SECTION 165:20-13-12. Inspections and accident investigations

(a)   The Pipeline Safety Department and its agents are authorized to inspect and examine the records and/or properties of any pipeline subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, as established by 165:20-5.21, and 165:20-7-1, to determine the operator's compliance with this Chapter or orders issued thereunder.

(b)   Inspections are ordinarily conducted pursuant to one of the following:

(1)   Routine scheduling by the Manager of Pipeline Safety.

(2)   A complaint received from a member of the public.

(3)   Information obtained from a previous inspection.

(4)   Pipeline incident or accident.

(5)   Whenever deemed appropriate by the Commission, Manager of Pipeline Safety, or his designee.

(c)   If, after an inspection, the Manager of Pipeline Safety believes that further information is needed to determine appropriate action, the Manager of Pipeline Safety may send the owner or operator a "Request for Specific Information" to be answered within 30 days after receipt of the letter.

(d)   To the extent necessary to carry out the responsibilities under this Chapter, the Manager of Pipeline Safety may require testing of portions of pipeline facilities that have been involved in, or affected by, an accident. However, before exercising this authority, the Manager of Pipeline Safety, shall make every effort to negotiate a mutually acceptable plan with the owner of those facilities and, where appropriate, the National Transportation Safety Board for performing the testing.

(e)   If a representative of the Commission investigates an incident involving a pipeline facility, the Manager of Pipeline Safety may request that the operator make available to the representative all records and information that pertain to the incident in any way, including integrity management plans and test results, and that the operator afford all reasonable assistance in the investigation.

(f)   When the information obtained from an inspection or from other appropriate sources indicates that further Commission action is warranted, the Manager of Pipeline Safety may issue a notice of probable violation letter under 165:20-13-13.

[Source: Amended at 28 Ok Reg 1125, eff 7-1-11]