National Research Council — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

Page 1February 9, 1993 Mr. Donald Perkins Associate Director Marine Board National Research Council 2101 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington D.C. 20418 Dear Mr. Perkins: Most of the offshore pipeline operators have concluded the underwater inspection of offshore pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico and its inlets in waters less than 15 feet deep. This underwater inspection was done to comply with 49 CFR 192.612, for natural gas pipelines, and 49 CFR 195.413, for hazardous liquid pipelines, and the data was reported to the Department in accordance with 49 CFR 191.27 and 195.57, respectively. The inspections were to be completed by November 1992, but a few of the inspections were delayed because of Hurricane Andrew. I have enclosed a table and disk (Lotus 1-2-3) which includes the information received to date which, I believe, includes inspections of over 95 percent of offshore pipelines required to be inspected. We can provide copies of each individual report submitted, if needed. The Marine Board should use this data in the report on Safety of Marine Pipelines to assist us in making a decision, as required by Pub. L. 101-599, whether a mandatory, systematic, and, where appropriate, periodic inspection should be required in the Gulf of Mexico and its inlets. I have also included a copy of our letter to Chairman W. J. Tauzin, Subcommittee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries advising him of the work the Marine Board is doing in this regard. If you need further information, please let me know. Sincerely, Cesar DeLeon Director, Regulatory Programs Office of Pipeline Safety dal\191\27\93-02-09#