Chapter 420, § 1: General Provisions

A.Scope#

This rule applies to all operators of gas utilities defined in 35-A M.R.S. §102(8) "Gas utility," all operators of gas pipelines as defined in 49 C.F.R. Part 192 except liquid propane gas distribution systems, and all natural gas pipeline utilities as defined in 35-A M.R.S. §102(10) "Natural Gas Pipeline utility"; provided that this rule does not apply to interstate natural gas pipeline facilities or interstate pipeline transportation.#

B.Applicable Codes#

1.The minimum standards for operation of natural gas and liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities are established by adoption of the following federal regulations, including amendments thereto:#

a. The provisions of Parts 191, 192, and 193 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), including all amendments and revisions thereto, govern the design, fabrication, installation, inspection, reporting, testing, and the safety aspects of operation and maintenance of gas transmission and distribution systems, including gas pipelines, gas compressor stations, gas metering and regulating stations, gas mains, and service lines.#

b. Title 49 C.F.R. Part 190, "Pipeline Safety Programs and Rulemaking Procedures," and Part 198, "Regulations for Grants to Aid State Pipeline Safety Programs," including all amendments and revisions thereto, govern certain enforcement, one-call system, and other matters for the MPUC's pipeline safety program, in concert with the provisions of this Chapter.#

c. The provisions of 49 C.F.R. Part 199, including all amendments and revisions, which incorporate 49 C.F.R. Part 40 by reference, govern the drug testing inspection of operators of natural gas facilities.#

2.Where Chapter 420 and Chapter 895 (Underground Facility Damage Prevention Requirements) establish more stringent requirements or requirements in addition to the federal pipeline safety regulations adopted pursuant to Section 1(B)(1)(a), (b) and (c) of this Chapter, the requirements set forth in Chapter 420 or Chapter 895 will apply.#

3.Where this Chapter refers to "violations of this Chapter" or uses similar language, this means violations of Chapter 420 and the portions of Title 49 C.F.R. Parts 40, 190, 191, 192, 193, 198, and 199 incorporated above.#