Pipeline Safety; Enforcement Proceedings Involving an Informal Hearing

PHMSA is issuing this document to notify operators of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities of the creation of a dedicated "Presiding Official" for informal pipeline enforcement hearings and the process operators can expect when requesting an informal hearing. Hearings in pipeline safety enforcement cases are conducted by a hearing officer in accordance with certain procedures designed to ensure a fair and impartial decision on the merits. This document explains those procedures and includes a description of the dedicated hearing officer's roles and responsibilities, the process for requesting a hearing, and the manner in which a case will proceed once a hearing has been requested.