# CHEVRON PIPE LINE CO — Notice of Probable Violation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** CPF 52025014NOPV
- **title:** CHEVRON PIPE LINE CO — Notice of Probable Violation
- **source type:** enforcement
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** historical
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2025-05-02
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** CLOSED notice of probable violation citing 192.14(a), 192.465(d), 192.615(b)(3).
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- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-52025014nopv
- **source url:** https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-data/case/52025014NOPV
**body:**

Notice of Probable Violation involving CHEVRON PIPE LINE CO. PHMSA's enforcement data identifies the cited regulations as 192.14(a),  192.465(d),  192.615(b)(3). The case was opened on 2025-05-02 and is reported as closed as of 2026-03-26. Open the official case record for notices, responses, orders, and the latest status.

Official case documents:

52025014NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_03262026_(24-297328).pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/52025014NOPV/52025014NOPV_Consent%20Agreement%20and%20Order_03262026_(24-297328).pdf

52025014NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_03262026_(24-297328)_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/52025014NOPV/52025014NOPV_Consent%20Agreement%20and%20Order_03262026_(24-297328)_text.pdf

52025014NOPV_Operator Request for Hearing and Request for Informal Conference and Request Case File and Statement of Issues (Part 2)_07022025_(24-297328).pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/52025014NOPV/52025014NOPV_Operator%20Request%20for%20Hearing%20and%20Request%20for%20Informal%20Conference%20and%20Request%20Case%20File%20and%20Statement%20of%20Issues%20(Part%202)_07022025_(24-297328).pdf

52025014NOPV_Operator Response to Notice and Request Hearing-Request Informal Conference-Request Case File-Statement of Issues (Part 1)_07022025_(24-297328).pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/52025014NOPV/52025014NOPV_Operator%20Response%20to%20Notice%20and%20Request%20Hearing-Request%20Informal%20Conference-Request%20Case%20File-Statement%20of%20Issues%20(Part%201)_07022025_(24-297328).pdf

52025014NOPV_Operator Withdrawal of Hearing Request_03272026_(24-297328).pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/52025014NOPV/52025014NOPV_Operator%20Withdrawal%20of%20Hearing%20Request_03272026_(24-297328).pdf

52025014NOPV_PCO_05022025_(24-297328).pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/52025014NOPV/52025014NOPV_PCO_05022025_(24-297328).pdf

52025014NOPV_PCO_05022025_(24-297328)_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/52025014NOPV/52025014NOPV_PCO_05022025_(24-297328)_text.pdf

52025014NOPV_PHC Hearing Scheduled_01072026_(24-297328).pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/52025014NOPV/52025014NOPV_PHC%20Hearing%20Scheduled_01072026_(24-297328).pdf

52025014NOPV_PHC Hearing Scheduled_01072026_(24-297328)_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/52025014NOPV/52025014NOPV_PHC%20Hearing%20Scheduled_01072026_(24-297328)_text.pdf

52025014NOPV_Consent Agreement and Order_03262026_(24-297328)_text.pdf

U.S. Department
of Transportation
Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety
Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
March 26, 2026
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL TO: cstroz@chevron.com
Mr. Christopher Stroz
Senior HSE Manager
Chevron Pipeline Company
1400 Smith Street
Houston, Texas 77002
CPF No. 5-2025-014-NOPV
Dear Mr. Stroz:
Enclosed please find a Consent Order incorporating the terms of the Consent Agreement between
the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and Chevron Pipeline
Company, which was executed on March 24, 2026. This matter is now closed. 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 CFR § 190.5.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Linda Daugherty
Acting Associate Administrator
for Pipeline Safety
Enclosure: Consent Order and Consent Agreement
cc: Dustin Hubbard, Director, Western Region, Office of Pipeline Safety, PHMSA
James Curry, Esq., Babst Calland
jcurry@babstcalland.com
Lee Banse, Esq., Babst Calland
LBanse@babstcalland.com
Johnnie Randolph, Esq., Chevron Pipeline Company
johnnierandolph@chevron.com
CONFIRMATION 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 )
Chevron Pipeline Company, ) CPF No. 5-2025-014-NOPV
)
)
)
Respondent. )
____________________________________)
CONSENT ORDER
By letter dated May 2, 2025, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
(PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), issued a Notice of Probable Violation and Proposed
Compliance Order (Notice) to Chevron Pipeline Company (Chevron or Respondent).
In response to the Notice, Respondent requested a hearing on the underlying violation and the
proposed compliance order (Response). Chevron also asked for the opportunity to meet
informally with PHMSA to discuss the Items in the Notice. Respondent and PHMSA (the
Parties) subsequently met to discuss the issues raised in the Response. As a result of those
discussions, as explained in more detail below, the Parties have agreed to a Consent Agreement
by which PHMSA agrees to make the alleged violation a warning.
Accordingly, the Consent Agreement is hereby approved and incorporated by reference into this
Consent Order and this matter is now closed.
The terms and conditions of this Consent Order are effective upon service in accordance with
49 CFR § 190.5.
______________________ ______________________
Linda Daugherty Date Issued
Acting Associate Administrator
for Pipeline Safety



CPF No. 5-2025-014-NOPV
Page 1
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590
____________________________________
In the Matter of )
Chevron Pipeline Company, ) CPF No. 5-2025-014-NOPV
)
)
)
Respondent. )
____________________________________)
CONSENT AGREEMENT
From July 8 to July 26, 2024, a representative of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration (PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), pursuant to Chapter 601 of Title 49
United States Code (U.S.C.), conducted an on-site inspection of Chevron Pipeline Company’s
(Chevron or Respondent) SJ Valley Gas System in Bakersfield, California.
As a result of the inspection, the Director, Western Region, OPS (Director), issued to
Respondent, by letter dated May 2, 2025, a Notice of Probable Violation and Proposed
Compliance Order (Notice). In accordance with 49 CFR § 190.207, the Notice proposed finding
that Chevron committed a violation of 49 CFR § 192.465(d) (Item 2), and proposed ordering
Respondent to take certain measures to correct the alleged violation. The other probable
violations (Items 1 and 3) were brought as warnings, advising the operator to correct the
probable violations or face potential future enforcement action.
Chevron responded to the Notice by letter dated July 2, 2025 (Response). The Respondent
contested the underlying violation for Item 2 and the proposed compliance order.
PHMSA and Respondent (the Parties) subsequently met to discuss the issues raised in the
Response. As a result of those discussions and as explained in more detail below the Parties
have agreed to a Consent Agreement by which PHMSA agrees to make Item 2 a warning.
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 U.S.C. § 60101, et seq. and 49 CFR Part 190, and upon consent and
agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:



CPF No. 5-2025-014-NOPV
Page 2
I. General Provisions
1. Respondent acknowledges that as the operator of the pipeline facilities subject to
the Notice, Respondent and its referenced 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 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 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. 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 for the Dispute Resolution
provisions set forth herein. Respondent agrees to withdraw its request for an administrative
hearing regarding the Notice.
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.
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



CPF No. 5-2025-014-NOPV
Page 3
transferee at least 30 days prior to such transfer. Respondent will provide written notice of the
transfer to the 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 systems. 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 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.
II. Warning Items:
11. Item 1 - 49 CFR § 192.14(a): The Notice alleged Chevron failed to prepare and
follow a written procedure for conversion to service, as required by § 192.14(a), on its 8-inch
Mojave Spur steel pipeline located within Chevron’s Kern River production field. This Item was
brought as a warning Item and does not constitute a finding of violation. Respondent accepts the
warning as alleged in the Notice.
12. Item 2 - 49 CFR § 195.404(a)(3): The Notice alleged Chevron failed to correct
the deficiencies indicated by the inspection and testing of the cathodic protection system, as
required by § 192.465(d). Specifically, the Notice alleged that a review of Chevron’s annual
cathodic protection surveys for the Cross Valley East pipeline segment for the calendar years of
2019 through 2023 indicated several test locations on the line exhibited pipe to soil readings with
excessive potentials. The Parties met to discuss this allegation and Chevron provided additional
information. After discussion between the Parties, based on the information provided, PHMSA
agrees to make this Item a warning, and withdraws the proposed compliance terms. This Item
does not constitute a finding of violation. Respondent accepts the warning.
13. Item 3 - 49 CFR § 195.615(b)(3): The Notice alleged Chevron failed to review
employee activities to determine whether the procedures were effectively followed in each
emergency. This Item was brought as a warning Item and does not constitute a finding of
violation. Respondent accepts the warning as alleged in the Notice.



CPF No. 5-2025-014-NOPV
Page 4
14. For Warning Items 1, 2 and 3, if OPS finds a violation of these provisions in a
subsequent inspection, Respondent may be subject to future enforcement action.
III. Modification:
15. 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.
IV. Ratification:
16. 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.
17. The Parties hereby agree to all findings, conditions, and terms of this Agreement.
[Signature Lines on Following Page]



CPF No. 5-2025-014-NOPV
Page 5
For Chevron Pipeline Company:
___________________________________
________________________
Date
For PHMSA:
________________________________________
Director, Western Region, Office of Pipeline Safety
________________________
Date

52025014NOPV_PHC Hearing Scheduled_01072026_(24-297328)_text.pdf

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
U.S. Department Washington, DC 20590
of Transportation
Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration
January 7, 2026
VIA EMAIL TO: LBanse@babstcalland.com, Kathleen.Mailtland@dot.gov et al.
Mr. Lee Banse, Esq.
Counsel for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
Babst Calland
505 9th Street, NW, Ste. 602
Washington, DC 20004
Ms. Kathleen Maitland, Esq.
Counsel for the Agency
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
Re: PHMSA CPF No.: 5-2025-014-NOPV, Chevron Pipeline Company, Notice of
Hearing and Order Regarding Prehearing Statement
Dear Mr. Banse and Ms. Maitland,
In accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.211, a hearing will be held regarding the Notice of
Probable Violation and Proposed Compliance Order issued by PHMSA in the above
referenced case. The hearing will take place on April 14, 2026, beginning at 9:30
a.m. Eastern Time. The hearing will be held at DOT Headquarters:
1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.
Washington, DC
20590
Additional instructions for accessing the DOT Headquarters building will be provided
later.
Each party is directed to submit to the presiding official and the other party by email a
pre-hearing statement, due no later than March 31, 2026, including the following
information:
1. A statement of facts



Page 2
2. A list of all agreed upon facts
3. Defenses and arguments
4. A witness list including a description and anticipated length of each witness’
anticipated testimony. The description must be sufficient to show how the
anticipated testimony may prove or disprove a fact significant to the case.
5. A copy of all exhibits with an index identifying the documents. All exhibits must
be marked for identification in the lower right corner of each page. Documents
already in the case file need not be included.
The parties must confer regarding item 2 above. Failure to submit items 4 and 5 above
may result in disallowance of that evidence at the hearing. The parties may supplement
their hearing exhibits or witness list with fair notice to the other party and the presiding
official.
A brief pre-hearing conference may be held 7-10 days prior to the hearing if the
presiding official deems it appropriate.
The presiding official strongly recommends that a court reporter transcribe the hearing.
If Respondent elects to transcribe the hearing, Respondent should notify the presiding
official (with copy to the other party) as soon as practicable.
The Agency is required to be represented by counsel for these proceedings.
Regards,
Dolores Francis
Presiding Official
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