Code of Massachusetts Regulations
220 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
Title 220 CMR 113.00 - Operation, Maintenance, Replacement, and Abandonment of Cast Iron Pipelines
Section 113.05 - Replacement and Abandonment Program and Procedures

Universal Citation: 220 MA Code of Regs 220.113

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

(1) Each operator of buried cast-iron pipelines shall develop and implement, in accordance with 220 CMR 113.05, a written, comprehensive program and procedures regarding the replacement and abandonment of cast-iron pipelines. The program and procedures shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) categorizing pipe by size and age;

(b) determining the methodology for selecting and prioritizing pipeline segments for replacement or abandonment; and

(c) replacing or abandoning within ten years of April 12, 1991, all cast-iron pipe with a nominal diameter of eight inches or less that is known, or has been determined, to have been installed before the year 1860.

(2) Each operator, to meet the requirements of 220 CMR 113.05(1)(b), shall consider, but not be limited by, the following criteria. In considering these criteria, each operator shall give reasonable regard to incorporating each criterion into the operator's program and procedures required by 220 CMR 113.05(1)(b). If any criterion is not included in the program and procedures, the operator shall make a detailed explanation of the consideration given the excluded criterion and the reason for the exclusion.

(a) mechanical properties of the pipe, including the extent that graphitic corrosion (graphitization) has occurred and affected those properties;

(b) chemical properties and corrosiveness of the soil in which the pipe is buried;

(c) external loads to which the pipe is subjected;

(d) operating pressure of the pipe;

(e) location and/or depth of the pipe;

(f) leak history of pipe segments;

(g) repair and maintenance history of pipe segments;

(h) the probability and consequences of pipe rupture and gas leakage;

(i) the existence of redundant gas mains in a street;

(j) repavement or reconstruction of streets in which pipelines are buried;

(k) capacity of a pipeline to meet gas supply requirements; and

(l) any known abnormal condition to which a pipe segment has been, or will be, subjected.

(3) Each operator shall establish a written time schedule for replacement or abandonment of cast-iron pipe. The schedule may be updated at any time during each year by the operator and shall include, as practicable, the size, length and location of pipe segments to be replaced or abandoned for each of the next three consecutive calendar years.

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