N.J. Admin. Code § 14:7-1.20

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 14:7-1.20 - Monthly inspection patrols and leak detection surveys

(a) Each transmission pipeline operator shall implement an inspection program with inspection patrols at least once per month in Class 3 and Class 4 locations, to observe surface conditions on and adjacent to the transmission pipeline right-of-way for indications of leaks, construction activity, and other factors affecting safety and operation.

(b) An operator shall perform leak detection surveys on all bare and coated cathodically unprotected steel distribution lines, at intervals that are, at a minimum, consistent with 49 CFR 192.723. In addition, the operator shall perform more frequent surveys as the operator deems necessary based on leak history, number of leaks reported by the public, population density, and operating pressure.

(c) Any leak detection surveys required under (b) above that are conducted out of doors shall be performed using leak detection equipment that is at least as reliable and sensitive as flame ionization.

(d) An operator shall replace all bare and coated cathodically unprotected steel service lines within a definable area when records indicate that 20 percent or more of the bare and coated cathodically unprotected steel services within that definable area have exhibited leaks.

(e) The operator shall summarize and maintain all leak detection survey results along with the data collection notes and records of all surveys. The operator shall evaluate the results and identify and consider trends when making decisions regarding pipe replacement and the frequency of future surveys.

(f) Each operator shall report to the Board any leaks or other conditions that may affect safety or operations, which are discovered by patrols or by any other means, on a quarterly basis in a format provided by the Board's Bureau of Pipeline Safety.

N.J. Admin. Code § 14:7-1.20

New Rule, R.1997 d.128, effective 3/17/1997.
See: 28 N.J.R. 5146(a), 29 N.J.R. 104(b), 29 N.J.R. 903(b).
Recodified from N.J.A.C. 14:7-1.34 and amended by R.2009 d.69, effective 3/2/2009.
See: 40 N.J.R. 4915(a), 41 N.J.R. 1083(a).
Section was "Monthly patrols". Inserted designation (a); in (a), substituted "implement an inspection" for "have a patrol" and inserted "inspection"; and added (b) through (f). Former N.J.A.C. 14:7-1.20, Compressor stations: relief and pressure limiting devices, repealed.
Amended by R.2009 d.291, effective 10/5/2009.
See: 41 N.J.R. 997(a), 41 N.J.R. 3844(b).
In (c), substituted "Any" for "The", and inserted "that are conducted out of doors".

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