52 Pa. Code § 59.137 - Construction

(a) Scope. This section establishes requirements for a hazardous liquid public utility constructing a new pipeline, or converting, relocating or replacing an existing pipeline.

(b) Pipeline location. In addition to the requirements of 49 CFR 195.210 (relating to pipeline location), a hazardous liquid public utility may not construct a new pipeline, convert or relocate an existing pipeline in a location under a building or a dwelling, including private dwellings, industrial buildings and buildings intended as a place of congregation. This requirement does not apply to the repair or replacement of existing pipelines.

(c) Welds: nondestructive testing. A hazardous liquid public utility shall nondestructively test all girth welds. Nondestructive testing must be performed under 49 CFR 195.234(b) (relating to welds: nondestructive testing). Exceptions to nondestructive testing are adopted by reference from 49 CFR 195.248(d) and (e) (relating to cover over buried pipeline) and incorporated herein.

(d) Cover over buried pipeline. In addition to the requirements of 49 CFR 195.248, a hazardous liquid public utility shall specify in their O&M procedures the intervals at which it verifies depth of cover and shall maintain the depth of cover required by Federal law for all pipes actively in use for transporting hazardous liquids.

(e) Clearance between pipe and underground structures. A hazardous liquid public utility shall construct and subsequently maintain a minimum of 12 inches of clearance between the outside of the pipe and the extremity of any other underground structure, including structures owned by the hazardous liquid public utility and foreign structures. Pre-existing pipelines on the effective date of this subsection are exempt from this requirement.

(f) Vehicle barriers. A hazardous liquid public utility shall install vehicle barriers at an above-ground valve station adjacent to a roadway. The vehicle barriers must be designed and constructed to protect the above-ground valve station from vehicles. An exception is when the physical characteristics of a valve station render vehicle barriers unnecessary, that is, the valve has a natural berm or barriers that would render an additional vehicle barrier unnecessary. This requirement applies to valve stations constructed after the effective date of this subsection and adjacent to roadways.

Notes

52 Pa. Code § 59.137

Adopted by Pennsylvania Bulletin, Vol 54, No. 37. September 14, 2024, effective 9/14/2024