La. Admin. Code tit. 33 § V-30414

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section V-30414 - Inspections of Pipelines in Areas Affected by Extreme Weather and Natural Disasters [49 CFR 195.414]

A. General. Following an extreme weather event or natural disaster that has the likelihood of damage to infrastructure by the scouring or movement of the soil surrounding the pipeline, such as a named tropical storm or hurricane; a flood that exceeds the river, shoreline, or creek high-water banks in the area of the pipeline; a landslide in the area of the pipeline; or an earthquake in the area of the pipeline, an operator must inspect all potentially affected pipeline facilities to detect conditions that could adversely affect the safe operation of that pipeline.. [49 CFR 195.414(a)]

B. Inspection Method. An operator must consider the nature of the event and the physical characteristics, operating conditions, location, and prior history of the affected pipeline in determining the appropriate method for performing the initial inspection to determine the extent of any damage and the need for the additional assessments required under Subsection A of this Section. [49 CFR 195.414(b)]

C. Time Period. The inspection required under Subsection A of this Section must commence within 72 hours after the cessation of the event, defined as the point in time when the affected area can be safely accessed by the personnel and equipment required to perform the inspection as determined under Subsection B of this Section. In the event that the operator is unable to commence the inspection due to the unavailability of personnel or equipment, the operator must notify the appropriate PHMSA Region Director and Office of Conservation Pipeline Division for intrastate facilities as soon as practicable. [49 CFR 195.414(c)]

D. Remedial Action. An operator must take prompt and appropriate remedial action to ensure the safe operation of a pipeline based on the information obtained as a result of performing the inspection required under Subsection A of this Section. Such actions might include, but are not limited to: [49 CFR 195.414(d)]

1. reducing the operating pressure or shutting down the pipeline; [49 CFR 195.414(d)(1)]

2. for each pipeline constructed on Modifying, repairing, or replacing any damaged pipeline facilities; [49 CFR 195.414(d)(2)]

3. preventing, mitigating, or eliminating any unsafe conditions in the pipeline right-of-way; [49 CFR 195.414(d)(3)]

4. performing additional patrols, surveys, tests, or inspections; [49 CFR 195.414(d)(4)]

5. implementing emergency response activities with federal, state, or local personnel; and [49 CFR 195.414(d)(5)]

6. notifying affected communities of the steps that can be taken to ensure public safety. [49 CFR 195.414(d)(6)]

La. Admin. Code tit. 33, § V-30414

Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, Pipeline Division, LR 461607 (11/1/2020).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:753.