Chapter 421, § 3: Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Program

A.LPG Operator Participation#

1.Each LPG operator in Maine shall:#

a. Comply with Maine PUC Chapter 895, Underground Facility Damage Prevention Requirements; and#

b. Maintain membership in a notification center that utilizes and promotes the "811" one-call notification system.#

2.Report to the Commission in accordance with Chapter 895 any damage to its underground facilities or a damage prevention incident utilizing MPUC Underground Facility Incident Report form, such incidents including when an excavator fails to contact the LPG Operator or the one-call notification system.#

B.Pipeline Facility Locator Training and Qualification#

1.Each LPG operator shall maintain documentation that each person utilized to locate the operator's pipeline facilities, whether the person is an employee of the operator or is an employee of a contractor retained by the operator, is properly trained and qualified. Such documentation shall indicate the latest date the person completed or demonstrated:#

a. The necessary knowledge and skills needed to use industry best practices developed or other recognized industry authority for locating and marking pipelines;#

b. Knowledge of state and local underground damage prevention regulations.#

c. Qualification in accordance with 49 CFR Part 192, Subpart N.#

C.System Maps#

Each LPG operator shall have on file at its local office a map, diagrams, or drawing showing:#

1.The LPG distribution system, including but not limited to, the size, character, and location of supply container(s), regulators, mains including valves, and service lines; and#

2.The size and location of each service line provided that, in lieu of showing service locations on maps, a card record or other suitable means may be used.#

3.LPG operators shall provide global position satellite (GPS) coordinate identifiers for the location of all facilities on its system maps, diagrams, and/or drawings.#

D.Location of Underground Facilities Where Trenchless Technology Is Used#

LPG operators shall physically locate existing underground facilities that are located within 3 feet of where the LPG Operator is using trenchless technology to place gas lines during any new construction, repair, or replacement project. "Physical locate" as used in this section means exposing the existing underground facilities by hand-digging and/or vacuum excavation in addition to locating and marking along the ground.#