(1) Each gas pipeline company must have a written valve maintenance program detailing the valve selection process, inspection, maintenance, and operating procedures. The written program must detail which valves will be maintained under 49 C.F.R. § 192.745, 49 C.F.R. § 192.747, and this subsection. The written program must also outline how the gas pipeline company will monitor and maintain valves during construction projects to ensure accessibility. The following criteria and locations must be incorporated in the written program. The written program shall explain how each of the following are considered in selecting which valves require annual inspections and maintenance under 49 C.F.R. § 192.747:

(a) Each pressure regulating station.

(b) Principal feeds into business districts.

(c) Geographical size of the area to be isolated.

(d) Number of potential customers affected.

(e) Line pipe size and operating pressures.

(f) Class locations.

(g) Potential threats including, but not limited to, earthquakes, floods, and landslides.

(h) Emergency response time.

(i) High occupancy structures or areas.

(j) Line pipe material: For example steel, polyethylene, or cast iron.

(2) Each gas pipeline company must have a written service valve installation and maintenance program detailing the valve selection process, inspection, maintenance, and operating procedures. The written program must detail which new services will be required to have valves installed and maintained under this section. Service valve installation requirements do not apply to existing services (they are not retroactive). Existing service valves that historically have not been maintained but are deemed necessary for maintenance by the written valve maintenance program must be maintained in accordance with subsection (3) of this section (service valve maintenance requirements are retroactive). The written program shall explain how each of the following criteria and/or locations are considered in selecting which services will have valves installed and/or maintained under this subsection:

(a) Services to churches, schools, hospitals.

(b) Service line length and size.

(c) Service line pressure.

(d) Services to buildings occupied by persons who are confined, are of impaired mobility, or would be difficult to evacuate.

(e) Services to commercial or industrial buildings or structures.

(f) Services to high occupancy structures or areas.

(3) All service valves selected for inspection in the program required in subsection (2) of this section must be operated and maintained at least once annually, but not to exceed fifteen months between operation and maintenance.

(4) Each gas pipeline company must select which valves to inspect based on the unique operating conditions of the company's pipeline system(s).

(5) Each gas pipeline company must install and maintain valves for the purpose of minimizing the hazards resulting from a gas pipeline emergency and to aid in the timely control of an uncontrolled release of gas. In determining the minimum number and spacing of valves, the gas pipeline company's primary objective shall be the protection of life and property. The gas pipeline company must consider this objective in conjunction with the criteria listed in subsections (1) and (2) of this section. Each gas pipeline company must also incorporate its valve programs established in subsections (1) and (2) of this section into their emergency plan and other plans and procedures designed to protect life and property in the event of an emergency.

(6) Each gas pipeline company must fully implement the requirements of this section within one year of the adoption date of this rule.