Texas Administrative Code
Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION
Part 1 - RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS
Chapter 8 - PIPELINE SAFETY REGULATIONS
Subchapter C - REQUIREMENTS FOR NATURAL GAS PIPELINES ONLY
Section 8.209 - Distribution Facilities Replacements
Current through Reg. 49, No. 12; March 22, 2024
(a) This section applies to each operator of a gas distribution system that is subject to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 192. This section prescribes the minimum requirements by which all operators will develop and implement a risk-based program for the removal or replacement of distribution facilities, including steel service lines, in such gas distribution systems. The risk-based program will work in conjunction with the Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) using scheduled replacements to manage identified risks associated with the integrity of distribution facilities.
(b) Each operator must make joints on below-ground piping that meets the following requirements:
(c) Each operator must establish written procedures for implementing the requirements of this section. Each operator must develop a risk-based program to determine the relative risks and their associated consequences within each pipeline system or segment. Each operator that determines that steel service lines are the greatest risk must conduct the steel service line leak repair analysis set forth in subsection (d) of this section and use the prescriptive model in subsection (f) of this section for the replacement of those steel service lines.
(d) In developing its risk-based program, each operator must develop a risk analysis using data collected under its DIMP and the data submitted on the PS-95 to determine the risks associated with each of the operator's distribution systems and establish its own risk ranking for pipeline segments and facilities to determine a prioritized schedule for service line or facility replacement. The operator must support the analysis with data, collected to validate system integrity, that allow for the identification of segments or facilities within the system that have the highest relative risk ranking or consequence in the event of a failure. The operator must identify in its risk-based program the distribution piping, by segment, that poses the greatest risk to the operation of the system. In addition, each operator that determines that steel service lines are the greatest risk must conduct a steel service line leak repair analysis to determine the leak repair rate for steel service lines. The leak repair rate for below-ground steel service lines is determined by dividing the annualized number of below-ground leaks repaired on steel service lines (excluding third-party leaks and leaks on steel service lines removed or replaced under this section) by the total number of steel service lines as reported on PHMSA Form F 7100.1-1, the Gas Distribution System Annual Report. Each operator that determines that steel service lines are the greatest risk must conduct the steel service line leak repair analysis using the most recent three calendar years of data reported to the Commission on Form PS-95.
(e) Each operator must create a risk model that will identify by segment those lines that pose the highest risk ranking or consequence of failure. The determination of risk is based on the degree of hazard associated with the risk factors assigned to the pipeline segments or facilities within each of the operator's distribution systems. The priority of service line or facility replacement is determined by classifying each pipeline segment or facility based on its degree of hazard associated with each risk factor. Each operator must establish its own risk ranking for pipeline segments or facilities to determine the priority for necessary service line or facility replacements. Each operator should include the following factors in developing its risk analysis:
(f) This subsection applies to operators that determine under subsection (c) of this section that steel service lines are the greatest risk. Based on the results of the steel service line leak repair analysis under subsection (d) of this section, each operator must categorize each segment and complete the removal and replacement of steel service lines by segment according to the risk ranking established pursuant to subsection (e) of this section as follows:
(g) For those steel service lines that must remain in service because of specific operational conditions or requirements, each operator must determine if an integrity risk exists on the segment, and if so, must replace the segment with steel as part of the integrity management plan.
(h) All replacement programs require a minimum annual replacement of 8% of the pipeline segments or facilities posing the greatest risk in the system and identified for replacement pursuant to this section. Each operator with steel service lines subject to subsection (f) of this section must establish a schedule for the replacement of steel service lines or other distribution facilities according to the risk ranking established as part of the operator's risk-based program and must submit the schedule to the Division for review and approval or amendment under subsection (c) of this section.
(i) In conjunction with the filing of the pipeline safety and regulatory program fee pursuant to § RSA 8.201 of this title (relating to Pipeline Safety and Regulatory Program Fees) and no later than March 15 of each year, each operator must file with the Division:
(j) Each operator of a gas distribution system that is subject to the requirements of § RSA 7.310 of this title (relating to System of Accounts) may use the provisions of this subsection to account for the investment and expense incurred by the operator to comply with the requirements of this section.
(k) A distribution gas pipeline facility operator shall not install as a part of the operator's underground system a cast iron, wrought iron, or bare steel pipeline. A distribution gas pipeline facility operator shall replace any known cast iron pipelines installed as part of the operator's underground system not later than December 31, 2021.