Transmission Line Valves [49 CFR 192.179]

(A)A. Each transmission line, other than offshore segments, must have sectionalizing block valves spaced as follows, unless in a particular case the commissioner/administrator finds that alternative spacing would provide an equivalent level of safety: [49 CFR 192.179(a)]#

(1)1. each point on the pipeline in a Class 4 location must be within 2 1/2 miles (4 kilometers) of a valve; [49 CFR 192.179(a)(1)]#

(2)2. each point on the pipeline in a Class 3 location must be within 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of a valve; [49 CFR 192.179(a)(2)]#

(3)3. each point on the pipeline in a Class 2 location must be within 7 1/2 miles (12 kilometers) of a valve; [49 CFR 192.179(a)(3)]#

(4)4. each point on the pipeline in a Class 1 location must be within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of a valve. [49 CFR 192.179(a)(4)]#

(B)B. Each sectionalizing block valve on a transmission line, other than offshore segments, must comply with the following. [49 CFR 192.179(b)]#

(1)1. The valve and the operating device to open or close the valve must be readily accessible and protected from tampering and damage. [49 CFR 192.179(b)(1)]#

(2)2. The valve must be supported to prevent settling of the valve or movement of the pipe to which it is attached. [49 CFR 192.179(b)(2)]#

(C)C. Each section of a transmission line, other than offshore segments, between main line valves must have a blow-down valve with enough capacity to allow the transmission line to be blown down as rapidly as practicable. Each blow-down discharge must be located so the gas can be blown to the atmosphere without hazard and, if the transmission line is adjacent to an overhead electric line, so that the gas is directed away from the electrical conductors. [49 CFR 192.179(c)]#

(D)D. Offshore segments of transmission lines must be equipped with valves or other components to shut off the flow of gas to an offshore platform in an emergency. [49 CFR 192.179(d)]#

(E)E. For onshore transmission pipeline segments with diameters greater than or equal to 6 inches that are constructed after April 10, 2023, the operator must install rupture-mitigation valves (RMV) or an alternative equivalent technology whenever a valve must be installed to meet the appropriate valve spacing requirements of this section. An operator seeking to use alternative equivalent technology must notify PHMSA in accordance with the procedures set forth in Subsection G of this Section. All RMVs and alternative equivalent technologies installed pursuant to this Subsection E must meet the requirements of §2736. The installation requirements in this Subsection E do not apply to pipe segments with a potential impact radius (PIR), as defined in §3303, that is less than or equal to 150 feet in either Class 1 or Class 2 locations. An operator may request an extension of the installation compliance deadline requirements of this Subsection E if it can demonstrate to PHMSA, in accordance with the notification procedures in §518, that those installation compliance deadlines would be economically, technically, or operationally infeasible for a particular new pipeline. [49 CFR 192.179(e)]#

(F)F. For entirely replaced onshore transmission pipeline segments, as defined in §503, with diameters greater than or equal to 6 inches and that are installed after April 10, 2023, the operator must install RMVs or an alternative equivalent technology whenever a valve must be installed to meet the appropriate valve spacing requirements of this section. An operator seeking to use alternative equivalent technology must notify PHMSA in accordance with the procedures set forth in Subsection G of this Section. All RMVs and alternative equivalent technologies installed pursuant to this Subsection must meet the requirements of §2736. The requirements of this Subsection apply when the applicable pipeline replacement project involves a valve, either through addition, replacement, or removal. The installation requirements of this Subsection do not apply to pipe segments with a PIR, as defined in §3303 that is less than or equal to 150 feet in either Class 1 or Class 2 locations. An operator may request an extension of the installation compliance deadline requirements of this Subsection if it can demonstrate to PHMSA, in accordance with the notification procedures in §518, that those installation compliance deadlines would be economically, technically, or operationally infeasible for a particular pipeline replacement project. [49 CFR 192.179(f)]#

(G)G. If an operator elects to use alternative equivalent technology in accordance with paragraphs (e) or (f) of this section, the operator must notify PHMSA in accordance with the procedures in §192.18. The operator must include a technical and safety evaluation in its notice to PHMSA. Valves that are installed as alternative equivalent technology must comply with §§2734 and 2736. An operator requesting use of manual valves as an alternative equivalent technology must also include within the notification submitted to PHMSA a demonstration that installation of an RMV as otherwise required would be economically, technically, or operationally infeasible. An operator may use a manual compressor station valve at a continuously manned station as an alternative equivalent technology, and use of such valve would not require a notification to PHMSA in accordance with §518, but it must comply with §2736. [49 CFR 192.179(g)]#

(H)H. The valve spacing requirements of Subsection A of this section do not apply to pipe replacements on a pipeline if the distance between each point on the pipeline and the nearest valve does not exceed: [49 CFR 192.179(h)]#

(1)1. 4 miles in Class 4 locations, with a total spacing between valves no greater than 8 miles; [49 CFR 192.179(h)(1)]#

(2)2. 7 1/2 miles in Class 3 locations, with a total spacing between valves no greater than 15 miles; or [49 CFR 192.179(h)(2)]#

(3)3. 10 miles in Class 1 or 2 locations, with a total spacing between valves no greater than 20 miles. [49 CFR 192.179(h)(3)]#

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:501 et seq.#

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 9:225 (April 1983), amended LR 10:518 (July 1984), LR 24:1308 (July 1998), LR 27:1540 (September 2001), LR 30:1237 (June 2004), LR 49:1104 (June 2023), LR 50:1249 (September 2024).#