Arkansas Administrative Code › Agency 126 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Division 01 - Pipeline Safety Section › Rule 126.01.14-001 - Arkansas Gas Pipeline Code: Revised 9-25-2014

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 6, June, 2024
ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY OF THE ARKANSAS GAS PIPELINE
				CODE
Docket
Date
Order No.
Subject Matter of Docket/Order
U-2424
01/02/73
--
Adoption of Arkansas Gas Pipeline Code.
U-2683
01/30/76
--
General Revisions to Code.
U-2794
02/24/77
--
General Revisions to Code.
U-2908
02/03/78
--
General Revisions to Code.
U-2999
02/15/79
--
General revision to Code with emphasis on corrosion
						  requirements.
U-3083
03/18/80
2
Adds requirements for qualifying persons and procedures
						  for the joining of plastic pipe.
81-040-U
03/11/81
3
Amends requirements concerning plastic pipe joining and
						  external corrosion control monitoring.
82-059-R
04/16/82
6
Adds Part 190 - Pipeline Safety Enforcement Procedures,
						  and updates industry standards publications.
83-015-R
03/07/83
2
Adds requirements for a Damage Prevention Program, and
						  provides flexibility in scheduling inspections and tests.
84-034-R
07/06/84
4
General Code revisions.
85-086-R
08/21/85
3
Revised Part 191 - Transportation of Natural and Other
						  Gas by Pipeline: Annual Reports and Incident Reports. Also revised the Code
						  format. Complete republication by Order No. 4.
86-169-R
12/15/86
3
Revised definition of operator. Amends provision
						  regarding plastic pipe, welder qualification, preheating, stress relieving,
						  nondestructive testing, bends and elbows.
88-005-R
07/14/88
4
Revised Part 190 to provide for waivers, extensions,
						  response to accident recommendations, and re-numbered paragraphs. Part 192
						  amended for Class locations, MAOP, testing repairs, odorization testing, damage
						  prevention, & R/V calculation.
89-034-R
08/02/89
3
Part 191 amended to include Safety-Related Condition
						  Reports. Part 192 amended for deletion of outdated references, adding
						  requirements for safety-related conditions to be included in O & M plans,
						  testing requirements for tie-in joints.
Added Part 199 - Drug Testing. Establishes an employee
						  drug testing program required of operators subject to Part 192.
90-015-R
03/23/90
3
General revisions with emphasis on updating of
						  Standards & Specifications; class location vs. MAOP; cast/ductile iron,
						  & copper pipe; Part 199 - changes caused by deletion of "Rehabilitation
						  Committee" & its definition; changes in Drug tests required.
91-056-R
06/06/91
3
Care when using tracer wire with plastic pipe, and
						  lubrication requirements for valves.
92-036-R
05/12/92
3
Parts 192 and 199 changed to reflect requirement of
						  operators to amend plans and procedures as necessary for safety. Preface and
						  Part 190 changed to reflect increase in civil penalties.
93-020-R
04/26/93
3
Parts 191 and 192 changed to include certain gathering
						  lines containing 100 ppm or more of hydrogen sulfide. Part 192 further changed
						  by correcting certain discrepancies not previously discovered. Code format
						  revised and complete republication of the Arkansas Gas Pipeline Code.
94-025-R
09/12/94
4
Update of referenced Standards & Specifications;
						  addition of requirement for gas detection in certain compressor station
						  buildings; clarification of leakage survey requirements. Part 199 changes to
						  record keeping, and a new requirement for an annual report on the anti-drug
						  program.
95-116-R
04/27/95
3
Definitions section and Parts 190 and 192 changed to
						  reflect the requirement that certain new and replacement pipelines be designed
						  and constructed to accommodate instrumented internal inspection devices. Part
						  190 changed to clarify the language in the issuance and handling of show cause
						  orders. Part 192 changed to require meters which have been installed indoors to
						  be in a ventilated place and not less than 3 feet from any source of ignition
						  or source of heat which might damage the meter, to require detailed procedures
						  in O & M manuals, that operators review and update their O & M manuals
						  each year, and that operators prepare and follow procedures to safeguard
						  personnel from unsafe accumulations of vapors or gas in excavated trenches.
						  Part 199 reformatted to add Subpart B, Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program.
						  Preface changed to include new title of Part 199. Complete republication of the
						  Arkansas Gas Pipeline Code.
96-181-R
08/20/96
3
Preface and Part 190 changed to reflect increased civil
						  penalties. Part 192 changed to include notification requirement for
						  customer-owned service lines, to extend existing excavation damage prevention
						  requirements for gas pipelines in urban areas to gas pipelines in rural areas,
						  and to require, with limited exceptions, line markers for transmission lines in
						  urban areas. Part 199 changed to allow for the possibility of a reduced random
						  drug testing rate, and to require reporting of information concerning missed
						  tests. Complete republication of the Arkansas Gas Pipeline Code.
97-034-R
04/03/97
3
Preface changed to explain the codification of the
						  Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act. Definition of "petroleum gas" added and
						  definition of "transmission line" revised in the Definitions section. Numerous
						  minor changes to Parts 191 and 192. Addition of performance standards for
						  excess flow valves to Part 192. Appendices A and B to Part 192 updated. Minor
						  revisions to Part 199. Complete republication of the Arkansas Gas Pipeline
						  Code.
99-130-R
08/02/99
3
All Parts changed to include metric equivalents for
						  English measures. Part 192 changed to require that Excess Flow Valves ("EFO")
						  close at 50% or less of the manufacturer's rated closure flow rate while
						  operating at 10 pounds per square inch gauge (p.s.i.g.); removed the
						  requirement to prevent installation of EFO's beneath hard surfaces; require
						  operators to notify customers of the option to install EFO's before the
						  installation or replacement of service lines; require that all operators must
						  participate in a qualified one-call system; added transmission or distribution
						  of gas containing H2S to reflect the exact language in
						  Arkansas Code Annotated
						  23-15-203(3);
						  removed atmospheric corrosion requirements for offshore facilities. Appendix A
						  revised to incorporate certain versions of The American Society for Testing and
						  Materials Standards by reference. Part 199 revised to clarify terms; added
						  requirements for a Substance Abuse Professional ("SAP"). Complete republication
						  of the Arkansas Gas Pipeline Code.
00-312-R
12/11/00
4
Part 190.15 revised to include falsification of
						  paperwork as probable violation. Part 192.17 revised to allow the use of a
						  certified letter for notification of probable violation. New Subpart N -
						  Operator Qualification added. Minor changes to Subpart I and M. Complete
						  republication of the Arkansas Gas Pipeline Code.
04-088-R
8/26/04
3
Adopted Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Amendments
						  192-86A, 192-89, 192-89A, 192-93, 192-95, 199-19 and 199-21.
06-123-R
12/07/06
3
Adopted Federal Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety
						  Administration Amendments 192-94, 192-95 C, 192-96, 192-97, 192-98, 192-99,
						  192-100, 192-101, 192-102, 192-103, 199-20, 49 CFR Part 193 in its entirety,
						  Amendment 193-19, Nomenclature Change amendment regarding the change of the
						  Research and Special Programs Administration into the Pipeline and Hazardous
						  Materials Safety Administration, Act 1048 of the
						  82nd General Assembly of the Arkansas Legislature,
						  and Act 153 of the 83rd General Assembly of the
						  Arkansas Legislature. Complete republication of the Arkansas Gas Pipeline Code.
08-167-R
5/04/9
3
Adopted Federal Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety
						  Administration amendment 192-103A, update of regulatory references to technical
						  standards, amendment regarding design and construction standards to reduce
						  internal corrosion in gas transmission pipelines, 192-104 Integrity Management
						  Program modifications and clarifications, amendment regarding applicability of
						  public awareness regulations to certain gas distribution operators, and
						  amendment regarding administrative procedures, address updates, and technical
						  amendments. Complete republication of the Arkansas Gas Pipeline Code.
11-166-R
6/08/12
5
Adopted Federal Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety
						  Administration (PHMSA) amendments 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 114 and 115 to
						  Part 192. Adopted PHMSA amendments 22 and 23 to Part 193. Adopted PHMSA
						  amendment 21 to Part 191. Complete republication of the Arkansas Gas Pipeline
						  Code.
13-027-R
10/16/13
3
Editorial changes, adopted Private Line definition,
						  added 192.27 Status of Leaks requirement, and added 192.724 Hazardous
						  Facilities requirement.
14-029-R
9/25/14
5
Adopted Federal Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety
						  Administration (PHMSA) amendments to incorporate higher civil penalties and
						  minor re-designation changes. Also incorporated changes from Act 1343 of 2013
						  from the Arkansas General Assembly.
PREFACE
ARKANSAS GAS PIPELINE CODE
On August 12, 1968, the United States Congress passed Public
				Law 90-481, better known as the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968. This
				Act authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to administer this law, develop
				standards and to regulate enforcement of such standards for the design,
				installation, inspection, testing, construction, extension, operation,
				replacement and maintenance of pipeline facilities. Enacted on July 5, 1994,
				Public
				Law 103-272 revised, codified, and enacted the
				provisions of the Act without substantive change as Chapter 601 of Title 49,
				United States Code. Title
				49 U.S.C.
				60105 authorizes a state to regulate these
				minimum standards under certification to the Secretary of Transportation,
				providing certain provisions are met by each state.
On March 15, 1971, the State Legislature of Arkansas enacted
				Act 285 into law. This Act, known as the Arkansas Natural Gas Pipeline Safety
				Act of 1971, authorized the Arkansas Public Service Commission to administer a
				state program pertaining to the design, installation, inspection, testing,
				construction, extension, operation, replacement and maintenance of pipeline
				facilities used to transport natural gas. The Pipeline Safety Office was
				established and tasked with the responsibility of developing and implementing
				this program. Act 285 is far reaching and affects directly or indirectly
				persons who distribute or use natural gas.
As long as natural gas flows through a closed controlled
				system, it remains an efficient, inexpensive and safe servant. However, when it
				escapes from its pipes, gas can turn on man violently and quickly. In passing
				the Arkansas Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, the Arkansas Legislature intended
				to provide laws and standards which assured that these systems would continue
				to be operated in a safe manner and thereby reduce the possibility of gas
				escaping from its closed system. The objective of the pipeline safety program
				within Arkansas is to keep the gas confined to a closed, controlled system.
				This is best accomplished by requiring gas companies, operators of gas systems
				and all persons who install natural gas pipelines to install and maintain them,
				using only authorized materials and procedures and to comply with standards
				designed to ensure continuing quality of operation and maintenance.
These procedures and standards adopted by the Arkansas Public
				Service Commission, as authorized by Act 285, are known as the Arkansas Gas
				Pipeline Code. This Code is a mandatory requirement under state law and
				non-compliance by any person(s) engaging in the transportation of gas or who
				owns or operates pipeline facilities, is subject to a civil penalty, not to
				exceed $100,000 for each violation for each day the violation continues, except
				that the maximum civil penalty may not exceed $1,000,000 for any related series
				of violations. The law also provides authority for the Commission to file suit
				to restrain violations of the Code, including the restraint of transportation
				of gas or the operation of a pipeline facility.
The Arkansas Gas Pipeline Code is comprised of Parts 190,
				Enforcement Procedures; 191, Annual and Incident Reports; 192, Minimum Safety
				Standards; 193, Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities; and 199, Drug and Alcohol
				Testing. The paragraphs in Parts 191, 192, 193, and 199 correspond to the
				paragraph numbers of Parts 191, 192, 193, and 199 of Title 49, Code of Federal
				Regulations, Pipeline Safety Regulations.
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS OF WORDS/PHRASES USED IN THE ARKANSAS GAS PIPELINE
				CODE
Abandoned
means permanently
				removed from service.
Active Corrosion
means continuing
				corrosion that, unless controlled, could result in a condition that is
				detrimental to public safety.
Administrator
means the
				Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration or
				any person to whom authority in the matter concerned has been delegated by the
				U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
Alarm
means an audible or visible
				means of indicating to the controller that equipment or processes are outside
				operator-defined, safety-related parameters.
Business District
means a
				location where gas mains are utilized to serve customers that are predominately
				commercial in nature, and where the street and/or sidewalk paving generally
				extends from the centerline of a thoroughfare to the established building line
				on either side.
Change
to a segment of pipeline
				means a physical change in the pipeline or significant changes in operating
				pressure.
Commission
means Arkansas Public
				Service Commission or any person whom the Commission has delegated authority in
				the matter concerned.
Control Room
means an operations
				center staffed by personnel charged with the responsibility for remotely
				monitoring and controlling a pipeline facility.
Controller
means a qualified
				individual who remotely monitors and controls the safety-related operations of
				a pipeline facility via a SCADA system from a control room, and who has
				operational authority and accountability for the remote operational functions
				of the pipeline facility.
Customer Meter
means the meter
				that measures the transfer of gas from an operator to a consumer.
Distribution Line
means a
				pipeline other than a gathering or transmission line.
Electrical Survey
means a series
				of closely spaced pipe-to-soil readings over pipelines which are subsequently
				analyzed to identify locations where a corrosive current is leaving the
				pipeline.
Gas
means natural, manufactured,
				liquefied natural, flammable gas or gas which is toxic or corrosive.
Gathering Line
means a pipeline
				that transports gas from a current production facility to a transmission line
				or main.
High Pressure Distribution System
means a distribution system in which the gas pressure in the main is higher
				than the pressure provided to the customer.
Key Valves
means shut off valves
				in a distribution system or transmission line which may be necessary to isolate
				segments of a system or line for emergency purposes.
Line Section
means a continuous
				run of transmission line between adjacent compressor stations, between a
				compressor station and storage facilities, between a compressor station and a
				block valve, or between adjacent block valves.
Listed Specification
means a
				specification listed in Section I of Appendix B to Part 192.
Low-Pressure Distribution System
means a distribution system in which the gas pressure in the main is
				substantially the same as the pressure provided to the customer.
Main
means a distribution line
				that serves as a common source of supply for more than one service line.
Master Meter System
means a
				pipeline system for distributing gas within, but not limited to, a definable
				area, such as a mobile home park, housing project, or apartment complex, where
				the operator purchases metered gas from an outside source for resale through a
				gas distribution pipeline system. The gas distribution pipeline system supplies
				the ultimate consumer who either purchases the gas directly through a meter or
				by other means, such as rents.
Maximum Actual Operating Pressure
means the maximum pressure that occurs during normal operations over a period
				of one year.
Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure
				(MAOP)
means the maximum pressure at which a pipeline or
				segment of a pipeline may be operated under this code.
Mobile Home Park
means two or
				more mobile homes located on a contiguous tract of land.
Municipality
means a city, county
				or any other political subdivision of the State of Arkansas.
Operator
means a person
				who:
(1) Engages in the transportation
			 of gas; or
(2) Operates a
			 distribution system within a mobile home park, public housing authority, or
			 multiple building complex. The system is not owned, nor the responsibility of a
			 public or municipal utility, and is used to transport gas from a master meter
			 or a public/municipal utility main to consumers who may or may not be metered.
			 Gas is not consumed solely by the owner/operator.
Person
means an individual, firm,
				joint venture, partnership, corporation, association, State, municipality,
				cooperative association, or joint stock association, and includes any trustee,
				receiver, assignee, or personal representative thereof.
Petroleum Gas
means propane,
				propylene, butane (normal butane or isobutanes), and butylene (including
				isomers), or mixtures composed predominantly of these gases, having a vapor
				pressure not exceeding 208 p.s.i.g. (1434 kPa) gage at 100°F
				(38°C).
Petroleum Refinery
means an
				industrial or manufacturing facility or plant primarily engaged in producing
				gasoline, kerosene, distillate fuel oils, residual fuel oils, lubricants or
				other products through the processing of petroleum crude oil that is subject
				to:
(A) The federal Environmental
			 Protection Agency Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources set forth
			 in Subpart GGG of 40 CFR Part 60 or successor regulations;
(B) The federal
Environmental
Protection Agency Chemical Accident Prevention
			 Provisions set forth in Subparts, A, B, D, E, F, G, and H of 40 CFR Part 68 or
			 successor
regulations
; and
(C) The federal Occupational Safety and
			 Health Administration Regulations governing process safety management of highly
			 hazardous chemicals set forth in
			 29 CFR
			 §
										1910.119 or successor regulations;
Pipe
means any pipe or tubing
				used in the transportation of gas, including pipe-type holders.
Pipeline or Pipeline System
means
				all parts of those physical facilities through which gas moves in
				transportation, including, but not limited to, pipe, valves and other
				appurtenances attached to pipe, compressor units, metering stations, regulator
				stations, delivery stations, holders, and fabricated assemblies.
Pipeline Environment
includes
				soil resistivity (high or low), soil moisture (wet or dry), soil contaminants
				that may promote corrosive activity, and other known conditions that could
				affect the probability of active corrosion.
Pipeline Facilities
includes
				without limitation, new and existing pipe, pipe rights-of-way, and any
				equipment, facility or building used in the transportation of gas or the
				treatment of gas during the course of transportation of gas.
Production Facilities
includes
				without limitation, piping or equipment used in the production, extraction,
				recovery, lifting, stabilization, separation or treatment of natural gas or
				associated storage or measurement from the wellhead to a meter where the gas is
				transferred to a custodian other than the well operator for gathering or
				transport, commonly known as a 'custodial transfer meter'.
Production Process
means the
				extraction of gas from the geological source of supply to the surface of the
				earth, thence through the lines and equipment used to treat, compress and
				measure the gas between the wellhead and the meter where it is either sold or
				delivered to a custodian other than
the well operator
for
				gathering and transport to a place of sale, sometimes called 'custodial
				transfer meter'.
Service Line
means a distribution
				line that transports gas from a common source of supply to an individual
				customer, to two adjacent or adjoining residential or small commercial
				customers, or to multiple residential or small commercial customers served
				through a meter header or manifold. A service line ends at the outlet of the
				customer meter or at the connection to a customer's piping, whichever is
				further downstream, or at the connection to customer piping if there is no
				meter.
Service Regulator
means the
				device on a service line that controls the pressure of gas delivered from a
				higher pressure to the pressure provided to the customer. A service regulator
				may serve one customer or multiple customers through a meter header or
				manifold.
SMYS
means specified minimum
				yield strength, and is: