The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) Gas Pipeline Safety Program is charged with confirming compliance with and enforcing the State's intrastate gas pipeline safety regulations in order to provide public safety to the citizens of Colorado. Nationally, the majority of pipeline inspections are carried out by state inspectors who work for state agencies, generally their Public Utilities Commissions or State Fire Marshal offices. The COPUC carries out the inspection and monitoring of intrastate gas pipeline system operators under the review of PHMSA. Regulated pipeline facilities include transmission, distribution, gathering, master metered, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and propane (LPG) gas systems. The COPUC does not have jurisdiction over pipelines not engaged in transport (i.e. pipelines directly associated with gas production, and gas piping within a home or business that is the responsibility of the customer and is regulated by the city or county building codes). Through its 49 U.S. Code § 60105 Agreement with the U.S. DOT, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the COPUC Gas Pipeline Safety Program conducts and carries out the inspection and monitoring of intrastate gas pipeline system operators.
Section 49 C.F.R. Part 192 regulations have been adopted by reference in PUC rules Part 4 CCR 723-11, Rules Regulating Pipeline Operations and Gas Pipeline Safety.
For a more detailed overview of the Pipeline Safety Program, please click the link below.
Video: Introduction to COPUC Pipeline Safety Program PDF: Introduction to COPUC Pipeline Safety Program
The webpages of the Gas Pipeline Safety Program represents a compilation of materials pertaining to pipeline safety and, specifically, Colorado PUC-regulated pipeline systems. These materials are intended for use by the entire Colorado community: The public, government entities, and pipeline system operators. The materials presented on any webpage are not intended to represent a comprehensive list of all links and/or documents, but are intended to serve as a basis for further research and inquiry on pipeline safety topics. Questions or comments about these materials or pipeline safety generally may be e-mailed to the COPUC Gas Pipeline Safety Section at dora_copuc_pipeline_safety@state.co.us. A section representative should respond within two business days.
- Pipeline Safety Program Staff
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Program Administration
Deidre Hudson
Project Coordinator
Program Enforcement & Risk Management (PER) Group
Casey Hensley, P.E II
Supervisor, Lead InspectorBryan Fry, E.I.T III
InspectorCharles Shikany, Scientific Programmer/Analyst III
GIS AnalystRandy Edelen, P.E II
Inspector
Operations & Maintenance Inspections (OMI) Group
Kevin Stilson, P.E III
Supervisor, Lead EngineerJanie Castle, E.P.S III
Inspector
Pipeline Complaints, Operator Emergency ResponseJessica Nesvold, E.P.S II
Inspector
Construction & Operator Qualifications (OQ) Group
Ryan Echer, E.P.S III
Lead Inspector
Operator Emergency ResponseTodd Ellsworth, E.P.S II
Inspector
Operator Emergency ResponseRich Kenner, E.P.S II
Inspector
Operator Emergency Response