PHMSA provides written clarifications of the pipeline safety regulations (49 CFR Parts 190-199) in the form of interpretation letters. These letters reflect PHMSA's current application of the regulations to the specific facts presented by the person requesting the clarification. Interpretations provide one form of guidance regarding the regulations. An interpretation applies a particular rule to a particular set of facts and circumstances, and may be relied upon only by those persons to whom the interpretation is specifically addressed. Interpretations do not create legally-enforceable rights or obligations and are provided to help the public understand how to comply with the pipeline safety regulations.
