Guidanceguidance
PI-97-100
Shell Western E&P Inc. — Pipeline Safety Interpretation
Current as of source date Government source
RegulusPipeline researchRegulusPipeline researchPI-97-100
Page 1Mr. R.J Redweik Staff Environmental Engineer Shell Western E&P, Inc. P.O. Box 576 Houston, TX 77001 Dear Mr. Redweik: We are in receipt of your letter dated March 17, 1997, requesting clarification of DOT jurisdiction over Shell pipeline facilities transporting non-HVI through low stress lines in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Under 49 C.F.R. 195.3 (a) "Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this part applies to pipeline facilities and the transportation of hazardous liquids or carbon dioxide associated with those facilities in or affecting interstate oI foreign commerce, including pipeline facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf. (b) This part does not apply to (1) Transportation of a hazardous liquid that is transported in a gaseous state; (2) Transportation of a hazardous liquid through a pipeline by gravity; (3) Transportation of non-HVL through low-stress pipelines, except for any pipeline or pipeline segment that is located (i) In an onshore area other than a rural area; (ii) Offshore; or (iii) In a waterway that is navigable in fact and currently used for commercial navigation; (4) Transportation of petroleum in onshore gathering lines in rural areas except gathering lines in the inlets of the Gulf of Mexico subject to $195.413." The lines in Cook Inlet are offshore, conducting transportation of non-HVL through low-stress pipelines and in a waterway that is navigable, in fact, and currently used for#
Page 2Cook Inlet waters are considered offshore as they are in direct contact with the open sea and not categorized as "inland waters". Inland waters are specifically established by the U.S. Coast Guard under 33 CFR 80.01. Under this Coast Guard regulation, none of the sounds, bays, harbors, or inlets of Alaska are considered to be inland waters. If you have any further questions, please contact L.E. Herrick at (202) 366-5523. Sincerely, Richard D. Huriaux Director for Technology and Regulations Office of Pipeline Safety cc: Ed Ondak Chris Hoidel#
This material provides agency context. It does not replace binding regulatory text, and its legal effect depends on the underlying authority and facts.