The University of Tennessee — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

Page 1Professor Charles L. Thompson The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee 37916 Dear Professor Thompson: We regret the delay in replying to your letter of January 16, 1978, concerning the East Tennessee Natural Gas Company's (ETNY) method of marking their pipelines. The Federal regulation governing marking of gas pipelines is found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192, Section 192.707 (copy enclosed). This regulation requires that markers installed other than at waterway crossings be written legibly on a background of sharply contrasting color and that the lettering be at least one inch high. The particular type or size of marker is not specified but is left to the gas operator's discretion provided the objective of the rule - to warn others of the presence of an underground pipeline - is carried out. It does not appear from your letter that the markers you are concerned about conflict with the Federal requirements governing marking of pipelines. Therefore, it would be a matter for local control or for negotiation between you and ETNY regarding the unsightliness of its markers in your neighborhood and on your property. Sincerely, Cesar De Leon Associate Director for Pipeline Safety Regulation Materials Transportation Bureau Enclosure DB C:\WP51\INTERPRT\192\707\78-07-06 1#

Page 2Department Head Office of Pipeline Safety Department of Transportation Washington, DC 20002 Dear Department Head: The East Tennessee Natural Gas Company, on 8200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, has recently altered their method of marking their pipelines. Formerly their two main lines in Knoxville were marked by a single, red, rectangular cement stake measuring about 12 to 15 inches in height. These two parallel lines are separated by about 15 feet. The red stake has recently been replaced by two, unsightly round markers measuring 12 inches in diameter. Needless to say, these two signs, extending 12 inches from the ground, are real eyesores in our neighborhood and on my property. My questions are these: (1) What is the minimal regulation governing such markers or signs? (2) If the E.T.N.Y. Company markers are out of order, how can I remedy this situation? (3) Will you help me persuade E.T.N.Y. to change these markers? Thank you for your times and effort given to my concern. Sincerely yours, Charles L. Thompson Professor P.S. Complaint was made to Mr. Bob Davis of E.T.N.Y. who referred department. me to your DB C:\WP51\INTERPRT\192\707\78-07-06 2#