Pipeline Safety: Lessons Learned From a Security Breach at a Liquefied Natural Gas Facility, 78269 [E6-22323]

Agencies

• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 249 (Thursday, December 28, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 78269]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-22323]



[[Page 78269]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

[Docket No. PHMSA-04-19856]


Pipeline Safety: Lessons Learned From a Security Breach at a 
Liquefied Natural Gas Facility

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Notice; Issuance of Advisory Bulletin.

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SUMMARY: This advisory reminds operators of the need for vigilance in 
providing security at liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. PHMSA's 
pipeline safety regulations require operators to implement security 
measures that deter intruders at LNG terminals, facilities, and peak-
shaving plants. This Advisory Bulletin reinforces the importance of 
effectively implementing and thoroughly testing security procedures and 
systems.

ADDRESSES: This document can be viewed on the PHMSA home page at: 
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joy Kadnar at (202) 366-0568, or by e-
mail at Joy.Kadnar@dot.gov; or Buddy Secor at (571) 227-1306, or by e-
mail at Buddy.Secor@dhs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    PHMSA's pipeline safety regulations require operators to implement 
security measures that deter intruders. These measures include written 
procedures, protective enclosures, security communication, lighting, 
and monitoring (49 CFR part 193, subpart J). Operators must use staff 
who have been trained to carry out security duties through means that 
include security training (49 CFR 193.2709 and 2715). Operators need to 
implement these measures in ways that ensure personnel and systems 
detect trespassers and respond correctly.

LNG Facility Security: Lessons Learned From the Security Breach in 
Lynn, MA

    A recent breach in security at an LNG facility shows the need for 
preparedness and vigilance. The operator discovered a breach of 
security at its LNG facility during routine maintenance on a gate at 
the side of the storage tank. Although there was no damage to the tank, 
intruders had broken through the gate to gain access to the tank.
    Investigation revealed that the intruders had cut through the outer 
and inner perimeter fences and through the locked gate and gained 
access to the storage tank several days before the breach was 
discovered. A microwave intrusion system documented the intrusions on 
the computer monitoring system, which should have alerted operator 
personnel to the intrusions. Operator personnel did not respond. In the 
days following, personnel conducted several routine visual inspections 
of the area without noting the cuts in the fences. Although there was 
also video surveillance of the perimeter, personnel did not review the 
tape until they investigated the breach.
    State authorities responded quickly to examine security at other 
LNG facilities in the state. These authorities inspected operator 
practices and procedures to ensure personnel and systems respond 
correctly during a security breach.

II. Advisory Bulletin (ADB-06-04)

    To: Owners and Operators of LNG Plants That Contain LNG.
    Subject: Security at LNG facilities.
    Advisory: The pipeline safety regulations require an operator of 
LNG facilities in a plant containing LNG to develop and follow written 
procedures for security at the LNG plant. Operators need to verify the 
reliability and feasibility of security procedures and systems. 
Operators also need to ensure personnel and systems respond correctly 
when security is compromised.

LNG Facility Security: Lessons Learned from the Security Breach in 
Lynn, MA

    PHMSA recommends LNG facility operators establish and follow these 
suggested practices and procedures to ensure that their security 
measures function as intended by the regulations, and that security at 
their LNG plants is rigorous:
     Test systems thoroughly to verify that alarms work and 
that monitoring devices function as intended;
     Ensure remotely stationed personnel are properly trained 
on the security procedures of each facility that they monitor;
     Determine whether personnel monitoring security for an LNG 
plant can realistically respond to security breaches in a timely 
manner;
     Update security procedures as needed to provide effective 
security at the LNG plant and to incorporate the most relevant threat 
information;
     Confirm that remote monitoring station personnel properly 
coordinate activities with those parties responsible for LNG plant 
facility security; and,
     Independently audit LNG plant security or conduct 
unannounced tests of security systems, procedures, and personnel.

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. chapter 601; 49 CFR 1.53.

     Issued in Washington, DC, on December 22, 2006.
Theodore L. Willke,
Acting Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. E6-22323 Filed 12-27-06; 8:45 am]
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