MAX MIDSTREAM TEXAS, LLC — Integrity Assurance Notification

NEW RMV ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGYAn existing manually-operated mainline valve (MLV) on the “Seahawk” pipeline is located within the flood plain of the Lavaca River, downstream of the Lake Texana spillway. During flood conditions the valve is inaccessible. The operator plans to relocate the valve outside the floodplain to a location that would create approximately 1.48 miles between valves on either side of the protected waterway. The relocated valve will be automated and operated as a rupture mitigation valve in accordance with 49 CFR 195.258(c). There is ambiguity in the code (49 CFR 195.260(e)) applicable to the pertinent spacing requirements; notably, a 1-mile maximum interval is required between valves that protect “multiple adjacent water crossings”, however, no maximum interval is stated for a single crossing. Rather, the valves protecting a single waterway are required to be installed outside the 100-year flood plain. In this case the valves are protecting a single water crossing, therefore, no maximum interval is understood to be required. Due to the ambiguity, the operator does not believe that a formal notification is required in accordance with 49 CFR 195.260(h) and 49 CFR 195.18, however, this notification is made to ensure compliance and safety.#