SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The gas pipeline safety regulation at 49 CFR 195.306(c)(5) allows an operator of a carbon dioxide pipeline to use inert gas or carbon dioxide as the test medium if the pipe involved is new pipe having a longitudinal joint factor of 1.00.

BOC Gases (BOC) is requesting the waiver to use carbon dioxide as the test medium in its carbon dioxide pipeline system. The BOC Carbon Dioxide Pipeline System is approximately 14 miles northwest of Green River, Wyoming and located in Sweetwater County; this is a remote, uninhabited area that does not lie within any city or other populated limits. The pipeline is 7 miles in length, constructed of 3.5-inch diameter, API 5L, Grade B Seamless pipe, and has a wall thickness of 0.300-inches.

BOC calculated the pipe's internal design pressure to be 4,320 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) using the formula in § 195.106 and pressure tested the pipe after construction; the minimum pressure was 3,575 psig and the pipe was tested for 2 hours. The pipeline is effectively coated and has had a sacrificial anode cathodic protection system since its construction.

In justification for this waiver request, BOC is proposing the following testing procedure:

• BOC would use liquid carbon dioxide to pressure test the entire 7 mile pipeline;
• The pipeline test pressure would be maintained at a minimum pressure of 3,575 psig or 60% of the pipeline's specified minimum yield strength (SMYS) for at least 4 hours;
• The pipeline would be tested for an additional 4 hours at a minimum pressure of 3,146 psig or 48% of SMYS;
• Throughout the duration of the test, BOC personnel would be stationed along the pipeline to observe any conditions that might indicate leakage;
• BOC personnel would be in constant communication with its personnel who will supervise and conduct the pressure test; and
• During the pressure test, whenever the test pressure exceeds 50% SMYS, BOC's building facilities would be unoccupied and its personnel will be stationed along the pipeline where it parallels the state highway.

BOC believes that granting a waiver for this pipeline does not pose a risk to the public or the environment because this pipeline is in a remote location, in excellent condition, and will be tested and operated at a low percentage of SMYS.

OPS will consider any comments received in response to this Notice, and make a final determination to grant or deny the waiver as proposed, or with modifications. If the waiver is granted, and OPS subsequently determines that the effect of the waiver is no longer consistent with pipeline safety, OPS may revoke the waiver at its sole discretion.

This Notice is OPS's only request for public comment before making its final decision in this matter.

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60118(c) and 49 CFR 1.53.