19114 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 68 / Thursday, April 9, 2015 / Notices 

workshop will be webcast. Attendees, 

both in person and by webcast, are 

strongly encouraged to register to help 

ensure accommodations are adequate. 

Presentations will be available online 

at the meeting page and also be posted 

in the E-Gov Web site: http://

www.regulations.gov, at docket number 

PHMSA–2014–0014 within 30 days 

following the meeting. 

Authority: 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601 and 49 

CFR 1.97. 

Issued in Washington, DC, on April 3, 

2015. 

Jeffrey D. Wiese, 

Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. 

[FR Doc. 2015–08115 Filed 4–8–15; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–60–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 

Safety Administration 

[Docket No. PHMSA–2015–0105] 

Pipeline Safety: Potential for Damage 

to Pipeline Facilities Caused by 

Flooding, River Scour, and River 

Channel Migration 

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous 

Materials Safety Administration 

(PHMSA); DOT. 

ACTION: Notice; Issuance of Advisory 

Bulletin. 

SUMMARY: PHMSA is issuing this 

updated advisory bulletin to all owners 

and operators of gas and hazardous 

liquid pipelines to communicate the 

potential for damage to pipeline 

facilities caused by severe flooding. This 

advisory includes actions that operators 

should consider taking to ensure the 

integrity of pipelines in the event of 

flooding, river scour, and river channel 

migration. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Operators of pipelines subject to 

regulation by PHMSA should contact 

the appropriate PHMSA Region Office. 

The PHMSA Region Offices and their 

contact information are as follows: 

• Central Region: 816–329–3800, 

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, 

Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 

Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, 

and Wisconsin 

• Eastern Region: 609–989–2171, 

Connecticut, Delaware, District of 

Columbia, Maine, Maryland, 

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New 

Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, 

Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and 

West Virginia 

• Southern Region: 404–832–1147, 

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, 

Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto 

Rico, South Carolina, and Tennessee 

• Southwest Region: 713–272–2859, 

Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, 

Oklahoma, and Texas 

• Western Region: 720–963–3160, 

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, 

Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, 

Oregon, Utah, Washington, and 

Wyoming 

Intrastate pipeline operators should 

contact the appropriate state pipeline 

safety authority. A list of state pipeline 

safety authorities is provided at: 

www.napsr.org 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background 

Section 192.613(a) of the Pipeline 

Safety Regulations (49 CFR parts 190– 

199) states that ‘‘[e]ach 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.’’ 

Section 192.613(b) further states that 

‘‘[i]f 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).’’ 

Likewise, § 195.401(b)(1) of the 

Pipeline Safety Regulations states that 

‘‘[w]henever an operator discovers any 

condition that could adversely affect the 

safe operation of its pipeline system, it 

must correct the condition within a 

reasonable time. However, if the 

condition is of such a nature that it 

presents an immediate hazard to 

persons or property, the operator may 

not operate the affected part of the 

system until it has corrected the unsafe 

condition.’’ Section 195.401(b)(2) 

further states that ‘‘[w]hen an operator 

discovers a condition on a pipeline 

covered under [the integrity 

management requirements in] § 195.452, 

the operator must correct the condition 

as prescribed in § 195.452(h).’’ Severe 

flooding, river scour, and river channel 

migration are the types of unusual 

operating conditions that can adversely 

affect the safe operation of a pipeline 

and require corrective action under 

§§ 192.613(a) and 195.401(b). 

In addition, Part 194 requires 

operators of onshore oil pipelines to 

‘‘include procedures and a list of 

resources for responding, to the 

maximum extent practicable, to a worst 

case discharge and to a substantial 

threat of such a discharge’’ under 

§ 194.107(a). Per § 194.115, the operator 

must ‘‘identify, and ensure, by contract 

or other approved means, the resources 

necessary to remove, to the maximum 

extent practicable, a worst case 

discharge and to mitigate or prevent a 

substantial threat of a worst case 

discharge’’. 

Furthermore, an operator must take 

additional preventative and mitigative 

measures beyond those already required 

in Parts 192, 194, and 195 to prevent a 

pipeline failure and to mitigate the 

consequences of a pipeline failure per 

§§ 192.935, 194.107(a) and 195.452(i). 

An operator must base the additional 

measures on the threats the operator has 

identified for each pipeline segment. If 

an operator determines outside force 

damage (e.g., earth movement, floods) is 

a threat to the pipeline, the operator 

must take steps to minimize the 

probability of damage and the 

consequences of a release. 

PHMSA has released five Advisory 

Bulletins on this subject, with the 

earliest issued July 29, 1993, (ADB–93– 

03), and the most recent on July 27, 

2011, (ADB–11–04; 76 FR 44985). Each 

of these bulletins followed an event that 

involved severe flooding that affected 

pipelines in the areas of rising waters. 

Four of the more notable events are 

briefly described below: 

On August 13, 2011, Enterprise 

Products Operating, LLC discovered a 

release of 28,350 gallons (675 barrels) of 

natural gasoline in the Missouri River in 

Iowa. The rupture, according to the 

metallurgical report, was the result of 

fatigue crack growth driven by 

vibrations in the pipe from vortex 

shedding. 

On July 1, 2011, ExxonMobil Pipeline 

Company experienced a pipeline failure 

near Laurel, Montana, resulting in the 

release of 63,000 gallons (1,500 barrels) 

of crude oil into the Yellowstone River. 

According to the results of PHMSA’s 

accident investigation, the rupture was 

caused by channel migration and river 

bottom scour, leaving a large span of the 

pipeline exposed to prolonged current 

forces and debris washing downstream 

in the river. Those external forces 

damaged the exposed pipeline. 

On July 15, 2011, NuStar Pipeline 

Operating Partnership, L.P. reported a 

4,200 gallon (100 barrels) anhydrous 

ammonia spill in the Missouri River in 

Nebraska requiring extensive 

environmental response and causing 

supply disruption. The 6-inch-diameter 

pipeline was exposed by scouring 

during extreme flooding. 


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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 68 / Thursday, April 9, 2015 / Notices 19115 

On January 17, 2015, a breach in the 

Bridger Pipeline Company’s Poplar 

system resulted in another spill into the 

Yellowstone River near the town of 

Glendive, Montana, releasing an 

estimated 28,434 gallons (677 barrels) of 

crude oil into the river and impacting 

local water supplies. Preliminary 

information indicates over 100 feet of 

pipeline was exposed on the river 

bottom, and a release point was near a 

girth weld. 

As shown in these events, river 

bottom scour and channel migration 

may occur due to seasonal flooding, 

increased stream velocities, and manmade and natural river bank 

restrictions. River scour and channel 

migration may damage a pipeline as a 

result of additional stresses imposed on 

the pipe by undermining underlying 

support soils, exposing the pipeline to 

lateral water forces and impact from 

waterborne debris. Lateral water forces 

may cause excessive bending loads that 

lead to pipeline failures, and possible 

impact forces from debris in the river or 

harmonic vibrations from water rapidly 

passing over pipelines can also increase 

the potential for pipeline failures. 

Additionally, the safety of valves, 

regulators, relief sets, pressure sensors, 

and other facilities normally above 

ground or above water can be 

jeopardized when covered by water. Not 

only can these facilities become 

inoperable when submerged, but they 

are also at a greater risk of damage by 

outside forces, floating debris, river 

currents, and craft operating on the 

water. Boaters involved in rescue 

operations, emergency support 

functions, sightseeing, and other 

activities are generally not aware of the 

seriousness of an incident that could 

result from their craft damaging a 

pipeline facility that is unseen beneath 

the surface of the water. Depending on 

the size of the craft and the pipeline 

facility struck, significant pipeline 

damage may result. 

Although accidents at river crossings 

account for less than one percent of the 

total number of pipeline accidents, the 

consequences of a release in water can 

be much more severe because of the 

threats to drinking water supplies and 

the environment. Unlike hazardous 

liquid releases on land where it can be 

easier to respond to and contain spills, 

swift-moving river currents will carry 

hazardous liquids further downstream, 

potentially impacting much larger 

geographical areas and more 

communities. Product releases in rivers 

can create difficult, costly, and lengthy 

spill response and remediation 

scenarios and activities for operators, 

communities, and local, state, and 

Federal responders. 

II. Advisory Bulletin (ADB–2015–01) 

To: Owners and Operators of Gas and 

Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Systems. 

Subject: Potential for Damage to 

Pipeline Facilities Caused by Severe 

Flooding. 

Advisory: Severe flooding can 

adversely affect the safe operation of a 

pipeline. Operators need to direct their 

resources in a manner that will enable 

them to determine and mitigate the 

potential effects of flooding on their 

pipeline systems in accordance with 

applicable regulations. Operators are 

urged to take the following actions to 

prevent and mitigate damage to pipeline 

facilities and ensure public and 

environmental safety in areas affected 

by flooding: 

1. Utilize experts in river flow, such 

as hydrologists or fluvial 

geomorphologists, to evaluate a river’s 

potential for scour or channel migration 

at each pipeline river crossing. 

2. Evaluate each pipeline crossing a 

river to determine the pipeline’s 

installation method and determine if 

that method (and the pipeline’s current 

condition) is sufficient to withstand the 

risks posed by anticipated flood 

conditions, river scour, or river channel 

migration. In areas prone to these 

conditions and risks, consider installing 

pipelines using horizontal directional 

drilling to help place pipelines below 

elevations of maximum scour and 

outside the limits of lateral channel 

migration. 

3. Determine the maximum flow or 

flooding conditions at rivers where 

pipeline integrity is at risk in the event 

of flooding (e.g., where scour can occur) 

and have contingency plans to shut 

down and isolate those pipelines when 

those conditions occur. 

4. Evaluate the accessibility of 

pipeline facilities and components that 

may be in jeopardy, such as valve 

settings, which are needed to isolate 

water crossings or other sections of 

pipelines. 

5. Extend regulator vents and relief 

stacks above the level of anticipated 

flooding as appropriate. 

6. Coordinate with emergency and 

spill responders on pipeline locations, 

crossing conditions, and the 

commodities transported. Provide maps 

and other relevant information to such 

responders so they can develop 

appropriate response strategies. 

7. Coordinate with other pipeline 

operators in flood areas and establish 

emergency response centers to act as a 

liaison for pipeline problems and 

solutions. 

8. Deploy personnel so that they will 

be in position to shut down, isolate, 

contain, or perform any other 

emergency action on an affected 

pipeline. 

9. Determine if facilities that are 

normally above ground (e.g., valves, 

regulators, relief sets, etc.) have become 

submerged and are in danger of being 

struck by vessels or debris and, if 

possible, mark such facilities with U.S. 

Coast Guard approval and an 

appropriate buoy. 

10. Perform frequent patrols, 

including appropriate overflights, to 

evaluate right-of-way conditions at 

water crossings during flooding and 

after waters subside. Report any 

flooding, either localized or systemic, to 

integrity staff to determine if pipeline 

crossings may have been damaged or 

would be in imminent jeopardy from 

future flooding. 

11. Have open communications with 

local and state officials to address their 

concerns regarding observed pipeline 

exposures, localized flooding, ice dams, 

debris dams, and extensive bank erosion 

that may affect the integrity of pipeline 

crossings. 

12. Following floods, and when safe 

river access is first available, determine 

if flooding has exposed or undermined 

pipelines because of new river channel 

profiles. This is best done by a depth of 

cover survey. 

13. Where appropriate, surveys of 

underwater pipe should include the use 

of visual inspection by divers or 

instrumented detection. Pipelines in 

recently flooded lands adjacent to rivers 

should also be evaluated to determine 

the remaining depth of cover. You 

should share information gathered by 

these surveys with affected landowners. 

Agricultural agencies may help to 

inform farmers of potential hazards from 

reduced cover over pipelines. 

14. Ensure that line markers are still 

in place or are replaced in a timely 

manner. Notify contractors, highway 

departments, and others involved in 

post-flood restoration activities of the 

presence of pipelines and the risks 

posed by reduced cover. 

If a pipeline has suffered damage or 

is shut-in as a precautionary measure 

due to flooding, the operator should 

advise the appropriate PHMSA regional 

office or state pipeline safety authority 

before returning the line to service, 

increasing its operating pressure, or 

otherwise changing its operating status. 

Furthermore, reporting a Safety-Related 

Condition as prescribed in §§ 191.23 

and 195.55 may also be required. 

Authority: 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601 and 49 

CFR 1.97 


Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
19116 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 68 / Thursday, April 9, 2015 / Notices 

Issued in Washington, DC, on April 6, 

2015. 

Timothy P. Butters, 

Acting Administrator. 

[FR Doc. 2015–08148 Filed 4–8–15; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–60–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Office of the Secretary 

Notice of Applications for Certificates 

of Public Convenience and Necessity 

and Foreign Air Carrier Permits Filed 

Under Subpart B (formerly Subpart Q) 

During the Week Ending March 28, 

2015. 

The following Applications for 

Certificates of Public Convenience and 

Necessity and Foreign Air Carrier. 

Permits were filed under Subpart B 

(formerly Subpart Q) of the Department 

of Transportation’s Procedural 

Regulations (See 14 CFR 302. 201 et. 

seq.). The due date for Answers, 

Conforming Applications, or Motions to 

Modify Scope are set forth below for 

each application. Following the Answer 

period DOT may process the application 

by expedited procedures. Such 

procedures may consist of the adoption 

of a show-cause order, a tentative order, 

or in appropriate cases a final order 

without further proceedings. 

Docket Number: DOT–OST–2015– 

0064. 

Date Filed: March 25, 2015. 

Due Date for Answers, Conforming 

Applications, or Motion to Modify 

Scope: April 15, 2015. 

Description: Application of Altius 

Aviation, LLC requesting authority to 

operate scheduled passenger service as 

a commuter air carrier. 

Docket Number: DOT–OST–2015– 

0065. 

Date Filed: March 26, 2015. 

Due Date for Answers, Conforming 

Applications, or Motion to Modify 

Scope: April 16, 2015. 

Description: Application of Air Baltic 

Corporation A/S (‘‘AirBaltic’’) 

requesting a foreign air carrier permit to 

authorize foreign air transportation to 

engage in: (i) Foreign scheduled and 

charter air transportation of persons, 

property and mail from any point or 

points behind any Member State of the 

European Union, via any point or points 

in any Member State and via 

intermediate points, to any point or 

points in the United States and beyond; 

(ii) foreign scheduled and charter air 

transportation of persons, property and 

mail between any point or points in the 

United States and any point or points in 

any member of the European Common 

Aviation Area; (iii) foreign scheduled 

and charter air transportation of cargo 

between any point or points in the 

United States and any other point or 

points; (iv) other charters pursuant to 

the prior approval requirements; and (v) 

transportation authorized by any 

additional route rights made available to 

European Union carriers under the U.S.- 

EU Air Transport Agreement in the 

future. AirBaltic also requests an 

exemption to the extent necessary to 

allow it to provide the services 

described above for a two-year period or 

until the requested permit authority 

becomes effective, whichever occurs 

first. 

Docket Number: DOT–OST–1999– 

6663 and DOT–OST–2011–0076. 

Date Filed: March 24, 2015. 

Due Date for Answers, Conforming 

Applications, or Motion to Modify 

Scope: April 14, 2015. 

Description: Application of United 

Parcel Service Co. requesting an 

amendment of its U.S.-Mexico 

certificate of public convenience and 

necessity and a related exemption, as 

well as a designation under the U.S.- 

Mexico Air Transport Agreement 

authorizing it to provide scheduled 

foreign air transportation of property 

and mail between Dallas, Texas (DFW) 

and Mexico City, Mexico (MEX). 

Barbara J. Hairston, 

Supervisory Dockets Officer, Docket 

Operations, Federal Register Liaison. 

[FR Doc. 2015–08147 Filed 4–8–15; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P 


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