About Pipelines
Standard inspections are performed in all of the following areas:
Gas Transmission Operators – gas transmission operators are inspected to ensure they are in compliance with all applicable sections of 49 CFR Part 192, Transportation of Natural/Other Gas by Pipeline. This includes a review to ensure that all operation and maintenance procedures, abnormal and emergency operating procedures, damage prevention and public education procedures, and pipeline repair and operations are in compliance.
Gas Distribution Operators – gas distribution operators are inspected to ensure they are in compliance with all applicable section of 49 CFR Part 192 Transportation of Natural/Other Gas by Pipeline. This includes a review to ensure that all operation and maintenance procedures, abnormal and emergency operating procedures, damage prevention and public education procedures, and pipeline installation, connection, repair and operations are in compliance.
Liquid Pipeline Operators – hazardous liquid operators are inspected to ensure they are in compliance with all applicable sections of 49 CFR Part 195, Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline. This includes a review to ensure that all operation and maintenance procedures, abnormal and emergency operating procedures, damage prevention and public education procedures, and pipeline repair and operations are in compliance.
Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities – LNG facilities are inspected to ensure they are in compliance with 49 CFR Part 193, Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities. This includes a review to ensure that all operation and maintenance procedures, emergency operating procedures, corrosion control, and repair and operations are in compliance with the applicable section of the regulation.
Breakout Tanks – breakout tanks are inspected to ensure they are in compliance with the applicable sections of 49 CFR Part 195, Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline. This includes a review of the Facility Response Plan; operation and maintenance procedures; corrosion control; over-pressure and over-fill protection; impoundment (containment in the event of a spill or rupture); the operator’s in-service inspection program; and safety procedures.
Gas Storage Fields – gas storage fields are inspected to ensure they are in compliance with applicable sections of 49 CFR Part 192, Transportation of Natural/Other Gas by Pipeline. This includes a review of over-pressure protection, corrosion control, repairs and maintenance, environmental sampling, internal erosion control, and gas and fire detection.
Construction – inspections are performed on Liquefied Natural Gas Facility, Gas Transmission and Compressor, and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Construction projects to ensure they are in compliance with applicable sections of 49 CFR Parts 192, 193, and 195. The inspections include a review of material and component design specifications; welding procedures and welder qualifications; non-destructive testing results; corrosion protection; installation; and post-construction testing. LNG facility construction inspections include a review of the siting analysis, wind loads, and compliance with NFPA requirements.