Source: https://viadata.wordpress.com/category/pipeline-safety-regulations/
Timestamp: 2019-06-20 21:54:12
Document Index: 670005179

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 590', '§ 9', 'art 192', 'art 192', 'art 192', '§192', '§192', '§192']

Pipeline Safety Regulations – The WinDOT Report
Category: Pipeline Safety Regulations
Regulations from DOT/PHMSA affecting pipeline operators.
State Pipeline Safety Regulation Updates – May/June 2019
LD 1720 would require excavators to call 9-1-1 if contact with or damage to an underground pipe or another underground facility results in the escape of any natural gas or other hazardous substance or material regulated by PHMSA.
[5/31/2019: reported out of Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology as Ought to Pass.]
Installation of Utility Lines and Pipeline Safety [Va. Code]
56-257.4. Report by the State Corporation Commission on investigation of natural gas utilities incident (new section)
o The dimension of an underground facility every 50 feet, rather than every 25 feet, in certain circumstances.
o The operator’s identity in an area where the proposed excavation or demolition is to occur. At a minimum, the operator’s identity must be marked at the beginning point, at intervals of 200 linear feet, and at the end point of the proposed excavation or demolition.
o A single parcel that may exceed 1/4 mile in linear length, by a single address.
o The lesser of five adjoining parcels, not to exceed 1/4 mile in linear length or an area not to exceed 1/4 mile in linear length, by addresses.
The Illinois Commerce Commission adopted amendments to its rules, effective May 2, 2019, in two rulemakings:
Part 590 Minimum Safety Standards for Transportation of Gas and for Gas Pipeline Facilities [ILAC]
Section 590.10 Standards
Section 590.20 Submission of Federal Reports to the Commission
Section 595.120 Reporting of Accidents or Incidents
The IURC has readopted without amendments its Standards of Service rules for Gas Utilities, effective May 11.
170 IAC 5. Gas Utilities
Rule 1. Standards of Service (citations only)
[Public hearing eas held 5/13/19]
SB 82 has been snet to the Governor for signature:
HB866, was signed by the Governor on 6/2/2019 and effective immediately. It prohibits installation of cast iron, wrought iron, bare steel pipe for use in gas distribution pipelines and requires operators to replace said pipe with plastic by 12/31/2020.
Utilities Code [TS] Chapter 121. Gas Pipelines
Sec. 121.213. INSTALLATION, REMOVAL, AND REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN PIPELINES. (new section)
HB 864 was sent to the Governor for signature on 5/29/2019. This bill adds a new code section regarding pipeline incident reporting and records. It defines “incident” and directs the RRC to promulgate rules by December 31, 2019 to require an operator to notify the commission within 1 hour of the confirmed discovery of an incident to provide contact information, incident location and any other known pertinent information.
[Comment period concludes on 7/1/2019]
[5/30/2019] In Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization]
[6/10/2019 Re-referred to the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization after amendment.]
On 6/14/2019 the Department of Labor and Employment, Division of Oil and Public Safety rules “Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission Regulations”, which were adopted as emergency rules effective 2/14/2019, became permanent.
The regulations establish rules for the Commission under the Excavation Requirements Act §§ 9-1.5-101, et. seq., C.R.S. and cover general provisions, enforcement of violations and best practices.
7 CCR 1101-18 Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission Regulations
Author viadataPosted on June 13, 2019 Categories Pipeline Safety Regulations, Regulations - StateLeave a comment on State Pipeline Safety Regulation Updates – May/June 2019
Continue reading “Is it a Transmission Line?”
Author viadataPosted on August 2, 2018 August 2, 2018 Categories Pipeline Safety Regulations, Regulations - Federal, The Daily InterpretationLeave a comment on Is it a Transmission Line?
PHMSA Answers Questions on EFV’s
PHMSA published the final rule Expanding the Use of Excess Flow Valves in Gas Distribution Systems to Applications Other Than Single-Family Residences on October 14, 2016, with an effective date of April 14, 2017. The EFV final rule changed 49 CFR part 192 regulations regarding the use of Excess Flow Valves and manual service line shut-off valves on gas service lines. Industry and other stakeholders widely agreed on the content of the final rule.
The following questions were generated during two webinars that were held regarding the Final Rule, and each is followed by the response developed by PHMSA.
MFR Multi-family Residence
Section 1 – Answers to questions posed verbally during the AGA webinars.
How do we go about recovering costs for existing services?
For customer-requested EFVs on existing service lines, note that section 192.383(d) states, in relevant part: “If an eligible service line customer requests an EFV installation, an operator must install the EFV at a mutually agreeable date. The operator’s rate-setter determines how and to whom the costs of the requested EFVs are distributed.”
Valves installed on branch services need to be commercially available, correct? Even in cases beyond 1,000 SCFH?
Yes, for a new or replaced branched service line, an EFV must be installed pursuant to section 192.383(b)(2) or (3) unless an appropriate EFV is not commercially available, as noted in 192.383(c)(4).
If the rate-setter determines the customer has to pay for the EFV, and the customer cannot pay or refuses to pay, is the operator still required to install the EFV?
This question is left to the specific rate-setter. Section 192.383(d) provides, in relevant part: “The operator’s rate-setter determines how and to whom the costs of the requested EFVs are distributed.”
On annual reporting – is the rule only capturing the recording of the valves installed under 192.385? Same issue – estimated number of services installed – is the rule only capturing the curb valves/services installed in lieu of an EFV?
Yes, the rule only requires reporting of the total number of manual service line shut-off valves (curb valves) and total services with those valves installed pursuant to section 192.385. Reporting requirements for EFV installations have not changed.
Would PHMSA allow exception to EFV installation close to the main if there would be a cost savings to installing close to the riser?
No, cost savings alone is not considered. Section 192.381(d) requires EFV installation “as near as practical to the fitting connecting the service line to its source of gas supply.” EFVs only provide protection downstream of their installation, so in most cases installation at the service riser would limit the utility and safety effectiveness of installing an EFV.
Do SFRs have the options of having curb valves installed, or must an EFV be installed?
If the line meets an exception 192.383(c), a curb valve does not need to be installed, correct?
Under section 192.383(b)(1), (2), and (3), SFRs and branched service lines do not have the option for installing a manual service line shut-off valve or curb valve in place of an EFV. Similarly, under section 192.383(b)(4) and (5), MFRs and single, small commercial customers served by a single service line with a known customer load not exceeding 1,000 SCFH do not have the option for installing a curb valve in place of an EFV.
In response to the second question, if a line that otherwise would require installation of an EFV pursuant to 192.383(b) meets one of the exceptions in 192.383(c), a curb valve does not need to be installed.
In 192.383(b)(2)&(3), can you install an EFV on the branch to multiple commercial services, or must an EFV be installed on each individual commercial service?
Section 192.383(b)(2) and (3) only pertains to branched SFRs, and section 192.383(b)(5) only addresses single, small commercial customers served by a single service line.
For branched small commercial services where the connected load is greater than 1,000 SCFH, can I install a curb valve at the main to cover all the lines rather than putting a valve on each service line?
Similar to the EFV installation requirements in sections 192.381 and 192.383, the intent of section 192.385 is to protect the service line by addition of EFVs or curb valves. Therefore, to protect as much of the service line as is practicable, the valve should be located near the service main or a common source of supply.
In most cases these valves are expected to be “ON” the service line itself.
If we elect to install an EFV beyond 1,000 SCFH, is a curb valve still required?
If an EFV is installed to comply with the requirements of section 192.385, then a curb valve would not be required in addition to the EFV.
Do we only need to notify new customers after making the initial notification?
A web posting accessible to all applicable customers, which includes sufficient information to assist customers in making an informed decision whether they want to request an EFV installation and meets the Part 192 notification requirements, could be acceptable. If this web posting would not reach all applicable customers, an operator could use other methods in combination with the web posting method, including bill stuffers, new customer packets, statements on billing materials, et cetera. But a broad, electronic method of communication could meet the intent of the regulation and be acceptable as long as the operator can be sure of reaching all customers who have a right to request an EFV.
How soon would incremental notifications need to be made moving forward?
Initial notification is required by April 14, 2017. The regulations do not provide a timetable for incremental notifications, noting only that customers are required to be notified.
Notification frequency is not explicit in the regulations. The intent is that all customers who have a right to request an EFV are notified pursuant to section 192.383 requirements. The frequency of this notification is left to the operator, with the understanding that the “customer” may change over time (i.e., new customers must be notified).
Does PHMSA have a preference to whether EFVs or curb valves are installed for services above 1,000 SCFH?
In situations where either an EFV or a curb valve must be installed pursuant to section 192.385, the operator may decide based on a sound engineering analysis.
How does an operator know if they are reaching all customers through a website notification that meets the requirement of the regulation?
A web posting accessible to all applicable customers, which includes sufficient information to assist customers in making an informed decision whether they want to request an EFV installation and meets the Part 192 notification requirements, could be acceptable. If this web posting would not reach all applicable customers, an operator could use other methods in combination with the web posting method, including bill stuffers, new customer packets, statements on billing materials, et cetera. But a broad, electronic method of communication could meet the requirement of the regulation as long as the communication reaches all customers who have a right to request an EFV.
If I have a maintenance-free ball valve as a curb valve, what is my maintenance requirement?
As stated in the final rule’s preamble, operator personnel can meet the requirements of section 192.385(c) by ensuring the valves are free of debris that could prevent operation and by ensuring the valves can turn and operate.
Operators will be expected to develop the details of their maintenance plans.
Also, an operator’s O&M Manuals or manufacturer’s instructions could add additional maintenance requirements. Note that the requirement includes the words “consistent with the valve manufacturer’s specification” as well.
Do the exemptions for EFV installation apply to curb valve installation as well? If I have a line with a load above 1,000 SCFH but operating below 10 psig (or meeting another of the 383(c) exceptions), do I have to install a curb valve?
No, the exceptions in section 192.383(c) do not apply to curb valves.
In a scenario where section 192.385 requires the installation of a curb valve, an operator would be required to install a curb valve even if exceptions for using an EFV existed.
Can I locate my curb box at the property line, or must the curb valve be located closer to the main? Is it acceptable to have, for instance, a 10-foot “stub line” from the main to the property line?
Similar to the EFV installation requirements in sections 192.381 and 192.383, the intent of section 192.385 is to protect the service line by the addition of EFVs or valves. Therefore, to protect as much of the service line as is practicable, the valve should be located near the service main or a common source of supply.
We are interested in feedback from AGA and others in the gas community as to what type of situations might require the installation of a curb valve at a location other than on the service line, as near to the main as possible.
Section 2 – Answers to questions posed in writing prior to the AGA webinars.
PHMSA provides exceptions for MFRs (see §192.383(b)(4)) and Single, Small Commercial Customers (see §192.383(b)(5)), but not for SFRs or Branched Service Lines. Is it PHMSA’s intent that SFR or branched service lines with loads exceeding 1,000 SCFH to have an exception as well?
From the information provided to PHMSA through the rulemaking process, including the comments received and responded to within the final rule’s preamble, PHMSA does not expect SFRs or SFR branched services to typically exceed 1,000 SCFH loads. Therefore, the upper bound triggering the requirements of section 192.385 for curb valve or EFV installation was only noted for MFRs and service lines serving single, small commercial customers.
PHMSA did not intend to create an exception from the EFV installation requirements for SFRs and SFR branched services over 1,000 SCFH, but this scenario was not expected. Service lines serving SFRs and SFR branched services require an EFV even if over 1,000 SCFH, and operators do not have the option to install curb valves instead.
What is PHMSA’s intent for “known load”? Is it the total connected load at time of service installation?
“Known Customer Load” is based on the installed meter capacity, which indicates the max load expected. EFVs should be sized so that they are compatible with the meter being used.
PHMSA references two criteria in (192.383(b)(4) & (5)): Customer Load & Meter Capacity. Which criteria does PHMSA intend operators to use?
The response to Question #2 also applies here. In short, meter capacity is to be used.
What is PHMSA’s intent when it states that an EFV “could interfere with necessary operation or maintenance activities”? For Example: Does PHMSA intend to exempt service lines that are longer than the manufacturer’s recommendation for the length of a service line?
Please note that, although the scope of the services section 192.383(c)(2) have changed, the substantive requirements of section 192.383(c)(2) were not changed through this final rule, other than the last word which was changed from “residence” to “customer.”
For example, if an operator’s O&M activities include blowing liquids from your line, and an EFV could shut and interfere with necessary activities, this exception could be valid. An EFV is not meant to be an impediment to necessary O&M activities, and there may be relatively rare situations in which installation of an EFV could constitute such an impediment.
Are operators required to make notification to customers by April 14, 2017? Or by the end of 2017? Or some other date?
Operators are required to make the appropriate notifications by April 14, 2017.
Is a web posting notification by April 14 acceptable?
The operator may decide to follow up with other communications later.
What is the “frequency” to which you must notify customers under §192.383(e)?
Notification frequency is not explicit in the regulations. The intent is that operators notify all customers who have a right to request an EFV pursuant to section 192.383 requirements. The frequency at which this occurs is left to the operator, with the understanding that the “customer” may change over time (i.e., new customers must be notified).
What is the expected location of this service line shut-off valve? As close as possible to the main?
For curb valves installed under section 192.385, an operator should locate the valve as close to the main as is practicable to protect as much of the service line as possible (similar to EFV requirements in section 192.383) but to allow for accessibility of the valve, as is required. The next question is related, and reading PHMSA’s responses in tandem may help to answer both questions.
What is meant by “located near the service line”?
Similar to the EFV installation requirements in sections 192.381 and 192.383, the intent of section 192.385 is to protect the service line by addition of EFVs or valves. Therefore, in order to protect as much of the service line as is practicable, the valve should be located near the service main or a common source of supply.
What items can be expected to be covered during “regular scheduled maintenance”? For Example: Find, locate, and make accessible valve box; and ensure “wrench/tool” can be placed on valve to enable turning if needed.
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Author viadataPosted on April 26, 2017 April 26, 2017 Categories Pipeline Safety Regulations, Regulations - FederalLeave a comment on PHMSA Answers Questions on EFV’s
PHMSA Releases Hazardous Liquid Final Rule
Click here to download the rule
PHMSA 02-17
PHMSA Completes Rulemaking that Boosts Safety Requirements to Strengthen the
Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of the Nation’s Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
WASHINGTON – Administrator Marie Therese Dominguez, head of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced today that she signed a long awaited rulemaking package that makes critical safety improvements for hazardous liquid pipelines. Today’s signing of the final rule for the safety of on-shore hazardous liquid pipelines completes one of the agency’s top priority rulemakings for 2016.
The nation contains close to 200,000 miles of hazardous liquid pipelines operating near local communities and treasured landscapes, and crossing major bodies of water, including rivers. The rule signed today strengthens the standards that determine how operators repair aging and high-risk infrastructure, increases the quality and frequency of tests that assess the condition of pipelines, and extends leak detection the requirements to onshore, non-HCA transmission hazardous liquid pipelines.
Brought to you by WinDOT, The Pipeline Safety Encyclopedia.
Author viadataPosted on January 13, 2017 January 13, 2017 Categories Pipeline Safety News, Pipeline Safety Regulations, Regulations - FederalLeave a comment on PHMSA Releases Hazardous Liquid Final Rule
PIPES Act Regulatory Updates
The PIPES Act of 2016 mandated that the PHMSA provide regular public reports on rulemaking activities for all outstanding rules.
Section 3 (c) of the Act defines an outstanding regulation as:
The agency has just published the first of these reports which includes rulemakings related to both the 2011 and 2016 PIPES Act. This chart (provided by PHMSA) shows not only the status of rules, but also the work plan, staff allocations and projected dates for each rule.
Sign up for ViaData’s FREE Rapid Update Service today, for the fastest updates on rulemaking activities and regulation changes.
Author viadataPosted on November 2, 2016 Categories Pipeline Safety RegulationsLeave a comment on PIPES Act Regulatory Updates
Federal Pipeline Safety Rulemaking Update – October 2016
This update includes information from the October Report on DOT Significant Rulemakings, updated with currently available information on the following pipeline safety rules:
Excess Flow Valves for Multi-person Dwellings
Pipeline Safety: Inflation Adjustment of Maximum Civil Penalties.
RIN–2137–AF16 / Docket no. PHMSA-2016-0010
Affects: 49 CFR 190.233
PHMSA is revising references in its regulations to the maximum civil penalties for violations of the Federal Pipeline Safety Laws, or any PHMSA regulation or order issued thereunder. Under the ‘‘Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015,’’ which further amended the ‘‘Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990,’’ federal agencies are required to adjust their civil monetary penalties effective August 1, 2016, and then annually thereafter, to account for changes in inflation.
Federal Register citation for Final Rule: 81 FR 42564
Affects: 49 USC 60101, 60141, 60302
To OMB 08/15/2016 11/02/2016
OMB Clearance 11/15/2016 02/02/2017
Publication Date 11/25/2016 02/14/2017
To OMB 06/21/2016 10/19/2016
See more about this rulemaking on the WinDOT Rapid Update Service.
Pipeline Safety: Excess Flow Valves for Multi-person Dwellings
RIN 2137-AE71 / Docket no. PHMSA-2011-0009
Read more about the Final Rule on the WinDOT Rapid Update Service.
Publication Date 01/17/2017 10/31/2016 10/14/2016
Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Transmission and Gathering Pipelines.
Stage: NPRM Federal Register Citation: 81 FR 20721
OMB Clearance 07/25/2013 02/19/2016 02/29/2016
Publication Date 08/05/2013 03/23/2016 04/08/2016
End of Comment Period 10/04/2013 05/23/2016 06/08/2016
Author viadataPosted on October 17, 2016 November 2, 2016 Categories Pipeline Safety Regulations, Regulations - FederalLeave a comment on Federal Pipeline Safety Rulemaking Update – October 2016
Author viadataPosted on June 8, 2016 June 15, 2016 Categories Pipeline Safety News, Pipeline Safety RegulationsLeave a comment on PIPES Act passes the House: Goes to President for Signature