Statutes, codes, and regulations
Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 33 - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITYPart V - Hazardous Waste and Hazardous MaterialsSubpart 3 - Natural Resources
Chapter 304 - Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline-Operation and Maintenance [49 CFR Part 195 Subpart F]
Section V-30416 - Pipeline Assessments [49 CFR 195.416]

La. Admin. Code tit. 33 § V-30416

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Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024
Section V-30416 - Pipeline Assessments [49 CFR 195.416]
A. Scope. This section applies to onshore line pipe that can accommodate inspection by means of in-line inspection tools and is not subject to the integrity management requirements in § 30452 [49 CFR 195.416(a)]
B. General. An operator must perform an initial assessment of each of its pipeline segments by October 1, 2029, and perform periodic assessments of its pipeline segments at least once every 10 calendar years from the year of the prior assessment or as otherwise necessary to ensure public safety or the protection of the environment. [49 CFR 195.416(b)]
C. Method. Except as specified in Subsection D of this Section, an operator must perform the integrity assessment for the range of relevant threats to the pipeline segment by the use of an appropriate in-line inspection tool(s). When performing an assessment using an in-line inspection tool, an operator must comply with §30591 An operator must explicitly consider uncertainties in reported results (including tool tolerance, anomaly findings, and unity chart plots or other equivalent methods for determining uncertainties) in identifying anomalies. If this is impracticable based on operational limits, including operating pressure, low flow, and pipeline length or availability of in-line inspection tool technology for the pipe diameter, then the operator must perform the assessment using the appropriate method(s) in Paragraphs C.1, C.2, or C.3 of this Section for the range of relevant threats being assessed. The methods an operator selects to assess low-frequency electric resistance welded pipe, pipe with a seam factor less than 1.0 as defined in § 30161.E or lap-welded pipe susceptible to longitudinal seam failure must be capable of assessing seam integrity, cracking, and of detecting corrosion and deformation anomalies. The following alternative assessment methods may be used as specified in this Subsection: [49 CFR 195.416(c)]
1. a pressure test conducted in accordance with Chapter 303 of this Part; [49 CFR 195.416(c)(1)]
2. external corrosion direct assessment in accordance with §30588; or [49 CFR 195.416(c)(2)]
3. other technology in accordance with Subsection D. [49 CFR 195.416(c)(3)]
D. Other Technology
1. Operators may elect to use other technologies if the operator can demonstrate the technology can provide an equivalent understanding of the condition of the line pipe for threat being assessed. An operator choosing this option must notify the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) and the Office of Conservation for intrastate jurisdictional facilities 90 days before conducting the assessment by: [49 CFR 195.416(d)]
a. sending the notification, along with the information required to demonstrate compliance with this Paragraph, to the Information Resources Manager, Office of Pipeline Safety, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590 and Office of Conservation Pipeline Division, P.O. Box 94275, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9275; or [49 CFR 195.416(d)(1)]
b. sending the notification, along with the information required to demonstrate compliance with this Paragraph, to the Information Resources Manager by facsimile to (202) 366-7128 and pipelineinspectors@la.gov. [49 CFR 195.416(d)(2)]
2. Prior to conducting the "other technology" assessments, the operator must receive a notice of "no objection" from the PHMSA Information Services Manager or Designee and the Office of Conservation. [49 CFR 195.416(d)(3)]
E. Data Analysis. A person qualified by knowledge, training, and experience must analyze the data obtained from an assessment performed under Subsection B of this Section to determine if a condition could adversely affect the safe operation of the pipeline. Operators must consider uncertainties in any reported results (including tool tolerance) as part of that analysis. [49 CFR 195.416(e)]
F. Discovery of Condition. For purposes of §30401.B 1, discovery of a condition occurs when an operator has adequate information to determine that a condition presenting a potential threat to the integrity of the pipeline exists. An operator must promptly, but no later than 180 days after an assessment, obtain sufficient information about a condition to make that determination required under Subsection E of this Section, unless the operator can demonstrate the 180-day interval is impracticable. If the operator believes that 180 days are impracticable to make a determination about a condition found during an assessment, the pipeline operator must notify PHMSA and provide an expected date when adequate information will become available. This notification must be made in accordance with §30452.M [49 CFR 195.416(f)]
G. Remediation. An operator must comply with the requirements in §30401 if a condition that could adversely affect the safe operation of a pipeline is discovered in complying with Subsection E and F of this Section. [49 CFR 195.416(g)]
H. Consideration of Information. An operator must consider all relevant information about a pipeline in complying with the requirements in Subsection A through G of this Section. [49 CFR 195.416(h)]

La. Admin. Code tit. 33, § V-30416

Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, Pipeline Division, LR 461607 (11/1/2020), Repromulated LR 471148 (8/1/2021).
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:753.