City of Alexandria Gas Department — Pipeline Safety Interpretation

Page 1Mr. John E. Sanchez Superintendent, Gas Department City of Alexandria Alexandria, Louisiana 71301 Dear Mr. Sanchez: This is in response to your letter of November 7, 1972, in which you ask whether the use of either a service line valve located in a curb-box or a lock on the valve at the meter set would be an acceptable practice when disconnecting a customer. A recently enacted amendment to Section 192.727 of the Federal natural gas pipeline safety regulations (49 CFR Part 192), a copy of which amendment is enclosed, now allows inactivation of pipelines by use of a valve that is equipped with a locking device or other means designed to prevent its unauthorized opening. The use of a lock on the meter set valve, as you have described that method, would meet the requirements of Section 192.727(d)(1) and is, therefore, acceptable. However, the cutting off of gas by a valve in a curb-box, as the sole means for disconnecting a customer, is not satisfactory. You might note also that the same standards apply to new service line not places in service upon completion of installation under the provisions of new §192.379(a). If we may be of further assistance in this matter, please advise. Sincerely, Joseph C. Caldwell Director Office of Pipeline Safety DB C:\WP51\INTERPRT\192\727\72-12-26 1#