CHAPTER 118. PIPELINE ASSESSMENT AND TESTING
NATURAL RESOURCES CODE
TITLE 3. OIL AND GAS
SUBTITLE D. REGULATION OF SPECIFIC BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS
CHAPTER 118. PIPELINE ASSESSMENT AND TESTING
Sec. 118.001. AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE PLAN FOR PIPELINE ASSESSMENT
OR TESTING. (a) The Railroad Commission of Texas by rule may
require an operator to file for commission approval a plan for
assessment or testing of a pipeline if the commission finds that:
(1) there is reason to believe that the pipeline may present a
hazard to public health or safety;
(2) the commission lacks adequate information to assess the risk
to public health or safety presented by the pipeline; or
(3) a plan is necessary for the commission to initiate or
complete a pipeline safety investigation.
(b) The Railroad Commission of Texas may take enforcement action
against a person who fails to:
(1) submit a required plan; or
(2) participate in a pipeline safety investigation.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1233, Sec. 62, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 118.002. PIPELINES FOR WHICH PLAN MAY BE REQUIRED. (a)
Except as provided by Subsection (b), the rules adopted under
this chapter may apply to interstate pipelines, intrastate
pipelines, portions of pipeline systems the regulation of which
the federal government has temporarily delegated to the Railroad
Commission of Texas, or gathering lines, and to pipelines for the
transportation of any substance or material under the
jurisdiction of the commission, as specified by the commission.
(b) Exempted from the application of this chapter are gathering
lines outside:
(1) the limits of an incorporated or unincorporated city or
village;
(2) any designated residential or commercial area such as
residential subdivisions, businesses, shopping centers, or
community development.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1233, Sec. 62, eff. Sept. 1,
2001. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1273, Sec. 1, eff.
June 21, 2003.
Sec. 118.003. CONTENTS OF PLAN. The rules adopted under this
chapter may require that a plan include:
(1) an identification of risk factors associated with a pipeline
system, including population density;
(2) information about previous inspections and maintenance;
(3) information about pressure tests;
(4) information about leaks;
(5) information about operating characteristics;
(6) information about corrosion protection methods; and
(7) other information that may assist the Railroad Commission of
Texas in assessing the risk to public health or safety presented
by the pipeline.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1233, Sec. 62, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 118.004. APPROVAL OF PLAN. The Railroad Commission of
Texas may approve a plan that complies with rules adopted under
this chapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1233, Sec. 62, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 118.005. CONSEQUENCES OF PLAN APPROVAL. The approval of a
plan by the Railroad Commission of Texas does not constitute a
certification or representation that the pipeline is in
compliance with or exempt from applicable safety standards.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1233, Sec. 62, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.