Pipeline Safety Interpretation PI-81-0104

Page 1PI-81-0104 April 24, 1981 Mr. Nathan P. Hoffman Woody, Gumm & Hoffman,P.C. 1208 E. Mockingbird Lane P.O. Box 4526 Victoria, Texas 77901 Dear Mr. Hoffman: In regard to your request for interpretative information concerning 49 CFR 192.615, information of this type was published in the Federal Register as part of the final rule document (amdt. 192-24, 41 FR 13586, March 31, 1976) and as part of the notice of proposed rulemaking (Notice 75-1, 40 FR 13317, March 26, 1975). Copies of these documents are enclosed. Also, the public file on this rulemaking, Docket No. OPS-32, is available for viewing in Room 8426, Nassif Building, 400 7th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The emergency plans required by 49 CFR 192.615 are enforceable only against pipeline operators. While it is desirable that public officials cooperate with operators as indicated by §192.615, they are not required by law to do so. Sincerely, SIGNED Melvin A. Judah Acting Associate Director for Pipeline Safety Regulations Materials Transportation Bureau#

Page 2Woody, Gumm & Hoffman,P.C. 1208 E. Mockingbird Lane P.O. Box 4526 Victoria, Texas 77901 March 20, 1981 Director, Office of Pipeline Safety Department of Transportation 400 7th Street S. W. Washington, D. C. 20590 Dear Sir: I am writing in regard to minimum federal safety standards for gas lines relating to transportation of natural gas by pipeline as contained in Part 192, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. My particular interest revolves around Section 192.615 entitled "Emergency Plans". Please send me any interpretive information that you may have on this section, including legal opinions, agency memos, pamphlets or other commentaries to date. If you do not have this information please let me know where I could locate same. Additionally, I need to know if public officials are required by law or regulation to participate or make time available for safety and emergency plans outlined in this section. If they are required could you please send me a copy of the appropriate law or regulation. Very truly yours, Nathan P. Hoffman#