Mandatory Removal and Replacement Program

(a)Effective September 1, 2008, this section applies to each operator of a gas distribution system that is subject to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 192.#

(b)For leaks identified on any underground compression coupling used to mechanically join steel pipe, each operator shall either replace the leaking compression coupling or repair it using a sleeve welded over the compression coupling.#

(c)Each operator shall repair or replace any compression coupling used to mechanically join steel pipe that is exposed during operation and maintenance activities unless the operator can determine the coupling was installed after 1980.#

(d)For leaks identified on any underground compression coupling used to mechanically join plastic pipe, each operator shall remove and/or replace the leaking compression coupling.#

(e)For any other compression coupling used to join plastic pipe that is exposed during operation and maintenance activities, each operator shall:#

(1)For plastic pipe two inches or less in diameter, replace or remove such coupling unless the operator can determine that the coupling is designated as an ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D2513 Category 1 type fitting.#

(2)For plastic pipe greater than two inches in diameter, replace or remove such coupling unless the operator can determine that the coupling is designated as an ASTM D2513 Category 1 or Category 3 type fitting.#

(f)Each operator shall remove and replace all compression couplings at currently known service riser installations, identifiable by a meter number or a street address, if they are not manufactured and installed in accordance with ASTM D2513 for Category 1 fittings.#

(g)Each operator shall complete the removal and replacement of such compression couplings by November 30, 2009.#

(h)Any coupling installed on plastic pipe after September 1, 2008, shall be designed to meet the requirements of ASTM D2513 Category 1.#

(i)Any coupling installed on steel pipe after September 1, 2008, shall be designed to meet the requirements of 49 CFR Part 192, §192.273.#

(j)Beginning January 15, 2025, and annually thereafter until all compression couplings on the operator's system subject to subsection (f) of this section have been removed and replaced, each operator shall maintain a progress report showing the number of service riser installations checked, the condition of the coupling, and the total number of compression couplings replaced for the prior calendar year. Each operator shall retain this progress report and shall provide a copy of the report to the Commission upon request.#

Source Note: The provisions of this §8.208 adopted to be effective September 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 4868; amended to be effective December 9, 2024, 49 TexReg 9960#