[Docket No. PHMSA 2011-0009]
On July 15, 2015 PHMSA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) concerning the use of excess flow valves (EFVs). The proposed rule will expand the requirement for installation of excess flow valves to include installation in new or replaced branched service lines servicing SFRs, multi-family residences, and small commercial entities consuming gas volumes not exceeding 1,000 Standard Cubic Feet per Hour (SCFH). The regulation also provides a means for customers to request installation of an EFV on service lines that are not being newly installed or replaced. PHMSA is proposing to delegate the decision on who is responsible for paying for these additional valves to the operator, customer and state administrators. The proposed rule would also require the installation of manual service shut-off valves in service lines where the meter capacity exceeds 1,000 SCFH.
These changes are being proposed by updating the introductory text to 49 CFR 192.381 and rewriting 192.383 for EFV Installation. The requirements concerning manual service line shut-off valve installation are located in a proposed new section 49 CFR 192.385.
The regulation defines a manual service shut-off valve as a curb valve or other manually operated valve located near the service main or a common source of supply that is accessible to first responders and operator personnel to manually shut off gas flow to the service line in the event of an emergency.
You may submit comments by September 14, 2015 via the regulations.gov website and identified by Docket number PHMSA-2011-0009.
For a copy of this NPRM contact Jessica Foley.