GUD Docket No. 9997
The Texas Railroad Commission (TRRC) authorized a proposed new rule §8.209 to be published for a 30-day public comment period to address mandatory replacement of steel service lines and other facilities in natural gas distribution systems. Highlights of the proposed new rule include:
- Proposed new subsection (a) states that, effective January 1, 2011, the new section applies to each operator of a gas distribution system that is subject to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 192. The 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. Each operator’s risk-based program will be developed in conjunction with the recently adopted PHMSA regulations regarding integrity management for distribution operators. Operators will use the risk-based program to manage any risks identified through the risk-based analysis by developing a replacement program to remove those integrity related risks from the pipeline systems.
- Proposed new subsection (b) requires that each operator use welding or fusing to make all belowground joints wherever practical. Where joints involving polyethylene pipe are made by mechanical means, the joints must meet the requirements of ASTM D2513 and be designated as a Category 1 type joint. Non-welded joints on steel pipe must comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 192.273
- Proposed new subsection (c) directs that no later than March 1, 2011, each operator must establish and submit to the Pipeline Safety Division for review and approval the operator’s written procedures for implementing the requirements of this section. Each operator must develop a risk-based program that determines the relative risks and probable consequences associated with the operation of each pipeline system or segment.
- Proposed new subsection (d) requires each operator to use data collected under its distribution integrity management plan (DIMP) and PS-95 to determine the potential relative risks associated with each of the operator’s distribution systems by identifying pipeline segments or facilities for replacement.
- Proposed new subsection (f) applies to operators that determine under subsection (c) that steel service lines are the greatest risk, and requires such operators to use a prescriptive model under subsection (g) for steel service line replacement.
- Proposed new subsection (g) applies to operators that determine under subsection (c) that steel service lines are the greatest risk. Subsection (g) provides that for those steel service lines that must remain in service, 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.
- For Priority 1 segments, an operator must complete the removal or replacement of steel service lines by June 30, 2013, and for Priority 2 segments, an operator must remove or replace no less than 10% of the original inventory per year. For Priority 3 segments, an operator is not required to remove or replace any steel service lines; however, upon discovery of a leak on a steel service line, that line must be replaced rather than repaired, except where steel is the continued service line material.
The proposal should be published in the September 10, 2010, issue of the Texas Register. Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Rules Coordinator, Office of General Counsel, Railroad Commission of Texas, PO Box 12967, Austin, Texas 78711-2967; online; or by electronic mail.
TRRC will accept comments until noon (12:00 p.m.) on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, which is 31 days after publication in the Texas Register; comments should refer to GUD Docket No. 9997. For further information, call David Flores at (512) 463-7058. The status of TRRC rulemakings in progress is available at www.rrc.state.tx.us/rules/proposed.php. For a copy of the proposed new Chapter 8.209, contact Jessica Roger.