255.727 Abandonment or inactivation of facilities.

(a)Each operator shall provide in its operating and maintenance plan for abandonment or deactivation of pipelines, including provisions for meeting each of the requirements of this section.#

(b)Each pipeline abandoned in place must be disconnected from all sources and supplies of gas; purged of gas; and sealed at the ends except that the pipeline need not be purged when the volume of gas is so small that there is no potential hazard.#

(c)Except for service lines, each inactive pipeline that is not being maintained under this Part must be disconnected from all sources and supplies of gas; purged of gas; and sealed at the ends except that the pipeline need not be purged when the volume of gas is so small that there is no potential hazard.#

(d)Whenever service to a customer is discontinued, one of the following apply:#

(1)The valve that is closed to prevent the flow of gas to the customer must be provided with a locking device or other means designed to prevent the opening of the valve by persons other than those authorized by the operator.#

(2)A mechanical device or fitting that will prevent the flow of gas must be installed in the service line or in the meter assembly.#

(3)The customer's piping must be physically disconnected from the gas supply and the open pipe ends sealed.#

(e)If air is used for purging, the operator shall ensure that a combustible mixture is not present after purging.#

(f)Each abandoned vault must be filled with a suitable compacted material.#

(g)For each abandoned pipeline facility that crosses over, under or through a commercially navigable waterway, the last operator of that facility shall file a report upon abandonment of that facility in accordance with 49 CFR 192.727(g) (as described in section 10.2 of this Title).#