Valve Maintenance: Transmission Lines [49 CFR 192.745]

(A)A. Each transmission line valve that might be required during any emergency must be inspected and partially operated at intervals not exceeding 15 months, but at least once each calendar year. [49 CFR 192.745(a)]#

(B)B. Each operator must take prompt remedial action to correct any valve found inoperable, unless the operator designates an alternative valve. [49 CFR 192.745(b)]#

(C)C. For each remote-control valve (RCV) installed in accordance with §§1139 or 2734, an operator must conduct a point-to-point verification between SCADA system displays and the installed valves, sensors, and communications equipment, in accordance with §2731.C and E. [49 CFR 192.745(c)]#

(D)D. For each alternative equivalent technology installed on an onshore pipeline under §§1139.E, 1139.F, or 2734 that is manually or locally operated (i.e., not a rupture-mitigation valve (RMV), as that term is defined in §503). [49 CFR 192.745(d)]#

(1)1. Operators must achieve a valve closure time of 30 minutes or less, pursuant to §2736.B, through an initial drill and through periodic validation as required in Paragraph D.2 of this Section. An operator must review and document the results of each phase of the drill response to validate the total response time, including confirming the rupture, and valve shut-off time as being less than or equal to 30 minutes after rupture identification. [49 CFR 192.745(d)(1)]#

(2)2. Operators must achieve a valve closure time of 30 minutes or less, pursuant to §2736.B, through an initial drill and through periodic validation as required in Paragraph D.2 of this Section. An operator must review and document the results of each phase of the drill response to validate the total response time, including confirming the rupture, and valve shut-off time as being less than or equal to 30 minutes after rupture identification. [49 CFR 192.745(d)(2)]#

(3)3. If the 30-minute-maximum response time cannot be achieved during the drill, the operator must revise response efforts to achieve compliance with §2736 as soon as practicable, but no later than 12 months after the drill. Alternative valve shut-off measures must be in place in accordance with Subsection E of this Section within 7 days of a failed drill. [49 CFR 192.745(d)(3)]#

(4)4. Based on the results of response-time drills, the operator must include lessons learned in: [49 CFR 192.745(d)(4)]#

(a)a. training and qualifications programs; [49 CFR 192.745(d)(4)(i)]#

(b)b. design, construction, testing, maintenance, operating, and emergency procedures manuals; and [49 CFR 192.745(d)(4)(ii)]#

(c)c. any other areas identified by the operator as needing improvement. [49 CFR 192.745(d)(4)(iii)]#

(5)5. The requirements of this Subsection D do not apply to manual valves who, pursuant to §2736.G, have been exempted from the requirements of §2736.B. [49 CFR 192.745(d)(5)]#

(E)E. Each operator must develop and implement remedial measures to correct any valve installed on an onshore pipeline under §§1139.E, 1139.F, or 2734 that is indicated to be inoperable or unable to maintain effective shut-off as follows: [49 CFR 192.745(e)]#

(1)1. Repair or replace the valve as soon as practicable but no later than 12 months after finding that the valve is inoperable or unable to maintain effective shut-off. An operator must request an extension from PHMSA in accordance with §518 if repair or replacement of a valve within 12 months would be economically, technically, or operationally infeasible; and [49 CFR 192.745(e)(1)]#

(2)2. Designate an alternative valve acting as an RMV within 7 calendar days of the finding while repairs are being made and document an interim response plan to maintain safety. Such valves are not required to comply with the valve spacing requirements of this part. [49 CFR 192.745(e)(2)]#

(F)F. An operator using an ASV as an RMV, in accordance with §§503, 1139, 2734, and 2736, must document and confirm the ASV shut-in pressures, in accordance with 2736.F, on a calendar year basis not to exceed 15 months. ASV shut-in set pressures must be proven and reset individually at each ASV, as required, on a calendar year basis not to exceed 15 months. [49 CFR 192.745(f)]#

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 9:246 (April 1983), amended LR 10:539 (July 1984), LR 30:1271 (June 2004), LR 49:1109 (June 2023), repromulgated LR 49:1228 (July 2023).#