View all text of Subpart L [§ 192.601 - § 192.636]
§ 192.613 - Continuing surveillance.
(a) Each operator shall have a procedure for continuing surveillance of its facilities to determine and take appropriate action concerning changes in class location, failures, leakage history, corrosion, substantial changes in cathodic protection requirements, and other unusual operating and maintenance conditions.
(b) If a segment of pipeline is determined to be in unsatisfactory condition but no immediate hazard exists, the operator shall initiate a program to recondition or phase out the segment involved, or, if the segment cannot be reconditioned or phased out, reduce the maximum allowable operating pressure in accordance with § 192.619 (a) and (b).
(c) Following an extreme weather event or natural disaster that has the likelihood of damage to pipeline facilities by the scouring or movement of the soil surrounding the pipeline or movement of 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 onshore transmission pipeline facilities to detect conditions that could adversely affect the safe operation of that pipeline.
(1) An operator must assess 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 this paragraph (c)(1).
(2) An operator must commence the inspection required by paragraph (c) of this section within 72 hours after the point in time when the operator reasonably determines that the affected area can be safely accessed by personnel and equipment, and the personnel and equipment required to perform the inspection as determined by paragraph (c)(1) of this section are available. If an operator is unable to commence the inspection due to the unavailability of personnel or equipment, the operator must notify the appropriate PHMSA Region Director as soon as practicable.
(3) 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 by paragraph (c) of this section. Such actions might include, but are not limited to:
(i) Reducing the operating pressure or shutting down the pipeline;
(ii) Modifying, repairing, or replacing any damaged pipeline facilities;
(iii) Preventing, mitigating, or eliminating any unsafe conditions in the pipeline right-of-way;
(iv) Performing additional patrols, surveys, tests, or inspections;
(v) Implementing emergency response activities with Federal, State, or local personnel; or
(vi) Notifying affected communities of the steps that can be taken to ensure public safety.