House of Representatives — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

Page 1PI-72-0109 August 4. 1972 Honorable William D. Hathaway House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Mr. Hathaway: This will acknowledge receipt of your letter of July 21, 1972, to the Office of Congressional Relations, enclosing a copy of a letter from Mr. Edward J. Beauchamp, concerning repairs to gas pipelines. Mr. Beauchamp’s letter inquires if there is some “criteria as expressed by the Federal Commission as to the time that a leak must be repaired in a gas pipe line or distribution system. Is there a fine for not complying with the time requirement?” Section 192.703 of the Federal gas pipeline safety standards provides in paragraph (b) that each segment of pipeline that becomes unsafe must be replaced, repaired, or removed from service, and further provides in paragraph (c) that hazardous leaks must be repaired promptly. Which leaks are “hazardous,” which leaks make a pipeline “unsafe,” and whether a repair has been done “promptly,” depends upon the nature of the operation and local conditions. The nature and size of the leak, its location, and the danger to the public are among the factors that must be considered by the operator. These same factors would be considered in determining whether a penalty should be imposed for failure to comply with the requirements of Section 192.703. We trust that this information will assist you in responding to Mr. Beauchamp’s inquiry in this matter. If we can be of any further service, please let us know. Sincerely, Original signed by: Joseph C. Caldwell Director Office of Pipeline Safety#

Page 2July 21, 1972 Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Office of Congressional Relations Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. Gentlemen: Enclosed is a copy of a letter I received from a constituent regarding repairs on gas pipelines. I shall appreciate having your comments on this matter. Thank you. Sincerely, William Haththaway U.S. Congressman#

Page 3Edward J. Beauchamp 163 Lisbon Street Lewiston, Maine 04240 July 19, 1972 Hon. William D. Hathaway Re: Estate of Amanda Castonguay House of Representatives and Rita Castonguay Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Al: Would you find out what is considered a reasonable time under the Federal Safety Standard Regulations for the transportation of gas by pipe line. Would there be some criteria as expressed by the Federal Commission as to the time that a leak must be repaired in a gas pipe line or distribution system. Is there a fine for not comply with the time requirement. My problem briefly is that under the Maine Public Utilities Commission there is a requirement to make surveys to determine any leakage in the gas services. But there is no time specified as to when these leaks should be repaired. Obviously the Lewiston Gas Light with a crew of 10 people could take 4 months to repair under our Public Utilities Law as they now exist. Would there be something under the transportation act or whatever body regulates the transmission of gas by pipeline whereby upon failure to remedy the situation within a certain number of days that it be prima-facie evidence of neglect on the part of the gas company and that after the discovery of gas if not repaired within a specified time that they be subject to a Federal fine. In discussing the matter with the Gas Transportation People in Washington; would you send me anything that might be helpful. Yours truly, EDWARD J. BEAUCHAMP Attorney at Law#