Expanding the Use of Excess Flow Valves in Gas Distribution Systems

Date

Nov. 17, 2016

Purpose

This Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) Alert Notice notifies distribution pipeline operators about a final rule issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).  The rule includes additional excess flow valve (EFV) requirements as well as a new requirement for installation of service line shut-off valves.

Effective Date

This final rule is effective April 14, 2017.

Applicable Codes

1. 49 CFR §192.381 — Service lines: Excess flow valve performance standards [revised].
2. 49 CFR §192.383 — Excess flow valve installation [revised].
3. 49 CFR §192.385 — Manual service line shut-off valve installation [new].

Scope

This Alert Notice applies to all Minnesota intrastate distribution pipeline operators subject to 49 CFR Part 192.  This document only summarizes the regulatory rule change and is not intended to substitute for the completeness provided by the final rule published in the Federal Register.

Rule Requirements

There are three primary changes to Part 192:

1. EFV installation requirements are expanded to include new or replaced branched service lines servicing single family residences, multifamily residences, and small commercial entities consuming gas volumes not exceeding 1,000 Standard Cubic Feet per Hour (SCFH).
2. A new requirement to install manual service line shut-off valves (e.g., curb valves) or EFVs, if appropriate, for new or replaced service lines with meter capacities exceeding 1,000 SCFH. These valves must be installed as to allow accessibility during emergencies and are subject to regular scheduled maintenance (with documentation).
3. Operators are also now required to notify customers of their right to request installation of an EFV on service lines that are not being newly installed or replaced. PHMSA has left the question of who bears the cost of installing EFVs on service lines not being newly installed or replaced to the operator's rate-setter.

The complete Federal Register publication of the Final Rule is available for viewing. 

Operators shall ensure that manuals are revised as necessary, and that service line construction practices for new or replaced service lines comply with this final rule on or before the effective date of April 14, 2017. OPS will be incorporating this regulatory change into its inspections.

Please contact our office if you have any questions regarding this final rule.