# Louisiana DNR — Pipeline Safety Interpretation - **operation:** document - **citation:** PI-25-0001 - **title:** Louisiana DNR — Pipeline Safety Interpretation - **source type:** guidance - **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration - **status:** guidance - **official:** true - **published on:** 2026-04-23 - **effective on:** Not available - **summary:** PI-25-0001 response to Louisiana DNR concerning 192.3. - **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-25-0001.json - **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-25-0001.md - **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-pi-25-0001 - **source url:** https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/2026-04/Louisiana-DNR-PI-25-0001-Combined-Response-Original-Letter-and-Graphics.pdf **body:** <<>> U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 April 23, 2026 Mr. Steven Giambrone Office of Conservation Department of Energy and Natural Resources 617 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Dear Mr. Giambrone: By letter dated January 31, 2025, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) submitted a request for a written regulatory interpretation from the Pipeline Safety Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS). Specifically, LDNR asked OPS whether the Federal gas pipeline safety regulations in 49 CFR Part 192 apply to a natural gas pipeline in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. OPS concludes that regulations in Part 192 apply to the pipeline for the reasons discussed below. Background The pipeline described in LDNR’s request is a lateral that connects to the Gulf South transmission pipeline system in Louisiana, which is owned by DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DuPont), and a petrochemical facility in St. John the Baptist Parish, LA. The pipeline was previously operated by Gulf South as a part of its interstate natural gas pipeline system, but operatorship of the line was transferred to the owner, DuPont, in 2024. The line currently serves DuPont with natural gas, most of which is consumed by DuPont, but some is “redelivered” to a petrochemical facility owned by another entity who has a lease within the facility. The letter states the location of the pipeline is primarily on DuPont property as shown in Figure 1 below. The line crosses one road, DuPont Construction Road, which is a public road providing access to the DuPont facility. It also crosses railroad tracks at two locations. The pipeline specifications are as follows: 8.625" OD x 0.322" WT, Grade B, ERW. The maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of the pipeline is 735 psig with an operating pressure of 285 psig. When Gulf South was operating the pipeline, they determined the line was in a Class 3 location due to the proximity of a residential area and a school in relation to the pipeline. Operation at MAOP generates a hoop stress that is 28 percent of the Specified Minimum Yield Strength (SMYS). It is DuPont’s intention to lower the MAOP of the pipeline such that it falls below the 20 percent SMYS threshold described in the definition of a transmission line at § 192.3. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety provides written clarifications of the Regulations (49 CFR Parts 190-199) in the form of interpretation letters. These letters reflect the agency's current application of the regulations to the specific facts presented by the person requesting the clarification. Interpretations are not generally applicable, do not create legally-enforceable rights or obligations, and are provided to help the specific requestor understand how to comply with the regulations. <<>> Page 2 of 6 The letter also states there are two above-ground pressure regulator stations associated with this line. The first is at the connection with the Gulf South transmission pipeline. At this location, natural gas enters a regulator station (on DuPont property), where pressure is lowered from 1,016 psig to 285 psig. At the second station or “meter station,” the pressure is reduced further to 200 psig and the gas is metered. The meter station is where Gulf South previously ended their operatorship of the pipeline, and DuPont has always operated the line downstream of the meter station location. The letter also indicates that inside of the facility, DuPont piping delivers gas to various areas for its own use and consumption. In addition to DuPont’s own use, DuPont delivers gas to Denka Performance Elastomer (Denka) petrochemical facility within the boundaries of the DuPont facility to be utilized by Denka for their operations. There is at least one meter within the DuPont facility to measure the gas delivered to Denka, who is invoiced for its gas usage. The DuPont facility is a Process Safety Management (PSM) facility and the pipelines within the facility are treated as such. Additionally, DuPont states that the pipeline in question, from the tap with Gulf South transmission pipeline to the meter station, is also covered by Dupont’s PSM plan. Relevant Regulations OPS has determined that the following regulations are relevant in responding to LDNR’s request for interpretation: § 192.3 Definitions Distribution center means the initial point where gas enters piping used primarily to deliver gas to customers who purchase it for consumption, as opposed to customers who purchase it for resale, for example: (1) At a metering location; (2) A pressure reduction location; or (3) Where there is a reduction in the volume of gas, such as a lateral off a transmission line. Distribution line means a pipeline other than a gathering or transmission line. Master Meter System means a pipeline system for distributing gas within, but not limited to, a definable area (such as a mobile home park, housing project, or apartment complex) where the operator purchases metered gas from an outside source for resale through a gas distribution pipeline system. The gas distribution pipeline system supplies the ultimate consumer who either purchases the gas directly through a meter or by other means, such as by rents. Pipeline means all parts of those physical facilities through which gas moves in transportation, including pipe, valves, and other appurtenance attached to pipe, compressor units, metering stations, regulator stations, delivery stations, holders, and fabricated assemblies. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety provides written clarifications of the Regulations (49 CFR Parts 190-199) in the form of interpretation letters. These letters reflect the agency's current application of the regulations to the specific facts presented by the person requesting the clarification. Interpretations are not generally applicable, do not create legally-enforceable rights or obligations, and are provided to help the specific requestor understand how to comply with the regulations. <<>> Page 3 of 6 Service line means a distribution line that transports gas from a common source of supply to an individual customer, to two adjacent or adjoining residential or small commercial customers, or to multiple residential or small commercial customers served through a meter header or manifold. A service line ends at the outlet of the customer meter or at the connection to a customer's piping, whichever is further downstream, or at the connection to customer piping if there is no meter. Transportation of gas means the gathering, transmission, or distribution of gas by pipeline or the storage of gas, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce. Transmission line means a pipeline or connected series of pipelines, other than a gathering line, that: (1) Transports gas from a gathering pipeline or storage facility to a distribution center, storage facility, or large volume customer that is not down-stream from a distribution center; (2) Has an MAOP of 20 percent or more of SMYS; (3) Transports gas within a storage field; or (4) Is voluntarily designated by the operator as a transmission pipeline. Figure 1. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety provides written clarifications of the Regulations (49 CFR Parts 190-199) in the form of interpretation letters. These letters reflect the agency's current application of the regulations to the specific facts presented by the person requesting the clarification. Interpretations are not generally applicable, do not create legally-enforceable rights or obligations, and are provided to help the specific requestor understand how to comply with the regulations. <<>> Page 4 of 6 Analysis PHMSA’s interpretation of 49 CFR Part 192 regarding the questions presented by LDNR are below: Question 1: Does the jurisdiction of a gas pipeline depend on whether or not it is located on the end user’s property? Since DuPont is a consumer of the gas and the gas enters its own pipeline on its own property, does jurisdiction end at that point? PHMSA Response: In this case, DuPont is the consumer of part of the gas being transported on their property grounds but also sells gas to the Denka plant which is on DuPont property. Interpretation PI-07-0105 is instructive. In that interpretation, PHMSA considered the jurisdictional endpoint of a lateral pipeline running from a transmission pipeline to an electrical power plant. Specifically, the requester asked if jurisdiction ends at the property line, fence line, first valve on the property, the power equipment, or another location. PHMSA responded: “Assuming the lateral pipeline in question is a transmission line as defined in § 192.3, pipeline safety authority extends to the point where transportation ends, even if this point is on plant property. In many cases, the endpoint is where the lateral pipeline enters the plant grounds, usually at a security fence line. If, however, a measurement meter (or other component necessary to control the pressure or safety of the pipeline) is on the plant grounds, the endpoint would be the meter (or other component, if the component is downstream of the meter).” In DuPont’s case, the pipeline delivers gas to meters M1 and M2 (see Figure 1), which are downstream of the property line. Therefore, jurisdiction does not end at the property line. It is important to understand that even though the pipelines in question in the reference interpretation request refer to a transmission line, the same would apply to a distribution line as well. Question 2: Does the jurisdiction of a gas pipeline depend on whether or not it is located behind the fencing of an end user’s property? PHMSA Response: Similar to the response to Question 1, in this case there is a continuation of the transportation of gas that extends beyond meter M1 to meter M2 at the Denka plant on the same property grounds. According to the definition of a service line found in § 192.3, a service line ends at the outlet of the customer meter or at the connection to a customer’s piping, whichever is further downstream, or at the connection to customer piping if there is no meter. Jurisdiction of a gas pipeline is a function of the location of the meter, not a property line or fence. This position is reiterated in Interpretation PI-12-0005 which clarified the end point of transportation for a natural gas pipeline feeding two large volume customers was at the meter or pressure control device within the pipeline owner’s property, not at the property boundary. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety provides written clarifications of the Regulations (49 CFR Parts 190-199) in the form of interpretation letters. These letters reflect the agency's current application of the regulations to the specific facts presented by the person requesting the clarification. Interpretations are not generally applicable, do not create legally-enforceable rights or obligations, and are provided to help the specific requestor understand how to comply with the regulations. <<>> Page 5 of 6 Question 3: Does the fact that DuPont delivers gas (re-sale) to Denka change the jurisdictional determination? PHMSA Response: Yes. The fact that DuPont delivers gas to Denka (another end user) affects the jurisdiction of the pipeline transporting gas from DuPont’s meter (M1) to the meter at Denka’s facility (M2). See Figure 1. The pipeline that transports gas from the reduction in pressure (point RA in the diagram) to the meter (M1) of the DuPont facility meets the definition of a distribution line and is jurisdictional to Part 192. This is because (RA) would be considered a “Distribution Center” in accordance with § 192.3. Dupont’s pipeline delivering gas to Denka from meter (M1) to meter (M2) marked in blue in Figure 1, would also be considered a distribution line and is jurisdictional to Part 192. The pipelines marked in yellow in Figure 1 are non-regulated pipelines by the Office of Pipeline Safety because they are customer owned piping used for the consumption of natural gas. Per § 192.3 service line definition, a service line ends at the connection to customer piping if there is no meter. Question 4: Does the piping downstream of the meter station located outside the facility qualify as a master meter since some of the gas purchased by DuPont is re-delivered for sale to Denka? PHMSA Response: No. Meter (M1) is not a master meter. The pipeline system downstream of meter (M1) is owned and operated by DuPont which sells some of the gas to Denka at meter (M2). The pipeline that connects (M1) to (M2) owned by DuPont is a pipeline facility engaged in transportation and is subject to the jurisdiction of Part 192. A “Master Meter System” is defined in § 192.3 as a pipeline system for distributing gas within, but not limited to, a definable area (such as a mobile home park, housing project, or apartment complex) where the operator purchases metered gas from an outside source for resale through a gas distribution pipeline system. The gas distribution pipeline system supplies the ultimate consumer who either purchases the gas directly through a meter or by other means, such as by rents. The description of the pipeline facilities from M1 to M2 do not meet the conditions of a “Master Meter System” but rather is a pipeline delivering gas to a single petrochemical facility (Denka). Question 5: Can pipelines required to be covered by PSM plans also fall under DOT regulation? PHMSA Response: Our regulatory interpretation is limited to the applicability of the Federal pipeline safety regulations. You will need to discuss the applicability of PSM plans with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety provides written clarifications of the Regulations (49 CFR Parts 190-199) in the form of interpretation letters. These letters reflect the agency's current application of the regulations to the specific facts presented by the person requesting the clarification. Interpretations are not generally applicable, do not create legally-enforceable rights or obligations, and are provided to help the specific requestor understand how to comply with the regulations. <<>> Page 6 of 6 If we can be of further assistance, please contact Joe Berry at (720) 601-3577. Sincerely, CAMERON H Digitally signed by CAMERON H SATTERTHWAITE SATTERTHWAITE Date: 2026.04.23 15:48:50 - Cameron H. Satterthwaite Acting Director, Office of Standards and Rulemaking The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety provides written clarifications of the Regulations (49 CFR Parts 190-199) in the form of interpretation letters. These letters reflect the agency's current application of the regulations to the specific facts presented by the person requesting the clarification. Interpretations are not generally applicable, do not create legally-enforceable rights or obligations, and are provided to help the specific requestor understand how to comply with the regulations. <<>> US DOT OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (PHMSA) US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE WASHINGTON, DC 20590-0001 Subject: Interpretation Request, 192.1 (What is the scope of this part?) Dear Mr. Mayberry, The Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources annually certifies a pipeline safety program with the US DOT. The Department, through the Office of Conservation, enforces the minimum pipeline safety standards for intrastate gas pipeline operators as defined in 49 CFR Part 192. We request an interpretation of the code concerning a certain pipeline transporting natural gas in Louisiana, specifically, whether or not this line is subject to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 192. Background: The pipeline in question is a lateral connected to the Gulf South Pipeline system in Louisiana and is owned by DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (DuPont), a petrochemical facility in St. John the Baptist Parish, LA. The pipeline was previously operated by Gulf South as a part of its interstate natural gas pipeline system, but operatorship of the line was transferred to the owner, DuPont, in 2024. The line currently serves DuPont with natural gas, most of which is consumed by DuPont, but some is redelivered to another entity who has a lease within the facility. The location of the pipe is entirely on DuPont property as shown on the map (sourced from NPMS) with a few exceptions. The line crosses one road, DuPont Construction Road, which is a public road providing access the DuPont facility. It also crosses railroad tracks at two locations. The pipeline specifications are as follows: 8.625" OD × 0.322" WT, Grade B, ERW. The MAOP of the pipeline is 735 psi with an operating pressure of 285 psi. When Gulf South was operating the pipeline, they determined the line was in a class 3 location due to the proximity of a residential area and a school in relation to the pipeline. An MAOP of 735 psi generates a hoop stress that is 28% of the SMYS of the pipeline, but the line is operated at a pressure such that the hoop stress generated is less than 20%. It is DuPont's intention to lower the MAOP of the pipeline such that it falls below the 20% threshold. Post Office Box 94396, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9396 • 617 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 PHONE: (225)342-2710 • FAX: (225)342-3790 • www.dnr.louisiana.gov An Equal Opportunity Employer <<>> Inside of the facility, DuPont piping delivers gas to various areas for their own utilization/consumption. In addition to DuPont's own use, DuPont delivers gas to Denka Performance Elastomer (Denka) within the boundaries of the DuPont facility to be utilized by Denka for their operations within the facility. There is at least one meter (within the facility) to measure the gas delivered to Denka and they are invoiced for their gas usage. The DuPont facility is a Process Safety Management (PSM) facility and the pipelines within the facility are treated as such. Additionally, DuPont states that the line in question (from the tap with Gulf South to the meter station) is also covered by their PSM plan. The owner (and now current operator) of the pipeline believes that since this line is located on DuPont property, it is not jurisdictional to the DOT regulations. Historically, the Louisiana pipeline safety program has regulated pipelines such as this up until such point where the line is inside the facility fencing with jurisdiction ending at a valve/meter/etc. With the addition of the definition of "Distribution Center" added to the regulations, it is our contention that the pipeline in question is a service line up until the point where the gas is metered. The definition of Distribution Center is as follows: Distribution Center means the initial point where gas enters the piping used primarily to deliver gas to customers who purchase it for consumption, as opposed to customers who purchase it for resale, for example: (1) At a metering location; (2) A pressure reduction location; or (3) Where there is a reduction in the volume of gas, such as a lateral off a transmission line. Service line means a distribution line that transports gas from a common source of supply to an individual customer, to two adjacent or adjoining residential or small commercial customers, or to multiple residential or small commercial customers served through a meter header or a manifold. A service line ends at the outlet of the customer meter or at the connection to a customer's piping, whichever is further downstream, or at the connection to customer piping if there is no meter. <<>> Therefore, my requests is that PHMSA respond to the following questions: 1) Does the jurisdiction of a gas pipeline depend on whether or not it is located on the end user's property? i.e. Since DuPont is a consumer of the gas and the gas enters their own pipeline on their own property, does jurisdiction end at that point? Or 2) Does the jurisdiction of a gas pipeline depend on whether or not it is located behind the fencing of and end user's property? 3) Does the fact that DuPont delivers gas (re-sale) to Denka change the jurisdictional determination? 4) Is the piping downstream of the meter station located outside the facility qualify as a master meter since some of the gas purchased by DuPont is re delivered for sale to Denka? 5) Can pipelines required to be covered by PSM plans also fall under DOT regulation? If you have any questions, I can be reached at (225) 342-2989 or Steven.Giambrone@la.gov. Thank you in advance. Yours truly, He Seans - Steven Giambrone Office of Conservation <<>> ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, LOUISIANA UD 25072 UAC 5271 NEX 2%. 3 24° 2028+70 REGULATOR STATION DUPONT TIE-OVER - 172 NORCO PPEINE 1078+83 LAPLACE CITY GATE #2 u/G 272182) 130330) 294238 272183 REGULATOR STATION 3135+73 ® 3152+63 2° TAP TO ATMOS 3168+00 TO NEW ORLEANS VH3 M3N A3B8LS N13 60-5E5 272194 272184 S3178 272200 272191 NO. 26 HEMLOCK STREET 3153+02 275149 UBNU JOHN ORY 272192 ABANDONED 272198 272201 LOUISIANA VALVE MAPS - 5452-KENNER 3129+27 - ABANDONED OBNO 275150 OBNO OBNO 259296) 259703) OBNO 275143) OBNO 275144) OBNO 275145 OBNO 275142) OBNO 275146 OBNO 272189) GaNG OBNO OBNO SOBNO 275147) AFE 212257 ON 10/16/07 OBNO VLNO GULF SOUTH REN KRF ISSUED SHT. 620 BY CHKD APPR SHEET 10F2 <<>> BELLE POIN 5th Ward Elementary School Denka Performance Elastomer 44 RS Seafood Our Lady of 44 Grace Church - **truncated:** false - **body characters:** 21900