16 TAC Chapter 8 – Pipeline Safety Regulations

As a reminder, The Texas Railroad Commission (TRRC) adopted new §8.206, “Risk-Based Leak Survey Program” effective September 1, 2008, for operators of gas distribution pipeline systems. The adopted rules require Texas gas distribution companies to establish a risk-based schedule of increased leak inspections; standardize leak grading and repair time frames (§8.207); and the mandatory removal and replacement program of leaks identified on compression couplings that join both steel and plastic pipe (§8.208). Please reference RCP's newsletter article on the proposed rule in the July 2008 edition of DOT Pipeline Compliance News.

Beginning November 1, 2008, and every six months thereafter until all compression couplings on the operator's system subject to §8.208(f) have been removed and replaced, each operator shall file with the division a progress report showing the number of service riser installations checked, the condition of the coupling, and the total number of compression couplings replaced for that reporting period.

For more information, or a copy of the new rule, contact Jessica Roger.

Leak Management Tracking System

RCP has developed a leak management system that tracks all leaks through their life span and will allow for the reports required by the TRRC to be easily generated and uploaded into the TRRC Electronic Document Interchange process. It is a web-based application that can be customized so that field personnel can interface through laptops or hand-held devices. Because it is web-based, there are no IT issues to struggle through to get started. Simple to use, easy to access, and can be customized with GIS integration tools, etc. For more information Click here to contact Jessica Roger.