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CHAPTER fi <br />GOVERNMENTAL UNITS AND REGULAT4RY AGENClES <br />The following govemmental units and regulatory agencies identified bekow have <br />oversight responsibility or associated involvement in pipeline safety issues ar�d related <br />activities. A summary of the roles a�d responsibilities of each organization is as <br />folfows: <br />FED�R�� �QV��Rl�4lI��� A�iD �J�RTOO�f�OL ORGAI�i�TICfV�: <br />1. U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOTj <br />This agency is responsible for issuing pipefine safety rules and regutations for <br />interstaie and intrastate pipelines carrying natural gas, liquified natural gas, and <br />hazardous liquids. <br />A.) Federal Oifice of Pipeline Safe#y (FOPS) <br />This agency oversees interstate pipeline operations, compiiance witF� <br />ruies and regulations, and enforcement. This includes administration of <br />the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 19fi8, the Hazardous Liquid <br />Pipeline Safety Act of 'E 979, and the Hazardous Materials Transportation <br />Act of 1974. Proposed changes to pipeline rules and regulations issued <br />by the Department of Transportation are broughi by pipeline owners, the <br />public, or agency personnel. OPS is a part of the Research and Special <br />Programs Division of U.S. DOT_ <br />B.) National Transportation Safety Board (NTSBj <br />As an independent Board reporting directly to Congress, NTSB <br />investigates and reports on incidents involving interstate pipeiines to affix <br />cause, responsibility and recommend actions to prevent or reduce future <br />incidents. This agency has issued reports regarding the Roseville <br />pipeiine terminal explosion at the Wilfiams Pipe Line Company facility in <br />1980 and the WiEfiams Pipe Line Company rupture and fire in Mounds <br />View in '1986. <br />2. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupationa! Safety and Health Administration <br />{US OSHAj <br />This agency oversees, administe�s, issues and enforces rules and reguiations <br />relating to on-the job employee safety, including empioyee safety at pipeline <br />company facilities. Authority for adminis#ration of applicable rules is delegated <br />to the Minnesota Department of Labor, Office oi Occupational Safety and Health _. <br />6-1 <br />