Hazardous Pipeline Assessments

School site selection standards, Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations Section 14010(h), state that school sites shall not be located near an aboveground water or fuel storage tank or within 1,500 feet of the easement of an aboveground or underground pipeline that can pose a safety hazard as determined by a risk analysis study conducted by a competent professional.

A Geological Hazards Report, Pipeline Survey (DOC) form or other professionally prepared report, must be submitted to the School Facilities and Transportation Services Division (SFTSD) as part of a site approval request (see SFPD 4.01 Site Approval Procedures). This report shall summarize the district's efforts to identify any pipelines containing hazardous materials within 1,500 feet of the school site. If such a pipeline(s) is/are found, then a risk analysis must be submitted. (Additionally, Education Code Section 17213(a) requires school districts to determine that the proposed school site does not contain one or more pipelines that carry hazardous substances, acutely hazardous materials, or hazardous wastes unless the pipeline is a natural gas line used to supply gas to that school or neighborhood.)

Pipeline risk assessments should be prepared in accordance with the Guidance Protocol for School Site Pipeline Risk Analysis, February 2007. SFTSD will make electronic copies of the Protocol available upon request. Per the Protocol, a risk analysis is required for pipelines (including natural gas, crude oil, and refined liquid products) operating at a pressure of 80 pounds per square inch or higher, and will involve either a Stage 1, 2, or 3 level of analysis that will determine if the individual risks, or annual probability of a fatality on the site, are significant. For high pressure/high volume water pipelines located near a school site, a risk assessment may also be required. SFTSD will review these assessments and, if necessary, seek additional review by other agencies with appropriate expertise.

For further information or to request an electronic copy of the Protocol, contact the SFTSD consultant assigned to your county.