Federal Energy Regulatory Commission — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

Page 1July 23, 1993 Mr. Kevin P. Madden Director Office of Pipeline and Producer Regulation Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20426 Dear Mr. Madden: Your letter of June 23, 1993, transmitted a copy of the Florida Gas Transmission Company Draft Environmental Impact Statement [your Docket No. CP92-182-002]. You ask us to confirm that a pipeline built in an area with commercial structures and residences within 220 yards of a pipeline could conform with the U.S. Department of Transportation pipeline safety regulations. You also ask if our pipeline safety regulations address the issue of nearby people and account for their safety. The pipeline safety standards in 49 CFR Part 192 govern the design, construction, operation and maintenance of gas pipelines nationwide in environments varying from highly populated to rural. The regulations establish a class location scheme for gas pipelines based on population density in proximity to the pipeline. The regulations include more stringent requirements for greater population in proximity to the pipeline. A pipeline designed and operated in accordance with these requirements will protect the safety of the public. Sincerely, George W. Tenley, Jr. Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety dal\192.5\93-07-23#