Pipeline Safety Interpretation PI-76-0104

Page 1PI-76-0104 May 26, 1976 Mr. Robert E. Ives 3632 E. Five Point Highway Charlotte, Michigan 48813 Dear Mr. Ives: This responds to your letter of May 6, 1976, concerning "set back" rules for gas pipelines in the proximity of occupied housing. Under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, the Michigan Public Service Commission has adopted and enforces the Federal gas pipeline safety standards (49 CFR Part 192) against intrastate gas pipeline within the Commission's jurisdiction. The Federal standards do not contain "set back" rules, but do, however, provide for adequate safety through other types of requirements which increase in stringency depending on the proximity of a pipeline to occupied areas. At the same time, the Michigan Commission may impose additional or more stringent safety requirements. Sincerely, Cesar DeLeon Acting Director Office of Pipeline Safety Operations#

Page 2May 6, 1976 Mr. A. Furow, Chief Regulation Division Office of Pipeline Safety Material Transportation Bureau Department of Transportation 2100 Second Street Washington D.C. 20590 Dear Mr. Furow: The attached private gas transmission line is being presently constructed in the county road right- of-way through a rural area. As far as I can determine there are no set back rules in terms of existing structures. The pipeline will have an anticipated operating pressure of 400 pounds and falls about 20 feet from my basement. It appears to fall even closer to other houses along the right-of-way. To the best of my knowledge they have complied with Michigan's safety code. However, it is my feeling that in the proximity of occupied housing a conduit should be installed and vented. Otherwise there should be some set back rules particularly in heavy clay areas. Does the Federal Government have any set back rules on constructions of this kind or are such matters left up to the state authorities? Sincerely, Robert E. Ives 3632 E. Five Point Hwy. Charlotte, Michigan 48813 Enclosure#