807 Ky. Admin. Regs. 5:027

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 5, November 1, 2024

Section 807 KAR 5:027 - Gas pipeline safety; reports of leaks; drug testing

RELATES TO: KRS Chapter 278, 49 C.F.R. Parts 191, 192, 199, 49 U.S.C. 1671

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 278.040(3) authorizes the Public Service Commission to adopt reasonable administrative regulations to implement the provisions of KRS Chapter 278 and to investigate methods and practices of utilities subject to commission jurisdiction. KRS 278.230(3) requires utilities to file any reports reasonably required by the commission. KRS 278.495 authorizes the commission to promulgate administrative regulations consistent with federal pipeline safety laws. This administrative regulation establishes rules that apply to gas pipeline safety, reports of leaks, and drug testing by operators of natural gas facilities.

Section 1. Definition.

(1) "Operator" means any utility, county, or city that is subject to the Commission's jurisdiction under KRS 278.495(2).

Section 2. Gas Pipeline Safety. Each operator shall comply with the minimum federal safety requirements for pipeline facilities set forth in 49 C.F.R. Part 192 .

Section 3. Reports. Each operator who files an incident notice or report, a safety-related condition report, or an annual report with the United States Department of Transportation ("USDOT") pursuant to 49 C.F.R. Part 191 shall concurrently file this report with the Commission by electronic mail to Pipeline.Safety@ky.gov.

Section 4. Drug and Alcohol Testing. Each operator shall comply with 49 C.F.R. Part 199 .

Section 5. Odorization of Gas. Each Operator shall conduct sampling of combustible gases to assure proper concentrations of odorant in accordance with this section.

(1) The operator shall sample gases in each separately odorized system at approximate furthest point from injection of odorant or sampling point(s) identified by engineering studies.

(2) Sampling shall be conducted with equipment designed to detect and verify proper level of odorant.

(3) Separately odorized systems with ten (10) or fewer customers shall be sampled for proper odorant level at least once each ninety-five (95) days.

(4) Separately odorized systems with more than ten (10) customers shall be sampled for proper odorant level at least once every thirty (30) days.

Section 6. Inspection prior to service connection. Each operator shall perform a leak test on all piping downstream from the meter for gas leaks, each time gas is turned on, by performing a dial check or pressure test in accordance with accepted industry practices when all appliances are turned off. The operator shall refuse to turn on gas until all gas leaks so disclosed have been properly repaired.

807 KAR 5:027

9 Ky.R. 755; 920; eff. 1-6-1983; 16 Ky.R. 2042; eff. 5-13-1990; 44 Ky.R. 1702; 2212; eff. 5-4-2018; Crt eff. 3-27-2019.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 278.040(3), 278.230(3), 278.495