Current through all regulations passed and filed through September 16, 2024
(A)
Each operator
shall maintain all records necessary to ensure compliance with applicable
sections of the pipeline safety code, and keep such records readily available
for inspection by the commission, its staff, or its authorized
representative(s).
(1)
Unless otherwise provided by this chapter, each
operator shall retain records for three years to show compliance with the
requirements of the Pipeline Safety Code.
(2)
Each operator
shall retain records of each leak survey, as required by 49 C.F.R.
192.723 as effective on the date
referenced in paragraph (D) of rule
4901:1-16-02 of the
Administrative Code, for five years.
(B)
Except for an
operator of a master meter system, each operator shall establish and maintain
maps of the operator's service area which identify the operator's intrastate
gas pipeline facilities, excluding service lines as defined in
49 C.F.R.
192.3 as effective on the date referenced in
paragraph (D) of rule
4901:1-16-02 of the
Administrative Code.
(C)
Each operator shall permit the commission, its staff,
and authorized representative(s) to: enter its intrastate gas pipeline
facilities; and to inspect, and copy records and maps, which the commission,
its staff, or its authorized representative(s) may require to administer and
enforce the pipeline safety code
(D)
Each operator
shall investigate and classify all leak indications to determine the location,
extent, and potential hazard of migrating gas utilizing leak detection
equipment. As used in this rule, leak detection equipment means any device
capable of detecting and measuring the concentration of natural gas in the
atmosphere. The operator shall classify all hazardous leaks immediately and
classify all other leaks within two business days of discovery. Leaks are
classified as follows:
(1)
A grade-one classification represents an indication of
leakage presenting an existing or probable hazard to persons or property, and
requires immediate repair or continuous action until the conditions are no
longer hazardous.
(2)
A grade-two classification represents an indication of
leakage recognized as being nonhazardous at the time of detection, but requires
scheduled repair based upon the severity and/or location of the
leak.
(3)
A grade-three classification represents an indication
of leakage recognized as being nonhazardous at the time of detection and can be
reasonably expected to remain nonhazardous.
(E)
Upon discovery of
the corresponding leak(s) from above, each operator shall take the following
actions:
(1)
Take continuous action on leaks classified as grade one to
protect life and property until the condition is no longer hazardous.
Continuous action is defined as having personnel at the scene of the leak with
leak detection equipment attempting to locate the source of the leak and taking
action to prevent migration into structures, sewers, etc.
Leaks classified as grade one may be
reclassified by performing a physical action to the pipeline (clamp,
replacement, tape wrap, etc.) or pipeline facility. Venting, holes, aerators,
or soil purging of a leak are not considered physical actions to the
pipeline.
All below grade hazardous leaks
repaired or reclassified, other than by the replacement of the affected section
of pipe, must be reevaluated after allowing the soil to vent and stabilize but
not more than thirty calendar days after such physical action.
(2)
Repair
or clear leaks classified as grade two no later than fifteen months from the
date the leak is discovered, unless the pipeline containing the leak is
replaced within twenty-four months from the date the leak is discovered. If a
replacement project that will clear a leak classified as grade two is cancelled
after the fifteenth month after classification of the leak(s), the associated
leak(s) must be cleared within forty-five days of the cancellation of the
project, not to exceed twenty-four months from the date of the leak
classification. Leaks classified as grade two shall be reevaluated at least
once every six months until cleared.
(3)
Reevaluate leaks
classified as grade three during the next scheduled survey or within fifteen
months from the date of the last inspection, whichever is sooner, and continue
to reevaluate such leaks on that same frequency until there is no longer any
indication of leakage, the leak is reclassified, or the pipeline is
replaced.
(F)
Each operator shall establish a program to identify and
replace, as necessary, its cast iron distribution pipeline system based on past
operation, maintenance and leak history of the pipeline.
(G)
Beginning
twenty-four months after the effective date of this rule, each operator will
have a plan for tracking and abandoning inactive service lines and will have a
copy of its plan available for inspection. The plan will include the
following:
(1)
A
service line is considered inactive and ready for abandonment when gas has not
been billed to any customers served by the line for a period of thirty-six
months.
(2)
Beginning forty-eight months after the effective date
of this rule, inactive service lines will be abandoned within twelve months of
becoming inactive unless the operator determines there is a reasonable prospect
for future use.
(3)
Until a service line is abandoned the service line will
be treated as active for the purpose of applying the requirements of the
pipeline safety code.
(4)
Unrecorded inactive service lines discovered in the
course of leakage surveillance, construction, maintenance or inspection of
facilities will be abandoned as soon as practicable but no later than twelve
months after discovery. Unrecorded inactive service lines that are not
abandoned upon discovery will also be fully located and leak surveyed within
ten days of discovery and incorporated into maps of the operator's service area
until they are properly abandoned.
Replaces: 4901:1-16-04
