190.11—Availability of informal guidance and interpretive assistance.
(a) Availability of telephonic and Internet assistance.
(1)
PHMSA has established a website on the Internet and a telephone line at the Office of Pipeline Safety headquarters where small operators and others can obtain information on and advice about compliance with pipeline safety regulations, 49 CFR parts 190-199. The website and telephone line are staffed by personnel from PHMSA's Office of Pipeline Safety from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. When the lines are not staffed, individuals may leave a recorded voicemail message, or post a message at the OPS website. All messages will receive a response by the following business day. The telephone number for the OPS information line is (202) 366-4595 and the OPS website can be accessed via the Internet at http://ops.dot.gov.
(2)
PHMSA's Office of the Chief Counsel (OCC) is available to answer questions concerning Federal pipeline safety law, 49 U.S.C. 60101
et seq. OCC may be contacted by telephone (202-366-4400) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Information and guidance concerning Federal pipeline safety law may also be obtained by contacting OCC via the Internet at http://rspa-atty.dot.gov.
(b) Availability of Written Interpretations.
(1)
A written regulatory interpretation, response to a question, or an opinion concerning a pipeline safety issue may be obtained by submitting a written request to the Office of Pipeline Safety (PHP-30), PHMSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001. The requestor must include his or her return address and should also include a daytime telephone number. Written requests should be submitted at least 120 days before the time the requestor needs the response.
(2)
A written interpretation regarding Federal pipeline safety law, 49 U.S.C 60101
et seq., may be obtained from the Office of the Chief Counsel, PHMSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001. The requestor must include his or her return address and should also include a daytime telephone number.
[62 FR 24057, May 2, 1997; 62 FR 34415, June 26, 1997, as amended at 70 FR 11137, Mar. 8, 2005; 73 FR 16566, Mar. 28, 2008; 73 FR 16567, Mar. 28, 2008]