Guidanceguidance
PI-81-0116
Pipeline Safety Interpretation PI-81-0116
Current as of source date Government source
RegulusPipeline researchRegulusPipeline researchPI-81-0116
Page 1PI-81-0116 October 6, 1981 Mr. D. W. Solanas U. S Dept. of the Interior Geological Survey Imperial Office Building 3301 N. Causeway Blvd. Metairie, Louisiana 70010 Dear Mr. Solanas: Mr. Aubry has asked that we respond to your letter of August 13, 1981, requesting written validation of Mr. Orrs opinion that 49 CFR 192.179(d) gives operators the option of installing automatic or manual shutoff valves. We have considered the regulation at issue and its history set forth in Amendment 192-27 (41 FR 34606, August 16, 1976), and find that Mr. Orr’s view is correct since the rule does not and was not intended to specify the type of valve to be used. Should you have any further questions, you may call me at 202-426-2392. Sincerely Original Sign By Melvin A. Judah Acting Associate Director for Pipeline Safety Regulation Materials Transportation Bureau#
Page 2United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey Imperial Office Bldg., 3301 N. Causeway Blvd. P.O. Box 7944 Metairie, Louisiana 70010 August 13, 1981 Gentlemen: The purpose of this letter is to document, in writing, the telephone conversation between your Mr. G. Orr and Mr. D. J. Steinmuller of this office on August 6, 1981. The intent of this telephone conversation was to ascertain an interpretation of Title 49 CFR Part 192.179 with regard to incoming transmission pipeline valves located on offshore, nonproduction, unmanned, and periodically inaccessible, gathering platforms. As stated in Subsection (d), offshore segments of transmission lines must be equipped with valves or other components to shut off the flow of gas to an offshore platform in an emergency. The question that arose was whether these valves should be of automatic or manual operation. Upon presenting this situation to Mr. Orr of your office, he had stated that these valves could be either automatic or manual in nature. Therefore, we are requesting that this interpretation be documented, in writing, and forwarded to this office so that a consistent policy can be established for future installations of this nature. Should further discussion be required, please contact Mr. D. J. Steinmuller of this office at FTS 680-9257. Sincerely yours, D. W. Solanas Deputy Conservation Manager Offshore Operations Support Gulf of Mexico OCS Region#
This material provides agency context. It does not replace binding regulatory text, and its legal effect depends on the underlying authority and facts.