Alabama Public Service Commission — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

Page 1SR-95-117 U.S. Department 400 Seventh Street, SW of Transportation Washington, DC 20590 Research and Special Programs Administration November 9, 1995 Mr. Chris J. Harvey Administrator, Gas Pipeline Safety Alabama Public Service Commission P.O. Box 991 Montgomery, Alabama 36101-0991 Dear Mr. Harvey: You requested a determination of jurisdiction of a 4.5 inch diesel pipeline used to assist production on an Exxon offshore facility in Mobile Bay Block 62. This question was raised following an inspection of this facility and Exxon’ s subsequent contention that the 4.5 inch line in question was exempt from the requirements of 49 CFR 195 because it was a gathering line. Under 49 CFR 195.2, a gathering line means “ a pipeline 8 inches or less in nominal diameter that transports petroleum from a production facility.” Because the pipeline in question transports diesel fuel from an onshore facility to the offshore production facilities, it cannot be classified as a gathering line. Therefore, it is jurisdictional to the requirements of 49 CFR 195. please contact the Office of Pipeline Safety, Southern Region, at (404) 347-2632. If you have any further questions, Sincerely, Cesar DeLeon Deputy Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety 95-11-09.doc 195.2#