California Code of Regulations
Title 19 - Public Safety
Division 1 - State Fire Marshal
Chapter 14 - Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety
Article 6 - Enforcement Proceedings
Section 2073.5 - Immediate Closure Orders

(a) General. The State Fire Marshal may immediately order any pipeline closed, under Section 13107.5, Health and Safety Code, when it is determined to be necessary to do so in the interests of public safety.

(b) When the State Fire Marshal determines, as a result of an investigation involving a break, explosion, or fire involving a pipeline, that an unsafe condition or practice, or a combination of unsafe conditions and practices, constitutes or is causing an imminent hazard, as defined in Section 2070.1, the State Fire Marshal may issue or impose an immediate closure order, without advance notice or an opportunity for a hearing.

(c) The pipeline shall remain closed until it is determined that operations may be resumed with safety or until any discovered safety defect has been remedied or repaired.

(d) The order will contain a written description of:

(e) Consultation. In considering the factors under paragraph (e) of this section, the State Fire Marshal may consult, as the State Fire Marshal determines appropriate, with Federal agencies, State agencies, and other entities knowledgeable in pipeline safety or operations.

(f) Considerations. Prior to issuing an immediate closure order, the State Fire Marshal shall consider the following, as appropriate:

(g) Service. The State Fire Marshal will provide service of immediate closure orders in accordance with Section 2070.2.