Which of the following is NOT a criteria for filing an accident report?

The correct answer identifies a situation that does not meet the threshold for mandatory reporting of an accident in the context of pipeline operations. This choice signifies that the release of less than 5 gallons of Hazardous Vapor Liquid (HVL) typically does not necessitate an official accident report.

In situations involving pipeline incidents, there are established criteria that determine when a report is required for regulatory compliance and safety management. Significant events that usually require reporting include a release of natural gas due to a pipeline failure, any incidents involving fire or explosion, and scenarios leading to death or bodily injury. These events pose clear and immediate risks to public safety, the environment, and the integrity of pipeline operations, leading to stringent reporting requirements to ensure proper follow-up and mitigation measures.

In contrast, the release of a minimal amount of hazardous material—such as less than 5 gallons of HVL—generally falls below the regulatory thresholds that trigger reporting obligations. This distinction emphasizes the importance of understanding what's considered a significant incident within the framework of pipeline safety and operational protocol. Thus, while minor releases must still be managed and documented, they do not typically rise to the level of needing a formal accident report under many regulatory guidelines.