30 CFR 250.1752: How do I remove a pipeline?

Before removing a pipeline, you must:

(a) Submit a pipeline removal application in triplicate to the Regional Supervisor for approval. Your application must be accompanied by payment of the service fee listed in § 250.125. Your application must include the following information:

(1) Proposed removal procedures;

(2) If the Regional Supervisor requires it, a description, including anchor pattern(s), of the vessel(s) you will use to remove the pipeline;

(3) Length (feet) to be removed;

(4) Length (feet) of the segment that will remain in place;

(5) Plans for transportation of the removed pipe for disposal or salvage;

(6) Plans to protect archaeological and sensitive biological features during removal operations, including a brief assessment of the environmental impacts of the removal operations and procedures and mitigation measures that you will take to minimize such impacts; and

(7) Projected removal schedule and duration.

(b) Pig the pipeline, unless the Regional Supervisor determines that pigging is not practical; and

(c) Flush the pipeline.