PSC 135.457 External corrosion control: buried or submerged pipelines installed before August 1, 1971 addition [49 CFR 192.457]. After 49 CFR 192.457(c) 192.457 (b), insert: (dw) (cw) Notwithstanding the provisions of 49 CFR 192.457(b) regarding active corrosion, effectively coated steel distribution pipelines, except for those portions including services and short sections that because of their nature and installation make cathodic protection impractical and uneconomical, shall be cathodically protected along the entire area that is effectively coated in accordance with this subpart. Section 9. PSC 135.505 is amended to read:
PSC 135.505 Strength test requirements for steel pipeline to operate at a hoop stress of 30 percent or more of SMYS addition [49 CFR 192.505]. After 49 CFR 192.505(e) 192.505 (d), insert: (fw) (ew) Except in freezing weather or when water is not available, pipelines or mains larger than 6 inches in diameter, installed in class locations 1, 2, or 3, shall be hydrostatically tested in place to at least 90% of the specified minimum yield strength.
Section 10. PSC 135.614 is amended to read:
(dw) (fw) All operators of natural gas pipelines shall be a member of a single, state-wide one-call system. If there is more than one state-wide one-call system, the public service commission may determine which system the operators will join.
Section 11. PSC 135.621 (1) is amended to read:
PSC 135.621 Maximum allowable operating pressure: high-pressure distribution system additions [49 CFR 192.621]. (3w) No person may operate a segment of a cast iron pipe in which there are unreinforced bell and spigot joints at a pressure higher than low pressure unless it can be proven to the commission that they can be operated at a higher pressure. However, the maximum allowable operating pressure under any circumstances shall not exceed 15 p.s.i.g. Except for maintenance of existing mains, no new cast iron may be installed after November 1, 1999.
Section 12. PSC 135.713 is amended to read:
PSC 135.713 Transmission lines: permanent field repair of imperfections and damages addition [49 CFR 192.713]. After 49 CFR 192.713(a)(3) 192.713 (a) (2), insert: (4w) (3w) Gouges and grooves of lesser depth than 10% of the nominal wall thickness of the pipe may be removed by grinding out to a smooth contour provided the grinding does not reduce the remaining wall thickness to less than the minimum prescribed by 49 CFR 192 for the conditions of use. Section 13. PSC 135.720 is renumbered PSC 135.714 and amended to read:
192.720w 192.714w Repair of Steel Pipe Operating below 40 Percent of the Specified Minimum Yield Strength. If inspections at any time reveal an injurious defect, gouge, groove, dent, or leak, immediate temporary measures shall be employed to protect the property and public if it is not feasible to make permanent repair at time of discovery. As soon as feasible, permanent repairs shall be made using recognized methods of repair.
Section 14. PSC 135.723 is amended to read:
(cw) Every operator shall maintain a gas leak-detection program and shall maintain records of operation under the program. The program shall consist of not less than the following:
(1) In addition to 49 CFR 192.723 (b) (1), an additional a second leakage survey with a leak detection device shall be conducted over street openings in business districts, as shown by maps filed with the public service commission by each utility, at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year and but not more [less] than within 4 ½ months before or after of the survey required under 49 CFR 192.723 (b) (1). (2) In each business district, a building survey shall be conducted at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year. The piping from the service entrance to the meter outlet and metering and regulating equipment shall be tested for gas leakage in those buildings that have gas service.
(3) A survey of all buildings used for public gatherings, such as schools, churches, hospitals, and theaters, shall be conducted at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year. The piping from the service entrance to the meter outlet and metering and regulating equipment shall be tested for gas leakage.
(4) In incorporated cities and villages, in addition to a survey of public buildings, the operator shall conduct a leak survey of all mains using a continuous-sampling instrument capable of detecting and measuring combustible gas in air concentrations of 100 parts per million. The utility may substitute for the test required by this provision a survey by mobile flame ionization or infrared gas detection units. The tests required by this provision shall be made at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year.
(5) Along all mains in unincorporated areas, a leakage survey with leak detection equipment shall be conducted at least once every 2 calendar years at intervals not exceeding 27 months.
(6) A leakage survey of all services conducted with an acceptable leak detection device shall be made at least once every 5 calendar years at intervals not exceeding five years 63 months.
(7) When a leak complaint is received and the odor of gas indicates that there is a leak in or near the premises, a search shall be carried to conclusion until the leak is found.
Section 15. PSC 135.727 is amended to read:
(gw) (hw) Special efforts shall be made to include services which have not been used for ten years in a way that will remove gas from the customers' premises. The plan shall include all of the following provisions:
(1) If the facilities are abandoned in place, they shall be physically disconnected from the main at the service tee. The open ends of all abandoned facilities shall be capped, plugged, or otherwise effectively sealed.
(2) In cases where a main is abandoned, together with the service lines connected to it, insofar as service lines are concerned, only the customers' end of such service lines need be sealed.
(3) Until the time a service is abandoned, it shall be treated as active for purposes of applying the regulations of 49 CFR 192. If a service line is not treated as an active line, it shall be physically disconnected at the main and purged, no later than 2 years after becoming inactive. Section 16. PSC 135.747 is amended to read:
(aw) (1w) Inspection shall include checking of alignment to permit use of a key or wrench and clearing from the valve box or vault any debris which would interfere or delay the operation of the valve. Records shall be maintained to show specific valve location and such records shall be made continuously accessible to authorized personnel for use under emergency conditions.
(bw) (2w) Existing connections in the form of inline valves between low pressure gas distribution systems and high pressure gas distribution systems shall be physically severed by January 1, 1974.
(cw) (3w) The by-pass valves in district regulator stations supplying gas to a low pressure distribution system shall be sealed, locked or otherwise be rendered incapable of operation, except by authorized personnel.
Section 17. PSC 135.753 is repealed.
Section 18. Effective Date. This rule takes effect on the first day of the month following publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register as provided in s. 227.22 (2) (intro.), Stats. (END OF TEXT OF RULE)
