[Number 16 NYCRR 255 – Gas Safety Regulations]
The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) is required to adopt federal pipeline safety standards [pursuant to 49 USC § 60105(b)(2)]. The PSC has two years from the date of adoption by PHMSA to adopt any new rules. This gas safety rulemaking is being proposed to bring sections of Title 16 NYCRR related to pipeline safety into conformance with the minimum Federal regulations related to pipeline safety adopted in 2016.
The proposed changes to Title 16 NYCRR Part 255, Transmission and Distribution of Gas (Part 255), are intended to bring this part into conformance with recent amendments to 49 CFR 192. In addition, clarification was needed to correct one internal inconsistency created when the definition of gas service line was changed in 2015. A second clarification was needed to avoid gas company confusion in complying with the rules.
The federally-mandated sections being adopted require gas companies to offer more customers Excess Flow Valves, or to install manual shut-off valves. The rules will require companies to notify the Department of Public Service of company intent to convert from a non-jurisdictional fuel to gas or petroleum service 60 days before the conversion occurs. Operator welders would be required to complete a weld to gain welding certification. The new rules clarify who in a gas company Control Room must be trained in abnormal or emergency conditions and adds the requirement that pressure-regulating devices be inspected every three years and set operating standards for such devices.
The final technical change is an exemption for certain gas piping systems from the requirement to have a Distribution Integrity Management Plan. The two grammatical changes clarify what gas companies need to inspect when performing their required “gas service line” inspections and to correct an error in subdivision numbering in 16 NYCRR § 255.726.
Public comment will be received until 60 days after publication of this notice (July 3, 2018). Any relevant data, views or arguments may be submitted to: Kathleen H. Burgess, Secretary, Public Service Commission, 3 Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350, (518) 474-6530, email: secretary@dps.ny.gov.
Text of the proposed rule and any required statements and analyses may be obtained by filing a Document Request Form (F-96). Contact: John Pitucci, Public Service Commission, 3 Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350, (518) 486-2655, email: John.Pitucci@dps.ny.gov.