Oklahoma Pipeline Safety Regulations
TITLE 165. CORPORATION COMMISSION
CHAPTER 20. GAS & HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPELINE SAFETY
PERMANENT RULES
AMENDED, EFFECTIVE 7-1-2011
Last Amended
The Oklahoma Register
Volume 28, Number 19
June 15, 2011 Publication
Pages 1125-1130
Note: These rules are provided for the convenience of those who are affected by the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Although the test of these rules is the same as the text of the rules on file in the Office of Administrative Rules, they are not the official version of the Oklahoma Administrative Code. Official rules are available from the Office of Administrative Rules of the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
The following sections were amended 7-1-11
165:20-3-1. Pipeline assessments
165:20-5-2. Scope
165:20-514. Transmission and gathering systems reporting requirements
165:20-5-16. Reporting safety related conditions
165:20-5-21 Adoption of federal safety regulations
165:20-7-1. Adoption of federal safety and reporting regulations
165:20-7-6. Annual report
165:20-10-1. Authority
165:20-10-2. Definitions
165:20-10-3. Telephonic notice of certain non-DOT gathering pipeline incidents
165:20-10-4. Non-DOT gathering pipeline incident reports
165:20-10-5. Remedial action
165:20-10-6. Record confidentiality
165:20-11-2. Reporting of anti-drug testing results
165:20-13-1. Scope and fines
165:20-13-12. Inspections and accident investigations
CHAPTER 20. GAS AND HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPELINE SAFETY
SUBCHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
165:20-1-1 Purpose
The purpose of this Chapter is to provide minimum safety standards for the transportation of gas and hazardous liquids and for pipeline facilities used for this transportation.
165:20-1-2. Definitions
For proper interpretation of this Chapter, definitions are also provided in the herein adopted C.F.R. provisions. The following words and terms, when used in this Chapter, shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Commission means the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
"Intrastate" means wholly within the boundaries of the State.
"Legal staff" means the office of General Counsel of the Commission.
"Manager of Pipeline Safety" means the Manager of the Pipeline Safety Department of the Commission.
"Pipeline Safety Department" means the Department of Pipeline Safety for the Commission.
"Secretary" means the custodian of official records of the Commission.
"State" means the State of Oklahoma and all lands within its boundaries.
"Transportation of gas or hazardous liquids" means the gathering, transmission, or distribution of gas or hazardous liquids by pipeline or its storage.
165:20-1-3. Citation
The rules embodied in this Chapter shall be cited as OAC 165:20.
165:20-1-4. Forms and documentation
(a) The Commission is empowered to prescribe necessary and proper forms in order to effectuate the purpose of this Chapter. The Manager of Pipeline Safety shall prescribe the number of copies of an appropriate form, which shall be necessary to comply with the filing requirements of this Chapter.
(b) Plans, specifications, maps, and other data relative to natural gas pipeline systems and hazardous liquid pipeline systems shall be submitted to the Commission as prescribed by the Manager of Pipeline Safety in order to effectuate the purpose of this Chapter. This subsection is applicable to the operators of pipelines regulated pursuant to Subchapters 5 and 7 of this Chapter.
(c) Plans and maps submitted to the Commission pursuant to subsection (b) shall be deemed confidential records or trade secrets of the operator under the Open Records Act as provided for by 51 0.5. § 24A.22 and shall be kept confidential by the Commission, unless such records are successfully challenged or become the subject matter of an enforcement action at the Commission.
[Source: Amended at 15 Ok Reg 3002, eff. 7-15-98]
165:20-1-5. Severability
The provisions of this Chapter are severable and if any part or provision hereof shall be held void, the decision of the court so holding shall not affect or impair any of the remaining parts or provisions of this Chapter.
165:20-6. Office location - mailing address
(a) The office of the Commission's Pipeline Safety Department is in the Jim Thorpe Building located at 2101 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105.
(b) The mailing address of the Commission is P. 0. Box 52000, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152-2000.
[Source: Added at 19 Ok Reg 1965, eff. 7-1-02]
SUBCHAPTER 3. PIPELINE ASSESSMENTS
165:20-3-1. Pipeline assessments
(a) Application. Each operator of a pipeline subject to Subchapters 5 and 7 shall pay a pipeline assessment to the Commission as set forth in the provisions of this Subchapter.
(b) Calculation. For purposes of this Subchapter, the pipeline assessment shall be determined as follows:
(1) For gas pipeline operators required to submit an annual report pursuant to 165:20-513(b) and 165:20-5-14(b). On the basis of the total number of miles of pipeline as reported on their annual report multiplied by the assessment rate for the following fiscal years:
(A) FY2012: $25.00 per mile of pipeline.
(B) FY2013 and thereafter: $25.00 per mile of pipeline.
(2) For hazardous liquid pipeline operators required to submit an annual report pursuant to 165:20-7-6. On the basis of the total number of miles of pipeline as reported on their annual report multiplied by the assessment rate for the following fiscal years:
(A) FY2012: $75.00 per mile of pipeline,
(B) FY2013 and thereafter: $75.00 per mile of pipeline.
(3) For master meter operators. The annual assessment shall be $200.00.
(4) The minimum annual pipeline assessment owed by an operator is $200.00.
(c) Payment.
(1) For purposes of payment of assessment, an assessable year shall be the period of time from the first day of July of any given calendar year to the 30th of June of the following year.
(2) All operators who must pay a pipeline assessment under the provisions of this Subchapter shall pay their pipeline assessment for any given assessable year on or before the 15th of August of each assessable year, except that for FY 2012 the pipeline assessments are due:
(A) Pipeline operators subject to Subchapter 5, on or before the 15th day of August 2012.
(B) Pipeline operators subject to Subchapter 7, on or before the 15th day of October 2012.
(3) Operators who purchase or acquire pipeline systems subject to a pipeline assessment are responsible for payment of the assessment.
(4) All payments of assessments shall be deposited by the Commission in the "Corporation Commission Revolving Fund".
[Source: Amended at 11 Ok Reg 3703, eff. 7-11-94; Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2376, eff. 7-1-01; Amended at 25 Ok Reg 1866, eff. 7-1-08; Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
SUBCHAPTER 5. SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR GAS PIPELINES
PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
165:20-5-1. Definitions
The following words and terms, when used in this Subchapter, shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Incident" means any of the following events:
(A) An event that involves a release of gas from a pipeline, and:
(i) A death, or personal injury necessitating inpatient hospitalization; or
(ii) Estimated property damage, including cost of gas lost, of the operator or other, or both, of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) or more.
(B) An event that is significant in the judgement of the operator, even though it did not meet the criteria of (A) of this definition.
"Master meter system" means a pipeline system for distributing gas within, but not limited to, a definable area such as a mobile home park, housing project, or apartment complex, where the operator purchases metered gas from an outside source for resale through a gas distribution pipeline system. The gas distribution system supplies the ultimate consumer who either purchases the gas directly through a meter or by other means, such as rents.
"Pipeline" or "Pipeline system" means all parts of those physical facilities through which gas moves in transportation, including, but not limited to, pipe, compressor units, metering stations, regulator stations, delivery stations, holders, and fabricated assemblies.
[Source: Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1965, eff. 7-1-02]
165:20-5-2. Scope
(a) This Subchapter prescribes requirements for the reporting of incidents, safety related condition reports, and annual reports by operators of gas pipelines facilities subject to this Subchapter.
(b) This Subchapter does not apply to onshore gathering of gas through a pipeline that operates at less than 0 psig or through a pipeline that is not a regulated onshore gathering line as determined in 49 C.F.R. § 192.8.
[Source: Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
165:20-5-3. Annual reports and incident reports - federal reporting requirements
The reporting requirements of 165:20-5-11, 165:20-5-12, 165:20-5-13, and 165:20-5-14
do not relieve the operator of his federal reporting requirements as found in 49 C.F.R. §§ 191.5,
191.7, 191.9, 191.11, 191.13, 191.15 and 191.17.
165:20-5-4. Change of ownership
Each operator, upon finalization of an agreement to purchase or sell a gas pipeline subject to the provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 192, must within five (5) working days submit to the Pipeline Safety Department a written notification of this agreement.
[Source: Added at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97]
PART 3. TELEPHONIC NOTICE AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
165:20-5-11. Telephonic notice of certain incidents
(a) At the earliest practicable moment, but no more than 1 to 2 hours following discovery, each operator shall give notice in accordance with (b) or (c) of this Section of each incident as defined in 165:20-5-1.
(b) Each notice required by (a) of this Section shall be made by telephone to the Pipeline Safety Department at 405-521-2258 and shall include the information as listed in (c) of this Section.
(c) The following information will be provided:
(1) Names of operator and person making report and their telephone numbers.
(2) The location of the incident.
(3) The time of the incident.
(4) The number of fatalities and personal injuries, if any.
(5) All other significant facts that are known by the operator that are relevant to the cause of the incident or extent of the damage.
[Source: Amended at 11 Ok Reg 3703, eff. 7-11-94; Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1965, eff. 7-1-02]
165:20-5-12. Address for written reports
Each written report required by this Subchapter must be made to the Pipeline Safety Department, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, in accordance with OAC 165:20-1-6 of this Chapter.
[Source: Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1965, eff. 7-1-02]
165:20-5-13. Distribution system reporting requirements
(a) Incident report.
(1) Except as provided in (3) of this subsection, each operator of a distribution pipeline system shall submit United States Department of Transportation Form RSPA F 7100.1 as soon as practicable but not more than 30 days after detection of an incident required to be reported under 165:20-5-11.
(2) When additional, relevant information is obtained after the report is submitted under (1) of this subsection, the operator shall make supplementary reports as deemed necessary with a clear reference by date and subject to the original report.
(3) The incident report required by this subsection need not be submitted with respect to master meter systems.
(b) Annual report
(1) Except as provided in (2) of this subsection, each operator of a distribution pipeline system shall submit an annual report for the system on United States Department of Transportation Form RSPA F 7100.1-1. This report must be submitted each calendar year, not later than March 15, for the preceding calendar year.
(2) The annual report required by this subsection need not be submitted with respect to:
(A) Petroleum gas systems which serve fewer than 100 customers from a single source; or
(B) Master meter systems.
(c) Transmission or gathering systems reporting distribution pipelines. Each operator, primarily engaged in gas transmission or gathering, who operates distribution pipelines shall submit separate reports for those pipelines as required by (a) and (b) of this Section.
[Source: Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1965, eff. 7-1-02]
165:20-514. Transmission and gathering systems reporting requirements
(a) Incident report.
(1) Except as provided in (2) of this subsection, each operator of a transmission or a gathering pipeline system shall submit United States Department of Transportation PHMSA Form F 7100.2 as soon as practicable but not more than 30 days after detection of an incident.
(2) When additional, relevant information is obtained after the incident report is submitted under (1) of this subsection, the operator shall make supplementary reports as deemed necessary by referencing the date and subject of the original report.
(b) Annual report.
(1) Each operator of a transmission or a gathering pipeline system, shall submit an annual report on United States Department of Transportation PHMSA Form F 7100.2-1. This report must be submitted each year, not later than March 15, for the preceding calendar year, except that the report for 2010 reporting year the report must be submitted by June 15, 2011.
(2) Each operator will complete all sections of United States Department of Transportation PHMSA Form F 7100.2-1 regardless of its total mileage of pipeline.
(c) Distribution systems reporting transmission pipelines. Each operator, primarily engaged in gas distribution, who also operates gas transmission or gathering pipelines shall submit separate reports for each.
[Source: Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1965, eff. 7-1-02; Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
165:20-5-15. Telephonic notice of an evacuation of a building
Each operator of a gas pipeline system located in a Class 3 or 4 location, upon discovery that a building has been evacuated as a result of gas leak, shall immediately notify the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Pipeline Safety Department at (405) 521-2258.
[Source: Added at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97]
165:20-5-16. Reporting safety related conditions
Pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 191.25, each operator shall submit to the Pipeline Safety Department a duplicate of any safety related condition report filed pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 191.23.
[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
PART 5. MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS FOR GAS
165:20-5-21 Adoption of federal safety regulations
The Commission adopts the provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 192, as such exist on January 1, 2011, and all those amendments and appendices adopted thereafter, subject to the following amendments:
(1) 49 C.F.R. § 192.1 is replaced by the following:
(A) This Part prescribes minimum safety requirements for intrastate pipeline facilities and the transportation of gas subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.
(B) This Part shall not apply to:
(i) Interstate transmission facilities; and
(ii) Onshore gathering of gas through a pipeline that operates at less than 0 psig or through a pipeline that is not a regulated onshore gathering line as determined by 49 C.F.R. § 192.8.
(2) The definition of "Administrator"and "State" are deleted and replaced as follows:
(A) All references to the "Administrator" are replaced with the "Commission".
(B) All references to the "State" refer to the State of Oklahoma.
[Source: Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97; Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
PART 7. PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION AND CONSUMER SAFETY
165:20-5-31. Notice of construction
[RESERVED]
165:20-5-32. Notice requirements for construction
(a) Each operator prior to the construction of a new pipeline, or a relocation or replacement of a pipeline, subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission as established by 165:20-5-2 shall:
(1) Complete and file Form. 5001 with the Commission. Form 5001 shall be mailed seven (7) calendar days prior to the commencement of construction, relocation, or replacement; or
(2) In the event of an emergency, give telephonic notice of emergency construction, relocation, or replacement to the Pipeline Safety Department of the Commission followed by mailing Form 5001 within five (5) work days after telephonic notice is given.
(b) The requirements of (a) of this Section shall not apply to the installation of a pipeline of less than one (1) mile.
[Source: Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97]
165:20-5-33. Special safety standards for residential service
[RESERVED]
165:20-5-34. Restrictions on connections to consumers
(a) Each operator shall have and maintain its system in such condition as will enable it to furnish safe and adequate gas service, subject only to emergency conditions beyond it control.
(b) House piping shall conform to requirements of the applicable city or town ordinances. In towns, villages, and suburban territory where there are no applicable regulations as to gas service, house piping, and venting, operators shall comply with the Standards for the Installation of Gas Appliances and Gas Piping, as set forth in the National Fire Protection Associations No. 54, dated 1969, and future amendments or supplements thereto. An operator may decline to serve a consumer or prospective consumer until he has complied with all applicable State and municipal regulations governing gas service and the rules of this Subchapter.
(c) No residential customer meter designed for above ground use shall be buried or installed in any manner which would cause the surface of the shell of the meter to directly contact the ground. "Residential customer meter" means the meter that measures the transfer of gas from an operator to a residential customer.
(d) All gas supplied to a consumer shall be substantially free of impurities which may cause corrosion of mains, piping, and consumer's appliances, or form corrosive or harmful fumes when burned in a properly designed and adjusted burner.
[Source: Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97]
PART 9. MANDATORY PARTICIPATION IN OKLAHOMA ONE CALL
165:20-5-41. Mandatory participation in Oklahoma One Call
(a) The Commission adopts the provisions of the Oklahoma Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act, Okla. Stat. Titl. 63, Section 142.1 through 142.11 as such exists March 1, 1993.
(b) The Commission will enforce the provisions of Okla. Stat. Titl. Sections 142.1 through 142.11, as such exists March 1, 1993, against all intrastate operators subject to the provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 192.
[Source: Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97]
SUBCHAPTER 7. SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS
165:20-7-1. Adoption of federal safety and reporting regulations
The Commission adopts the provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 195, as such exist on January 1, 2011, and all those amendments and appendices adopted thereafter subject to the following amendments:
(1) 49 C.F.R. § 195.0 is replaced by the following: "This Part prescribes safety standards and accident reporting requirements for pipeline facilities used in the intrastate transportation of hazardous liquids subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission."
(2) 49 C.F.R. § 195.1(a) is replaced by the following: "Except as provided in paragraph (b) of 49 C.F.R. §195.1(b), this Part applies to pipeline facilities and the transportation of hazardous liquids associated with those facilities used in the intrastate transportation of hazardous liquids subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission."
(3) The definition of "Administrator" shall be deleted and all references to the "Administrator" are replaced with the "Commission".
(4) 49 C.F.R. § 195.52(b) is replaced by the following: "(b) Reports made under paragraph (a) of 49 C.F.R. § 195.52(a) are made by telephone to 405-521-2258 (Pipeline Safety Department in Oklahoma City, OK) and 800-424-8802 (in Washington, D.C. 462- 2675), and must include the following information:
(A) Name and address of the operator.
(B) Name and telephone number of the reporter.
(C) The location of the failure.
(D) The time of the failure.
(E) The fatalities and personal injuries, if any.
(F) All other significant facts known by the operator that are relevant to the cause of the failure or extent of the damages."
(5) 49 C.F.R. § 195.54(a) is replaced by the following: "Each carrier that experiences an accident that is required to be reported under this subpart, as soon as practicable but not later than 30 days after discovery of the accident, shall prepare and file an accident report on DOT Form 7000-1, or a facsimile, with the Pipeline Safety Department, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, in accordance with OAC 165:20-1-6 of this Chapter, and the Information Resources Manager, Office of Pipeline Safety, Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590."
(6) 49 C.F.R. § 195.54(b) is replaced by the following: "Whenever an operator receives any changes in the information reported or additions to the original report on DOT Form 7000-1, it shall file a supplemental report within 30 days with the Pipeline Safety Department, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, in accordance with OAC 165:20-1-6 of this Chapter, and the Information Resources Manager, Office of Pipeline Safety, Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590."
[Source: Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1965, eff. 7-1-02; Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
165:20-7-2. Notice requirements for pipeline construction
(a) Except as provided in (b) of this Section, each operator prior to the construction of a new pipeline, or a relocation or replacement of a pipeline, subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission as established by 165:20-7-1(2), shall:
(1) Complete and file Form 5001 with the Commission. Form 5001 shall be mailed seven (7) calendar days prior to the commencement of construction, relocation or replacement; or
(2) In the event of an emergency, give telephonic notice of emergency construction, relocation, or replacement to the Pipeline Safety Department or the Commission, followed by mailing Form 5001 within five (5) work days after telephonic notice is given.
(b) The requirements of (a) of this Section shall not apply to the installation of a line of less than one (1) mile in length.
165:20-7-3. Mandatory participation in Oklahoma one call
(a) The Commission adopts the provisions of the Oklahoma Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act, Okla. Stat. Titl. 63, Sections 142.1 through 142A I as such exists March 1, 1993.
(b) The Commission will enforce the provisions of Okla. Stat. Titl. 63, Sections 142.1 through 142.11, as such exists March 1, 1993, against all intrastate operators subject to the provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 195.
[Source: Added at 10 Ok Reg 2615, eff. 6-25-93]
165:20-7-4. Change of ownership
Each operator, upon finalization of an agreement to purchase or sell a hazardous liquid pipeline subject to the provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 195, must within five (5) working days submit to the Pipeline Safety Department a written notification of this agreement.
[Source: Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97]
165:20-7-5. Reporting safety related conditions
Each operator who is required to report a safety related condition as detailed in 49 C.F.R. § 195.55, shall file a duplicate written report as detailed in 49 C.F.R. § 195.56, with the
Pipeline Safety Department.
[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1- 11]
165:20-7-6. Annual report
(a) Each operator of a hazardous liquid pipeline shall submit an annual report on United States Department of Transportation PHMSA Form F 7000-1.1 for each type of hazardous liquid facility operated at the end of the previous year. This report must be submitted each year, not later than June 15th for the preceding calendar year, except that the report for 2010 reporting year the report must be submitted by August 15, 2011.
(b) Each operator shall complete all required sections of United States Department of Transportation PHMSA Form F 7000-1.1 regardless of its total mileage of pipeline in the state.
[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
SUBCHAPTER 9. RURAL GAS GATHERING AND HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPELINES, AND FLOWLINES [REVOKED]
165:20-9-1. Definitions [REVOKED]
[Source: Revoked at 18 Ok Reg 2376, eff. 7-1-01]
165:20-9-2. Scope [REVOKED]
[Source: Revoked at 18 Ok Reg 2376, eff. 7-1-01]
165:20-9-3. General operating restrictions [REVOKED]
[Source: Revoked at 18 Ok Reg 2376, eff. 7-1-01]
165:20-9-4. Minimum cover [REVOKED]
[Source: Revoked at 18 Ok Reg 2376, eff. 7-1-01]
165:20-9-5. Line markers [REVOKED]
[Source: Revoked at 18 Ok Reg 2376, eff. 7-1-01]
165:20-9-6. Notice of certain incidents [REVOKED]
[Source: Revoked at 18 Ok Reg 2376, eff. 7-1-01]
165:20-9-7. Notice of construction [REVOKED]
[Source: Revoked at 18 Ok Reg 2376, eff. 7-1-01]
165:20-9-8. Change of ownership [REVOKED]
[Source: Amended at 14 Ok Reg 2496, eff. 7-1-97; Revoked at 18 Ok Reg 2376, eff. 7-1-01]
SUBCHAPTER 10. NON-DOT REGULATED GAS GATHERING PIPELINES
165:20-10-1. Authority
Pursuant to 52 OKLA. STAT. Section 5.B., the Commission has adopted this Subchapter establishing rules relating to incidents on a gathering pipeline unit that is not subject to the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline Safety Regulations at 49 C.F.R. Parts 191 and 192.
[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
165:20-10-2. Definitions
The following words and terms, when used in this Subchapter, shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"DOT" means the United States Department of Transportation,
"Gathering pipeline unit" means the portion of the nonregulated gathering pipeline involved in the incident not to exceed one mile of pipeline.
"Non-DOT gathering pipeline incident" means any of the following events:
(A) An event that involves a release of gas from a gathering pipeline unit and that results in one or more of the following consequences:
(i) A death, or personal injury necessitating in-patient hospitalization;
(ii) Estimated property damage of $50,000.00 or more, including loss to the operator and others, or both, but excluding cost of gas lost; or
(iii) Unintentional estimated gas loss of three million cubic feet or more.
(B) Any other event that is significant in the judgment of the operator, even though it did not meet the criteria of paragraph A.
[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
165:20-10-3. Telephonic notice of certain non-DOT gathering pipeline incidents
(a) At the earliest practicable moment, but no more than 24 hours following determination of a non-DOT gathering pipeline incident, an operator shall give notice of each non-DOT gathering pipeline incident.
(b) Notice shall be made by telephone to the Pipeline Safety Department at 405-521-2258, and shall include the following information:
(1) Name of the operator.
(2) Name and telephone number of the person making the report.
(3) The location of the non-DOT gathering pipeline incident.
(4) The time of the non-DOT gathering pipeline incident.
(5) The number of fatalities and personal injuries, if any.
(6) All other significant facts known by the operator that are relevant to the cause of the non-DOT gathering pipeline incident or extent of the damages.
[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
165:20-10-4. Non-DOT gathering pipeline incident reports
(a) Each operator that experiences a non-DOT gathering pipeline incident shall, as soon as practicable but not later than 30 days after discovery, prepare and file a report on DOT PHMSA Form F 7100.2 with the Pipeline Safety Department, In addition to the information required on Form F 7100.2, the report shall contain:
(1) In the narrative description of the event, the remedial action taken and any action taken to mitigate a similar non-DOT gathering pipeline incident on the gathering pipeline unit: and
(2) A map depicting the location of the non-DOT gathering incident.
(b) Whenever an operator receives any changes in the information reported on the original report, it shall file a supplemental report within 30 days. Where additional relative information is obtained after a report is submitted under paragraph (a) of this Section, the operator shall make a supplemental report as soon as practicable with a clear reference by date and subject to the original report.
[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
165:20-10-5. Remedial action
Each operator that experiences a non-DOT gathering pipeline incident shall make all repairs in accordance with 49 C.F.R. §§ 192.309, 192.311, 192.711, 192.713, 192.715, 192.717, and 192.719.
[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
165:20-10-6. Record confidentiality
(a) Except as provided in (b) of this Subchapter, all reports, data, maps or other information which the Commission may be authorized to obtain under the provisions of this Subchapter may be filed as confidential and the Commission shall maintain them as confidential and such records shall not be subject to the provisions of the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Only authorized Commission employees may obtain or access such confidential records.
(b) Notwithstanding the above, the following information will be available upon request from the Pipeline Safety Department:
(1) Date and time of the non-DOT gathering pipeline incident.
(2) Location of the non-DOT gathering pipeline incident.
(3) Name of the operator.
(4) External diameter of the gathering pipeline unit involved in the non-DOT gathering pipeline incident.
(5) Number of fatalities and injuries.
[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
SUBCHAPTER 11. DRUG TESTING
165:20-11-1. Control of drug use in pipeline operations
The Commission adopts the provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 199, with all amendments and appendices thereto as such exists November 21, 1988, and all those amendments and appendices adopted thereafter.
165:20-11-2. Reporting of anti-drug testing results
Each operator who is required to submit anti-drug testing results pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 199.119 shall file a duplicate with the Pipeline Safety Department.
[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
SUBCHAPTER 13. ENFORCEMENT
PART 1. GENERAL
165:20-13-1. Scope and fines
This Subchapter prescribes the procedures utilized by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in carrying out its responsibilities regarding pipeline safety under 52 O.S. 1981, Section 5 and 52 0.S. Supp. Sections 47.1 through 47.8, and is designed to utilize enforcement procedures already in place by hereby adopting the Commission's Rules of Practice, OAC 165:5, that are pertinent and necessary to carry out the enforcement of pipeline safety rules and regulations.
(1) For each violation of a Commission rule in Subchapters 5 and 10, the Commission may issue an order pursuant to 17 O.S. Section 1 et seq. fining an operator up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) per day plus prosecution costs for each violation for each day the violation continues provided that the maximum fine shall not exceed five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) for any related series of violations.
(2) For each violation of a Commission rule for hazardous liquid pipelines, the Commission may issue an order pursuant to 52 O.S. Section 47.6 et seq. fining an operator up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) per day plus prosecution costs for each day the violation continues provided that the maximum fine shall not exceed five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) for any related series of violations.
[Source: Amended at 10 Ok Reg 2615, eff 6-25-93; Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
165:20-13-2. Service
(a) Each notice of probable violation, warning letter, notice of hearing, order of the Commission, or other document required to be served under this Subchapter shall be served personally or by registered or certified mail to all respondents.
(b) Service upon a person's duly authorized representative or agent shall constitutes service upon that person.
(c) Service by registered or certified mail is complete upon mailing. An official U.S. Postal Service receipt from the registered or certified mailing constitutes prima facie evidence of mailing.
165:20-13-3. Subpoenas; witness fees
The issuance of subpoenas and payment of witness fees shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Commission's Rules of Practice, OAC 165:5-11-3.
PART 3. PROCEDURE
165:20-13-11. General enforcement authority and sanctions
(a) This Subchapter describes the enforcement authority and sanctions exercised by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission Pipeline Safety Department for achieving and maintaining pipeline safety. It also prescribes the procedures governing the exercise of that authority and the imposition of those sanctions, all of which include and supplement the applicable Commission Rules of Practice, OAC 165:5.
(b) A person who is the subject of action pursuant to this Subchapter may be represented by legal counsel at all stages of the proceeding,
(c) If respondent does not file a response prior to the hearing date or does not enter an appearance at the hearing, a confession of the allegations may be rendered in accordance with OAC 165:5-19-1(c)(5), and judgement may be rendered in accordance with OAC 165:5-19-1(f).
165:20-13-12. Inspections and accident investigations
(a) The Pipeline Safety Department and its agents are authorized to inspect and examine the records and/or properties of any pipeline subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, as established by 165:20-5.21, and 165:20-7-1, to determine the operator's compliance with this Chapter or orders issued thereunder.
(b) Inspections are ordinarily conducted pursuant to one of the following:
(1) Routine scheduling by the Manager of Pipeline Safety.
(2) A complaint received from a member of the public.
(3) Information obtained from a previous inspection.
(4) Pipeline incident or accident.
(5) Whenever deemed appropriate by the Commission, Manager of Pipeline Safety, or his designee.
(c) If, after an inspection, the Manager of Pipeline Safety believes that further information is needed to determine appropriate action, the Manager of Pipeline Safety may send the owner or operator a "Request for Specific Information" to be answered within 30 days after receipt of the letter.
(d) To the extent necessary to carry out the responsibilities under this Chapter, the Manager of Pipeline Safety may require testing of portions of pipeline facilities that have been involved in or affected by, an accident. However, before exercising this authority, the Manager of Pipeline Safety, shall make every effort to negotiate a mutually acceptable plan with the owner of those facilities and, where appropriate, the National Transportation Safety Board for performing the testing.
(e) If a representative of the Commission investigates an incident involving a pipeline facility, the Manager of Pipeline Safety may request that the operator make available to the representative all records and information that pertain to the incident in any way, including integrity management plans and test results, and that the operator afford all reasonable assistance in the investigation.
(f) When the information obtained from an inspection or from other appropriate sources indicates that further Commission action is warranted, the Manager of Pipeline Safety may issue a notice of probable violation letter under 165:20-13-13.
[Source: Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff. 7-1-11]
165:20-13-13. Notice of probable violations
(a) The Commission begins enforcement proceedings by serving a notice of probable violation of this Chapter or any regulation or order issued thereunder. This notification shall advise the operator that a written response is required and that failure to respond may result in enforcement action in accordance with 165:20-13-15.
(b) A notice of probable violation issued under this Section shall include:
(1) Statement of the provisions of the laws, regulations, or orders which the respondent is alleged to have violated and a statement of the evidence upon which the allegations are based.
(2) Notice of response options available to the respondent under 165:20-13-14.
165:20-13-14. Response options
Within thirty (30) days of receipt of a notice of probable violation, the respondent shall respond to the Manager of Pipeline Safety in the following ways:
(1) Indicate that the probable violation listed in the notice of probable violation is a violation of this Chapter and that it has been corrected. The response shall indicate how the violation was corrected.
(2) Indicate that the probable violation listed in the notice of probable violation is a violation of this Chapter and request a reasonable period of time to correct the violation. Each request for an extension of time to correct the violation must be accompanied by a detailed reason(s) as to why compliance cannot be accomplished by the original suspense date and the date the operator believes the necessary compliance actions can be completed.
(3) Object to the probable violation and submit written explanations, Information, or other material in answer to the allegations in the notice of probable violations.
(4) Request a conference under 165:20-13-16.
165:20-13-15. Warning letter, complaint, or contempt citation
(a) If after the expiration of the thirty (30) day response period prescribed in 165:20-13-14 the owner or operator of the probable violation has not responded to the notice of probable violation, the Manager of Pipeline Safety may issue a warning letter advising the owner or operator of the probable violation to correct the violations or be subject to further Commission enforcement action under (b) of this Section.
(b) The Commission legal staff may issue a complaint or contempt citation notifying the owner or operator of the probable violation and that a hearing has been set before the Commission to address the owner's or operator's violation of this Chapter, the prosecution of which shall be in accordance with the applicable Commission Rules of Practice, OAC 165:5.
(c) The severity of the probable violation or the conduct of the owner or operator in responding to the notice of probable violation as interpreted by the Commission, may be considered in determining the type of complaint or contempt citation issued by the Commission. These warning letters, complaints, and contempt citations shall be served as provided in 165:20-13-2.
165:20-13-16. Conference
(a) A request for conference in response to a notice of probable violation issued under 165:2013-13 must be accompanied by a statement of the issues which the respondent intends to raise at the conference. The issues may relate to the alleged violations, new information, or the required corrective action.
(b) The conference is conducted informally without strict adherence to the Commission's Rules of Practice, OAC 165:5. The respondent may submit any relevant information and materials on his behalf. He may also examine the complaints against him. No detailed record of the conference is prepared.
(c) At the outset of the conference, the complaints shall be presented by the Manager of Pipeline Safety or his designee. The respondent may examine and respond to or rebut the complaints.
(d) After the presentation of the complaints, the respondent may offer facts, statements, explanations, documents, testimony, or other items which are relevant to the issues under consideration.
(e) At the close of the respondent's presentation, the Manager of Pipeline Safety may present or allow the presentation of any Pipeline Safety Department rebuttal information. The respondent may then respond to that information.
(f) The respondent may also request an opportunity to submit further written material for inclusion in the case file. The Manager of Pipeline Safety shall allow a reasonable time for submission of the material and shall specify the date by which it must be submitted.
(g) After submission of all material during and after the conference, the Manager of Pipeline Safety shall determine if further Commission enforcement action is necessary.
PART 5. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
165:20-13-21. Cooperation with federal authorities
The Pipeline Safety Department, the Commission legal staff and all other agents of the Commission shall cooperate with the United States Department of Transportation in the investigation and prosecution of any violation of 49 C.F.R. Parts 192 and 195 occurring within this State.
165:20-13-22. Administrative enforcement
Whenever the Manager of Pipeline Safety, after inspection, finds a pipeline facility which is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission to be hazardous to life or property, he is authorized to require the operator operating such facility to take such corrective measures as are reasonably necessary to remove such hazards.
165:20-13-23. Request for exception to rule or order
(a) An operator may request an exception to a requirement of an order or rule of the Commission. Such a request shall be made by application conforming to the requirements of the Commission Rules of Practice, OAC 165:5.
(b) After notice and hearing conforming to the requirements of the Commission's Rules of Practice, OAC 165:5, and the laws of this State, the Commission shall issue an order specifying such relief as it deems appropriate.
(c) Any Commission order that grants relief from the requirements of any rule as listed in 49 C.F.R. §§ 191, 192, or 195 shall be subject to the review and approval of the Office of Pipeline Safety in Washington D.C. The Commission, upon granting relief, shall submit request pursuant to the requirements of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1979, Section 3 (d).
(d) Neither the Pipeline Safety Department nor the Commission legal staff shall grant relief from the requirements of any rule of the Commission, unless so ordered by the Commission.
SUBCHAPTER 15. REGULATIONS FOR GRANTS TO AID STATE PIPELINE SAFETY PROGRAMS
165:20-15-1. Regulations for grants to aid state pipeline safety programs
The Commission adopts the provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 198, with all amendments and appendices thereto as such exist January 1, 2009, and all amendments and appendices adopted thereafter.
[Source: Added at 26 Ok Reg 1127, eff. 7-1-09]