Chapter 421, § 1: General Provisions

A.Scope#

This rule describes the requirements for the installation, maintenance, and safety related conditions of LPG pipeline facilities. This Chapter applies to any Jurisdictional LPG System that distributes LPG that falls within the scope of 49 C.F.R. §192.#

B.Applicable Codes#

1.The minimum standards governing the design, fabrication, installation, inspection, reporting, testing, and the safety aspects of operation and maintenance of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) distribution systems, including propane storage tanks, vaporizers, mains, and service lines up to the outlet of the customer's meter set assembly or at the connection to a customer's piping, whichever is further downstream, shall be the provisions of Parts 191 and 192 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including all amendments and revisions thereto.#

a. In the application of LPG distribution safety rules within Maine, the 2004 edition of NFPA 58, LP-Gas Code is adopted by reference for the enforcing of the provisions of 49 CFR §192.11, except that the following sections of NFPA 58, 2004 are not adopted:#

i. 6.6.7 Installation of Containers on Roofs of Buildings; and#

ii. Chapter 14 Operations and Maintenance, with the exception of 14.3.3 Maintenance of Fire Protection Equipment, which is adopted.#

2.Installation of LPG supply containers on the roofs of buildings within pipeline systems in Maine is prohibited. Requirements for the preparation and revision of LPG systems operation and maintenance plans for gas pipelines within the State of Maine shall be in accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR §192.605.#

3.Where this Chapter 421 conflicts with 49 CFR Part 192, Chapter 421 shall prevail.#

C.LPG Operator Designation#

1.Every jurisdictional LPG system operating in the State of Maine must be registered with the Maine Public Utilities Commission no later than 30 days after this rule goes into effect or the operation of the system begins. A qualified LPG operator of record must be designated on the registration notice.#

2.If for any reason an LPG operator ceases to be the LPG operator of record for a jurisdictional LPG system, that operator shall submit an updated registration stating they are no longer the LPG operator of record. The previous LPG operator shall provide all LPG pipeline system maps, and operating and maintenance records to the owner of the system at the time of any change in the LPG operator of record.#

3.LPG operator shall retain copies of all LPG pipeline system maps or diagrams, and operating and maintenance records regarding jurisdictional LPG systems for which it ceases to be the LPG operator of record for a period of one year.#

4.Failure to register a jurisdictional LPG system or report change of designation in accordance with this section may result in a penalty in an amount not to exceed $5,000.#