7412 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 28 / Thursday, February 11, 2016 / Notices 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 

Safety Administration 

[Docket No. PHMSA–2016–0013] 

Pipeline Safety: Dangers of Abnormal 

Snow and Ice Build-Up on Gas 

Distribution Systems 

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous 

Materials Safety Administration 

(PHMSA); DOT. 

ACTION: Notice; Issuance of advisory 

bulletin. 

SUMMARY: This advisory bulletin advises 

owners and operators of petroleum gas 

and natural gas facilities of the need to 

take the appropriate steps to prevent 

damage to pipeline facilities from 

accumulated snow or ice. Past events on 

natural gas distribution system facilities 

appear to have been related to either the 

stress of snow and ice or the 

malfunction of pressure control 

equipment due to ice blockage of 

pressure control equipment vents. This 

advisory reminds owners and operators 

of the need to take precautionary actions 

to prevent adverse events. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Kenneth Lee, Director, Engineering and 

Research, at 202–366–2694 or by email 

at Kenneth.lee@dot.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background 

The accumulation of snow and ice 

increases the potential for damage to 

meters and regulators and other 

aboveground pipeline facilities and 

components. Incidents have occurred in 

past winters on natural gas distribution 

system facilities that appear to have 

been related to either the stress of snow 

and ice or malfunction of pressure 

control equipment due to ice blockage 

of pressure control equipment vents. 

Exposed piping at metering and 

pressure regulating stations, at service 

regulators, and at propane tanks, are at 

greatest risk. Damage may result from 

the stresses imposed by the additional 

loading of the snow or ice. Damage to 

facilities may also result from the 

impact of snow or ice falling from roofs, 

ice forming in or on regulators 

preventing their proper operation, or 

shoveling snow from roofs to protect 

dwellings from abnormal snow 

accumulation. 

II. Advisory Bulletin (ADB–2016–03) 

To: Owners and Operators of 

Petroleum Gas and Natural Gas 

Facilities in Areas Subject to Heavy 

Snowfall or Abnormally Icy Weather. 

Subject: Dangers of Abnormal Snow 

and Ice Build-up on Gas Distribution 

Systems. 

Purpose: To remind owners and 

operators of the need to (1) monitor the 

potential impact of excessive snow and 

ice on these facilities; and (2) inform the 

public about possible hazards from 

snow and ice accumulation on 

regulators and other pipeline facilities. 

Advisory: PHMSA is advising 

operators of petroleum gas and natural 

gas pipeline facilities, regardless of 

whether those facilities are regulated by 

PHMSA or state agencies, to consider 

the following steps to address the safety 

risks from accumulated snow and ice on 

pipeline facilities: 

1. Notify customers and other entities 

of the need for caution associated with 

excessive accumulation and removal of 

snow and ice. Notice should include the 

need to clear snow and ice from exhaust 

and combustion air vents for gas 

appliances to: 

(a) Prevent accumulation of carbon 

monoxide in buildings; or 

(b) Prevent operational problems for 

the combustion equipment. 

2. Pay attention to snow and ice 

related situations that may cause 

operational problems for pressure 

control and other equipment. 

3. Monitor the accumulation of 

moisture in equipment and snow or ice 

blocking regulator or relief valve vents 

which could prevent regulators and 

relief valves from functioning properly. 

4. The piping on service regulator sets 

is susceptible to damage that could 

result in failure if caution is not 

exercised in cleaning snow from around 

the equipment. Where possible, use a 

broom instead of a shovel to clear snow 

off regulators, meters, associated piping, 

propane tanks, tubing, gauges or other 

propane system appurtenances. 

5. Remind the public to contact the 

gas company or designated emergency 

response officials if there is an odor of 

gas present or if gas appliances are not 

functioning properly. Also, remind the 

public that they should leave their 

residences immediately if they detect a 

gas or propane odor and report the odor 

to their gas company, propane operator 

or designated emergency response 

officials. 

Issued in Washington, DC, on February 4, 

2016, under authority delegated in 49 CFR 

1.97. 

Alan K. Mayberry, 

Deputy Associate Administrator for Policy 

and Programs. 

[FR Doc. 2016–02704 Filed 2–10–16; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–60–P 

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