N.J. Admin. Code § 14:7-1.9

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 12, June 17, 2024

Section 14:7-1.9 - Distribution system valve requirements and emergency response drills

(a) Each operator of a distribution pipeline installed after March 2, 2009, shall ensure that the pipeline contains sectionalizing valves in sufficient numbers and spacing to adequately facilitate the safe and reliable operation of the distribution system under both normal and emergency operating conditions in accordance with this chapter and 49 CFR 192.181.

(b) In determining the number and spacing of sectionalizing valves, each operator shall consider the following:

1. The operating pressure of the distribution system;

2. The diameter of the pipeline to be installed;

3. The volume of gas that could be released to the atmosphere;

4. The accessibility of the valve locations;

5. The response time and shutdown capabilities of the operator; and

6. The number of customers that will be affected by an emergency shutdown.

(c) Each distribution pipeline operator shall evaluate the number and spacing of all sectionalizing valves installed after March 2, 2009. The operator shall apply the considerations in (b) above, and shall determine whether the number and spacing of its valves meets the requirement in (a) above to adequately facilitate the safe and reliable operation of the distribution system under both normal and emergency operating conditions.

(d) Each distribution pipeline operator shall maintain the evaluation required in (c) above and shall make it available for inspection at reasonable hours by Board staff upon request.

(e) Sectionalizing valves required under (a) above for emergency purposes shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of 49 CFR 192.747 and 192.181.

(f) Effective July 1, 2023, an operator shall perform a distribution system emergency response drill simulating a reportable incident, as set forth at N.J.A.C. 14:7-1.17, in each operator district or division at least once every two years. Each call center and dispatch operation center shall participate in at least one emergency response drill every two years. An operator shall not conduct a district or division emergency response drill within two weeks of another district or division emergency response drill. Each operator shall conduct a site-specific emergency response drill at a training center facility or field site within two years of July 1, 2023. At least once every four years thereafter, each operator shall conduct a site-specific emergency response drill at a field site between Monday and Friday during normal business hours. After the first site-specific emergency response drill, an operator may conduct a tabletop emergency response drill to meet this requirement for no more than one out of two consecutive emergency response drills for each district or division.

(g) An operator shall notify Board staff at least five business days prior to performing any emergency response drill pursuant to (f) above. Notwithstanding this requirement, an operator may schedule an emergency response drill on a rainy day (or similar weather event), upon notice to Board staff as soon as possible prior to the drill, but no later than two hours before the drill is to occur. Each operator shall submit a final audit report of each emergency response drill to Board staff within two months after the emergency response drill.

N.J. Admin. Code § 14:7-1.9

New Rule, R.2009 d.69, effective 3/2/2009.
See: 40 N.J.R. 4915(a), 41 N.J.R. 1083(a).
Former N.J.A.C. 14:7-1.9, Lines under or adjacent to railroads and highways, recodified in part to N.J.A.C. 14:7-1.8(b) through (c).
Amended by R.2009 d.291, effective 10/5/2009.
See: 41 N.J.R. 997(a), 41 N.J.R. 3844(b).
In the introductory paragraph of (b), deleted "ensure that the maximum number of customers to be affected by an emergency shutdown shall not exceed 500 customers. In addition, the operator shall" preceding "consider"; in (b)4, deleted "and" from the end; in (b)5, substituted "; and" for a period at the end; added (b)6; rewrote (d); deleted (e); recodified (f) as (e); and in (e), inserted "for emergency purposes" and "and 192.181".

Amended by 55 N.J.R. 1201(a), effective 6/5/2023