(a) An operator of a pipeline identified in Section 2102 (Identifying Pipelines Subject to This Article) as being subject to this article, may request an exemption from applicable requirements of this Article if they can demonstrate, through the submission of a risk analysis, that a spill from a pipeline will not impact the coastal zone portion of an environmentally and ecologically sensitive area.

(b) The State Fire Marshal will assess the request for exemption based on the considerations and requirements of this Article.

(c) The request for an exemption from the provisions of this Article shall be submitted to the State Fire Marshal no later than May 1, 2021.

(d) The risk analysis submitted with the exemption request shall include, but not be limited to, the factors identified in Section 2111 (Risk Analysis).

(e) Risk analysis submitted for exemption of a pipeline will be evaluated, processed, and communicated to the operator by the State Fire Marshal consistent with Section 2112 (Risk Analysis Assessment).