Installation of Plastic Pipe [49 CFR 192.321]

(A)A. Plastic pipe must be installed below ground level except as provided by Subsections G, H, and I of this Section. [49 CFR 192.321(a)]#

(B)B. Plastic pipe that is installed in a vault or any other below grade enclosure must be completely encased in gas-tight metal pipe and fittings that are adequately protected from corrosion. [49 CFR 192.321(b)]#

(C)C. Plastic pipe must be installed so as to minimize shear or tensile stresses. [49 CFR 192.321(c)]#

(D)D. Plastic pipe must have a minimum wall thickness in accordance with §921. [49 CFR 192.321(d)]#

(E)E. Plastic pipe that is not encased must have an electrically conducting wire or other means of locating the pipe while it is underground. Tracer wire may not be wrapped around the pipe and contact with the pipe must be minimized but is not prohibited. Tracer wire or other metallic elements installed for pipe locating purposes must be resistant to corrosion damage, either by use of coated copper wire or by other means. [49 CFR 192.321(e)]#

(F)F. Plastic pipe that is being encased must be inserted into the casing pipe in a manner that will protect the plastic. Plastic pipe that is being encased must be protected from damage at all entrance and all exit points of the casing. The leading end of the plastic must be closed before insertion. [49 CFR 192.321(f)]#

(G)G. Uncased plastic pipe may be temporarily installed above ground level under the following conditions. [49 CFR 192.321(g)]#

(1)1. The operator must be able to demonstrate that the cumulative aboveground exposure of the pipe does not exceed the manufacturer's recommended maximum period of exposure or two years, whichever is less. [49 CFR 192.321(g)(1)]#

(2)2. The pipe either is located where damage by external forces is unlikely or is otherwise protected against such damage. [49 CFR 192.321(g)(2)]#

(3)3. The pipe adequately resists exposure to ultraviolet light and high and low temperatures. [49 CFR 192.321(g)(3)]#

(H)H. Plastic pipe may be installed on bridges provided that it is: [49 CFR 192.321(h)]#

(1)1. installed with protection from mechanical damage, such as installation in a metallic casing; [49 CFR 192.321(h)(1)]#

(2)2. protected from ultraviolet radiation; and [49 CFR 192.321(h)(2)]#

(3)3. not allowed to exceed the pipe temperature limits specified in §923. [49 CFR 192.321(h)(3)]#

(I)I. Plastic mains may terminate above ground level provided they comply with the following. [49 CFR 192.321(i)]#

(1)1. The above-ground level part of the plastic main is protected against deterioration and external damage. [49 CFR 192.367(i)(1)]#

(2)2. The plastic main is not used to support external loads. [49 CFR 192.367(i)(2)]#

(3)3. Installations of risers at regulator stations must meet the design requirements of §1164. [49 CFR 192.367(i)(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 9:233 (April 1983), amended LR 10:525 (July 1984), LR 24:1310 (July 1998), LR 27:1542 (September 2001), LR 30:1247 (June 2004), LR 31:684 (March 2005), LR 46:1586 (November 2020).#