Producer-operated Outer Continental Shelf Pipelines That Cross Directly Into State Waters

This final rule will clarify some unresolved regulatory issues involving the 1996 memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) pipelines between the Departments of the Interior (DOI) and Transportation (DOT). It addresses producer-operated pipelines that do not connect to a transporting operator's pipeline on the OCS before crossing into State waters. It is complementary to the final rule published on August 17, 1998, which addressed producer- operated oil or gas pipelines that connect to transporting operators' pipelines on the OCS. The rule also establishes procedures for producer and transportation pipeline operators to get permission to operate under either MMS or DOT regulations governing pipeline design, construction, operation, and maintenance according to their operating circumstances.