(b) In Class 4 locations, at intervals not exceeding 4½ months, but at
least four times each calendar year.
The Notice alleged that BreitBurn violated 49 C.F.R. § 192.706 by failing to conduct leakage
surveys on the Pico gathering line at the required intervals. Specifically, the Notice alleged that
BreitBurn failed to conduct any leakage surveys on the pipeline during the three years prior to
the PHMSA inspection.
In its Response, BreitBurn reiterated its claim that because the pipeline operated at less than 20%
SMYS, it was a Type B gathering line exempt from this regulation.
14
As discussed in Item 1
above, however, the Pico gas gathering line is a Type A gathering line as defined in § 192.8(b),
and therefore must comply with most of the regulations in Part 192, including § 192.706. In
addition, BreitBurn claimed that even if the pipeline did need to comply with § 192.706, it only
needed to conduct annual, rather than quarterly, leakage surveys since the company odorized its
15
gas.
Respondent is correct that under the language of § 192.706, it is only required to conduct annual
leakage surveys, but it failed to perform even those. Accordingly, after considering all of the
evidence, I find that Respondent violated 49 C.F.R. § 192.706 by failing to conduct any leakage
surveys on the Pico gas gathering line during the three years prior to the PHMSA inspection.
Item 3: The Notice alleged that Respondent violated 49 C.F.R. § 192.745(a), which states:
§ 192.745 Valve maintenance: Transmission lines.
(a) Each transmission line valve that might be required during any
emergency must be inspected and partially operated at intervals not
exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year.
The Notice alleged that BreitBurn violated 49 C.F.R. § 192.745(a) by failing to inspect and
partially operate each transmission line valve that might be required during any emergency at
intervals not exceeding 15 months but at least once each calendar year. Specifically, it alleged
that BreitBurn failed to inspect the mainline block valves on its pipeline for the three years prior
14 Response at 2.
15 Id.



5
to the PHMSA inspection. In its Response, BreitBurn again contended that because the line
operated at less than 20% SMYS, the pipeline only needed to comply with the six requirements
of § 192.9(d), and not with this regulation.
had inspected and partially operated each valve.
16 BreitBurn did not offer any evidence to show that it
As discussed above, however, the Pico gas gathering line is a Type A gathering line as defined in
§ 192.8(b), and therefore must comply with § 192.745. Accordingly, after considering all of the
evidence, I find that Respondent violated 49 C.F.R. § 192.745(a) by failing to inspect and
partially operate each transmission line valve that might be required during any emergency at
intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year.
These findings of violation will be considered prior offenses in any subsequent enforcement
action taken against Respondent.
ASSESSMENT OF PENALTY
Under 49 U.S.C. § 60122, Respondent is subject to an administrative civil penalty not to exceed
$100,000 per violation for each day of the violation, up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any
related series of violations. In determining the amount of a civil penalty under
49 U.S.C. § 60122 and 49 C.F.R. § 190.225, I must consider the following criteria: the nature,
circumstances, and gravity of the violation, including adverse impact on the environment; the
degree of Respondent’s culpability; the history of Respondent’s prior offenses; the Respondent’s
ability to pay the penalty and any effect that the penalty may have on its ability to continue doing
business; and the good faith of Respondent in attempting to comply with the pipeline safety
regulations. In addition, I may consider the economic benefit gained from the violation without
any reduction because of subsequent damages, and such other matters as justice may require.
The Notice proposed a total civil penalty of $98,800 for the violations cited above.
Item 1: The Notice proposed a civil penalty of $28,800 for Respondent’s violation of
49 C.F.R. § 192.625(f), for failing to 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. For the reasons discussed above, I found that the Pico gas gathering line is exempt
from the requirements of § 192.625. Based upon the foregoing, I withdraw the proposed penalty
for violation of 49 C.F.R. § 192.625(f).
Item 2: The Notice proposed a civil penalty of $35,000 for Respondent’s violation of
49 C.F.R. § 192.706, for failing to conduct any leakage surveys on the Pico gas gathering line
during the three years prior to the OPS inspection. Respondent is not exempt from this
requirement, as discussed above. The prompt detection of leaks is critical for public safety in a
high population area such as this. For this reason, leakage surveys must be done at least once a
year, even when gas is odorized. Respondent did not present any evidence or argument for a
reduction of the penalty. Accordingly, having reviewed the record and considered the
assessment criteria, I assess Respondent a civil penalty of $35,000 for violation of
49 C.F.R. § 192.706.
16 Response at 3.



6
Item 3: The Notice proposed a civil penalty of $35,000 for Respondent’s violation of
49 C.F.R. § 192.745(a), for failing to inspect and partially operate each transmission line valve
that might be required during any emergency at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least
once each calendar year. Respondent is not exempt from this requirement, as discussed above.
Inspecting valves that might be needed in an emergency in a high population area is critical for
public safety. Respondent did not present any evidence or argument for a reduction in the
penalty. Accordingly, having reviewed the record and considered the assessment criteria, I
assess Respondent a civil penalty of $35,000 for violation of 49 C.F.R. § 192.745(a).
In summary, having reviewed the record and considered the assessment criteria for each of the
Items cited above, I assess Respondent a total civil penalty of $70,000.
Payment of the civil penalty must be made within 20 days of service. Federal regulations
(49 C.F.R. § 89.21(b)(3)) require such payment to be made by wire transfer through the Federal
Reserve Communications System (Fedwire), to the account of the U.S. Treasury. Detailed
instructions are contained in the enclosure. Questions concerning wire transfers should be
directed to: Financial Operations Division (AMZ-341), Federal Aviation Administration, Mike
Monroney Aeronautical Center, P.O. Box 269039, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125. The
Financial Operations Division telephone number is (405) 954-8893.
Failure to pay the $70,000 civil penalty will result in accrual of interest at the current annual rate
in accordance with 31 U.S.C. § 3717, 31 C.F.R. § 901.9 and 49 C.F.R. § 89.23. Pursuant to
those same authorities, a late penalty charge of six percent (6%) per annum will be charged if
payment is not made within 110 days of service. Furthermore, failure to pay the civil penalty
may result in referral of the matter to the Attorney General for appropriate action in a district
court of the United States.
COMPLIANCE ORDER
The Notice proposed a compliance order with respect to Items 1, 2, and 3 in the Notice for
violations of 49 C.F.R. §§ 192.625(f), 192.706, and 192.745(a), respectively. Under
49 U.S.C. § 60118(a), each person who engages in the transportation of gas or who owns or
operates a pipeline facility is required to comply with the applicable safety standards established
under chapter 601. As for Item 1, I have withdrawn the allegation of violation so there is no
need to include the proposed compliance terms for this Item in the Compliance Order.
As for Items 2 and 3, pursuant to the authority of 49 U.S.C. § 60118(b) and 49 C.F.R. § 190.217,
Respondent is ordered to take the following actions to ensure compliance with the pipeline safety
regulations applicable to its operations:
1. With respect to the violation of § 192.706 (Item 2), within 60 days of issuance of
this Final Order, Respondent must conduct a leakage survey of the Pico gas gathering
line and provide documentation to the Director. Additionally, BreitBurn must
institute a tracking system to ensure that leakage surveys are conducted at least once
each calendar year, but at intervals not exceeding 15 months, per the requirements of
§ 192.706.



7
2. With respect to the violation of § 192.745(a) (Item 3), within 60 days of issuance
of this Final Order, Respondent must inspect and partially operate all valves that
might be required during an emergency and provide documentation to the Director.
Additionally, BreitBurn must institute a tracking system to ensure that any valves that
may be required during an emergency are inspected at least once each calendar year,
but at intervals not exceeding 15 months, per the requirements of § 192.745(a).
3. It is requested that BreitBurn maintain documentation of the safety improvement
costs associated with fulfilling this Compliance Order and submit the total to the
Director. The company should report costs in two categories: 1) total costs
associated with preparation/revision of plans, procedures, studies, and analyses; and
2) total costs associated with replacements, additions, and other changes to pipeline
infrastructure.
The Director may grant an extension of time to comply with any of the required items upon a
written request timely submitted by the Respondent and demonstrating good cause for an
extension.
Failure to comply with this Order may result in the administrative assessment of civil penalties
not to exceed $100,000 for each violation for each day the violation continues or in referral to the
Attorney General for appropriate relief in a district court of the United States.
Under 49 C.F.R. § 190.215, Respondent has a right to submit a Petition for Reconsideration of
this Final Order. The petition must be sent to: Associate Administrator, Office of Pipeline
Safety, PHMSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, East Building, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC
20590, with a copy sent to the Office of Chief Counsel, PHMSA, at the same address. PHMSA
will accept petitions received no later than 20 days after receipt of service of this Final Order by
the Respondent, provided they contain a brief statement of the issue(s) and meet all other
requirements of 49 C.F.R. § 190.215. The filing of a petition automatically stays the payment of
any civil penalty assessed. Unless the Associate Administrator, upon request, grants a stay, all
other terms and conditions of this Final Order are effective upon service in accordance with
49 C.F.R. § 190.5.
___________________________________ __________________________
Jeffrey D. Wiese Date Issued
Associate Administrator
for Pipeline Safety

520090008_closure letter_08232012_text.pdf

CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
August 23, 2012
Ms. Martha Brock
EH&S Manager
Pacific Coast Energy Company
515 South Flower Street, Suite 4800
Los Angeles, CA 90071
CPF 5-2009-0008
Dear Ms. Brock:
On January 8, 2009, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
issued to BreitBurn Energy Corporation L. P. (now Pacific Coast Energy Company) a Notice
of Probable Violation with a Proposed Civil Penalty and a Proposed Compliance Order as
referenced above. On April 3, 2012, The Final Order in this case was issued. This Final Order
assessed a civil penalty of $70,000 and required the leakage survey and valve maintenance to
be conducted within 60 days. The civil penalty was paid on April 12, 2012 and the required
leakage survey and valve maintenance records were received on May 24, 2012. Based
payment of the civil penalty and on our review of the documentations you provided on May
24, 2012, it has been determined that you have completed the conditions of this Final 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,
Chris Hoidal
Director, Western Region
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
cc: PHP-60 Compliance Registry
PHP-500 H. Monfared



5.9 Sample NOA Closure Letter (7/5/95)

520090008_NOPV PCP PCO_01082009_text.pdf

NOTICE OF PROBABLE VIOLATION
PROPOSED CIVIL PENALTY
and
PROPOSED COMPLIANCE ORDER
CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
January 8, 2009
Ms. Martha Brock
EH&S Manager
Breitburn Energy Corporation L.P.
515 South Flower Street, Suite 4800
Los Angeles, CA 90071
CPF 5-2009-0008
Dear Ms. Brock:
On June 18 and 19, 2008, a representative of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration (PHMSA) pursuant to Chapter 601 of 49 United States Code, conducted an on-
site pipeline safety inspection of Breitburn Energy Corp.’s Pico Gas gathering pipeline facilities
in Los Angeles, California.
As a result of the inspection, it appears that you have committed probable violations of the
Pipeline Safety Regulations, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. The items inspected and the
probable violations are:
1. § 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—
\



(2) Conducting periodic “sniff” tests at the extremities of the system to confirm that
the gas contains odorant.
Breitburn odorizes its gas at the West Pico production site but did not conduct periodic
sampling of combustible gases using as instrument capable of determining the
percentage of gas in air at which odor becomes readily detectable. Breitburn could not
produce documentation to demonstrate that the gas has the proper concentration of
odorant and that the line has been periodically sniff tested. If Breitburn elects to odorize
its gas, then it needs to provide documentation of odorant concentration as well and
periodically sniff test the line.
2. §192.706 Transmission Lines, Leakage Survey
Leakage surveys of a transmission line must be conducted at intervals not
exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year. However, in the case of
a transmission line which transports gas in conformity with §192.625 without an
odor or odorant, leakage surveys using leak detector equipment must be
conducted-
(b) In Class 4 locations, at intervals not exceeding 4 1/2 months, but at least four
times each calendar year.
Breitburn did not conduct a leakage survey in the last three calendar years. Per
§192.706, when the pipeline is located in Class 4 location, the operator must conduct a
leakage survey at least 4 times each calendar year and at intervals not exceeding 4½
months. The entire line is located in a Class 4 location.
3. §192.745 Valve maintenance: Transmission lines.
(a) Each transmission line valve that might be required during any emergency
must be inspected and partially operated at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but
at least once each calendar year.
Breitburn did not inspect the mainline bock valves on its sales line for the last three
calendar years. Each transmission mainline block valve that may be required during any
emergency must be inspected at least once each calendar year not exceeding 15 months.
Proposed Civil Penalty
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. The Compliance Officer has reviewed the circumstances and
supporting documentation involved in the above probable violations and has recommended that
you be preliminarily assessed a civil penalty of $98,800.00.00 as follows:
2



Item number PENALTY
1 $28,800.00
2 $35,000.00
3 $35,000.00
Proposed Compliance Order
With respect to items 1, 2, and 3, pursuant to 49 United States Code § 60118, the Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration proposes to issue a Compliance Order to Breitburn
Energy Corporation. Please refer to the Proposed Compliance Order, which is enclosed and
made a part of this Notice.
Response to this Notice
Enclosed as part of this Notice is a document entitled Response Options for Pipeline Operators
in Compliance Proceedings. Please refer to this document and note the response options. Be
advised that all material you submit in response to this enforcement action is subject to being
made publicly available. If you believe that any portion of your responsive material qualifies
for confidential treatment under 5 U.S.C. 552(b), along with the complete original document
you must provide a second copy of the document with the portions you believe qualify for
confidential treatment redacted and an explanation of why you believe the redacted information
qualifies for confidential treatment under 5 U.S.C. 552(b). If you do not respond within 30 days
of receipt of this Notice, this constitutes a waiver of your right to contest the allegations in this
Notice and authorizes the Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety to find facts as alleged in
this Notice without further notice to you and to issue a Final Order.
In your correspondence on this matter, please refer to CPF 5-2009-0008 and for each document
you submit, please provide a copy in electronic format whenever possible.
Sincerely,
Chris Hoidal
Director, Western Region
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
cc: PHP-60 Compliance Registry
PHP-500 H. Monfared (#120785)
Enclosures: Proposed Compliance Order
Response Options for Pipeline Operators in Compliance Proceedings
3



PROPOSED COMPLIANCE ORDER
Pursuant to 49 United States Code § 60118, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration (PHMSA) proposes to issue to Breitburn Energy Corporation a Compliance
Order incorporating the following remedial requirements to ensure the compliance of Breitburn
Energy Corporation with the pipeline safety regulations:
1. In regard to Item Number 1 of the Notice pertaining to testing of the odorant in the gas
line, Brietburn must test the odorant in the line and produce documentation to
demonstrate that the gas has the proper concentration of odorant.
2. In regard to Item Number 2 of the Notice pertaining to leakage surveys in a Class 4
location, Breitburn must conduct a leakage survey and provide documentation to this
office. Additionally, Brietburn must institute a tracking system to ensure that leak
surveys are conducted at least four times each calendar year not exceeding 4½ months
per the requirements of 49 CFR §192.706.
3. In regard to Item Number 3 of the Notice pertaining to the inspection of main line block
valves, Breitburn must inspect and partially operate all valves that might be required
during an emergency and provide inspection documentation to this office. Additionally,
Brietbrun must institute a tracking system to ensure that any valves that may be required
during an emergency are inspected at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least
once each calendar year per the requirements of 49 CFR §192.745.
4. Within 60 days of issuance of the Final Order, Breitburn must complete the above
items, and submit the required documentation and procedures to the Director,
Western Region, Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, 12300
West Dakota Avenue, Suite 110, Lakewood, Colorado 80228.
5. Breitburn shall maintain documentation of the safety improvement costs associated with
fulfilling this Compliance Order and submit the total to Chris Hoidal, Director, Western
Region, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Costs shall be
reported in two categories: 1) total cost associated with preparation/revision of plans,
procedures, studies and analyses, and 2) total cost associated with replacements,
additions and other changes to pipeline infrastructure.
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