[Federal Register: June 5, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 109)]
[Notices]               
[Page 32077-32078]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05jn08-116]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

[Docket ID PHMSA-RSPA-2004-19854]

 
Pipeline Safety: Installation of Excess Flow Valves into Gas 
Service Lines

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Notice; Issuance of Advisory Bulletin.

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SUMMARY: This document advises operators of gas distribution pipeline 
systems of a statutory requirement for installation of excess flow 
valves in certain gas service lines.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Israni by phone at (202) 366-4571 
or by e-mail at mike.israni@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement, and Safety 
(PIPES) Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-468) addresses the installation of 
excess flow valves (EFV) in certain gas service lines. An EFV is a 
safety device that can terminate flow of gas through a pipeline when 
the flow rate exceeds its design level, such as when the pipe ruptures 
or is broken (e.g., by excavation damage) downstream of the valve. A 
service line is a small-diameter pipeline that carries gas from a 
distribution main (often located below city streets) to individual 
residences and businesses where gas is used. Thus, EFVs can protect 
individual gas customer properties from the consequences of a break in 
the service line associated with their property.
    Section 9 of the PIPES Act directs PHMSA to require operators of 
natural gas distribution systems to install EFVs in selected service 
lines that are installed or entirely replaced after June 1, 2008. The 
requirement applies to those service lines that operate continuously 
throughout the year at a pressure not less than 10 pounds per square 
inch (psi), that are not connected to a gas stream with respect to 
which the operator has had prior experience of contaminants that could 
interfere with operation of an EFV, where the installation of an EFV is 
not likely to result in a loss of service or interference with required 
maintenance actions, and where a valve of appropriate size and 
performance is commercially available. The PIPES Act directs PHMSA to 
include this requirement in a regulation requiring that distribution 
pipeline system operators establish integrity management programs.
    PHMSA is still working on its proposed regulation addressing 
distribution integrity management programs (DIMP). That regulation is 
complex and has taken longer than anticipated to develop. As a result, 
the regulation will not be in place before the June 1, 2008, deadline 
specified in the Act for installation of EFVs on the affected service 
lines. Nevertheless, gas distribution pipeline operators should be 
aware of the statutory requirement and are encouraged to install EFVs 
on service lines that are newly installed or completely replaced after 
June 1, 2008, and that meet the criteria specified in the PIPES Act.

II. Advisory Bulletin (ADB-08-04)

    To: Operators of Gas Distribution Pipelines.
    Subject: Installation of Excess Flow Valves into Gas Service Lines.
    Purpose: To advise gas distribution pipeline operators of a 
statutory requirement to install excess flow valves in selected gas 
service lines.
    Advisory: The Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement, and 
Safety (PIPES) Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-468) mandates that PHMSA 
require operators of natural gas distribution systems to install excess 
flow valves (EFV) on certain gas service lines. The statute directs 
that installation of EFVs will be required on single family residence 
service lines:
     That are installed or entirely replaced after June 1, 
2008;
     That operate continuously throughout the year at a 
pressure not less than 10 psi gauge;
     That are not connected to a gas stream with respect to 
which the operator has had prior experience with contaminants the 
presence of which could interfere with the operation of an EFV, and
     For which an excess flow valve meeting the performance 
standards of 49 CFR 192.381 is commercially available.
    The PIPES Act directs the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
Administration (PHMSA) to include this requirement in a regulation 
addressing distribution integrity management programs (DIMP). PHMSA is 
working on its DIMP regulation and expects a proposed rule to be 
published shortly. PHMSA intends to analyze public comments and prepare 
a final rule in an

[[Page 32078]]

expeditious manner. It is apparent, however, that the final rule cannot 
be in place before the June 1, 2008, deadline for EFV installation that 
is in the Act.
    PHMSA encourages all gas distribution pipeline operators to take 
actions to ensure that EFVs are installed on the appropriate service 
lines that are installed or completely replaced after June 1, 2008.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 30, 2008.
William H. Gute,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. E8-12566 Filed 6-4-08; 8:45 am]

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