# Bechtel Petroleum Operations, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** CHI-94-002
- **title:** Bechtel Petroleum Operations, Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation
- **source type:** guidance
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** guidance
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 1994-04-18
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** CHI-94-002 response to Bechtel Petroleum Operations, Inc. concerning 171.1.
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- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-chi-94-002
- **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/Hazmat/ChiefCounsel/CHI-94-002.pdf
**body:**

<<<PAGE 1>>>

of Transportation
US. Department
Research and
Special Programs
diministration
APR 1 8 1994
Mr. Steve Shire
Bechtel Petroleum Operations, Inc.
P.O. Box 127
Tupaan, CA 93276
•
Dear Mr. Shire:
In two March 23, 1994 letters, you ask about the applicability
of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA), 49 App.
bu aterials Requation
U.S.C. S5 1801 st ngg., and the Hazardous Materials Regulations
Petroleum Operations, Inc., operator of the Naval Petroleum
(HMR), 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-180, to activities of Bechtel
Reserves in California. This letter responds to your inquiries.
requirements to Bechtel's liquefied petroleum gas operations.
First, you ask about the application of HMR gas odorization
I have referred this letter to the Research and Special Programs
the office responsible for interpreting the technical require-
Administration (RSPA) Office of Hazardous Materials Standards,
ments of the HMR. I understand that you already have sent a
should contact her (202-366-4488) with any future questions on
nearly identical letter to Ms. Jackie Smith of that office; you
that subject.
Second, you ask whether Bechtel's subcontractors are subject.
to various HMR requirements when crossing a State highway with
hazardous materials used in well operations and maintenance.
The jurisdiction of the HMTA encompasses hazardous materials
transported "in commerce." 49 App. U.S.C. § 1804(a) (1). The
definition of "in comnerce" has two elements relevant to your
situation.
First, with respect to transportation by notor
vehicle, the definition encompasses interstate and foreign
carriers, and intrastate carriers transporting hazardous
portable tanks or cargo tanks, and marine pollutants.
waste, hazardous substances, flammable cryogenic liquids in
49 C.F.R.
or crosses a public way.
§ 171.1. Second, it enconpasses all transportation that follows
describe is subject to the HMR when it involves an interstate
Accordingly, the transportation you
or foreign carrier, or an intrastate carrier transporting any
of the hazardous materials indicated.

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2
Some hazardous materials transportation to which you refer,
such as transportation of non-bulk packages that qualify as
excepted from certain HMR requirements. The extent to which
limited quantity shipments or consumer commodities, may be
this is so depends on the facts, and therefore I cannot
provide more specific information.
like guidance as to the requirements for transportation of a
If in the future you would
RSPA Office of Hazardous Materials Standards at 202-366-4488.
particular hazardous materials package, you should contact the
telephone (202-366-4400) if you have any further questions.
I trust this response is useful to you. Please feel free to
Sincerel
Attorney
Charles B. Holtman
CC:
Ms. Jacquelyn Smith
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