100

100. PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY: To ensure that every Natural Gas Distribution system in Mississippi is in compliance with 49- CFR-191-199, as is or hereinafter amended, and promotes full compliance with said code. This includes but is not limited to natural gas distribution and natural gas transmission facilities. 105. OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS: RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMPLIANCE: Responsibility for the safety and sustained prudent operation of the gas system shall be shared by the governing body of the gas system. Regardless of retention or release of an operator, the governing body shall assume all responsibility for the safe operation of the gas system action(s) and shall be held accountable by the Mississippi Public Service Commission. Gas Districts/Cities/Townships/Private establishments providing natural gas to consumers shall retain a natural gas operator. The candidate for the operator position shall complete qualification as stated by the authority of the Mississippi Public Service Commission. Each operator, prior to operating a pipeline facility in the state of Mississippi shall complete the requirements as follows: (1) INITIAL QUALIFICATION: a. 100 hours of training specific to operation of pipeline facilities. A master meter or other operator may be given credit toward his or her hours of training at 20 hours per year for a maximum of five years. The Mississippi Public Service Commission shall determine the amount of credit given. b. The covered tasks list as shown below may present a certain amount of danger to the public and consumers. These tasks require a deeper understanding of the subject material than most other tasks. These tasks are referred to as critical covered tasks and should be understood prior to an operator directing a gas system. New operators shall be allowed 90 days to be trained and qualified for the eight tasks. The operator shall be in compliance with all covered tasks as addressed in the Operator Qualification Program of the gas system that is being operated by said operator. The operator shall accomplish the complete training and qualification on all tasks within twelve months from the date appointed. The tasks referred to herein shall be known as “Critical Covered” tasks: 1- Leak Investigations and odor complaints 2- Accidental Release of natural gas 3- Purging of natural gas pipelines 4- Pressure testing to establish gas service 5- Odorant/Odorization 6- Gas System Connect/Disconnect 7- Inspecting Pressure regulating stations 8- Operation and Maintenance of Valves (2) CONTINUING QUALIFICATION Classroom instructional training: a. Minimum of 21 hours for master meter operators; b. Minimum of 36 hours for all other operators. After completing his or her initial qualification, a master meter operator must maintain 21 hours of continuing education, 7 minimum hours per year. All other operators must maintain 36 hours of continuing education, 12 minimum hours per year. Continuing education hours shall be obtained by attending a Mississippi Public Service Commission approved course of instruction. An operator shall have 3 years after completing his or her initial qualification to accumulate his or her continuing education hours. (3) LOSS OF OPERATOR In the event of loss of operator, due to illness, death, discharge or other legitimate cause, notice shall be given to the Commission within twenty four (24) hours, and the continued operation of such system without a certified operator may proceed on an interim basis for a period not to exceed 180 days as long as the system is in good standing as determined by the Director of Pipeline Safety. A petition for extension showing good cause must be presented to the Mississippi Public Service Commission. (4) GENERAL a. Hours may not be transferred to any other individual. b. No system subject to the provisions of this rule shall be required to have more than one operator meeting the qualifications set forth in paragraph A of this rule. 110. DEFINITIONS: ASSOCIATION: The Mississippi Natural Gas Association COMMISSION: The Mississippi Public Service Commission. GAS: As defined by 49 CFR 192, gas means natural gas, flammable gas, or gas which is toxic or corrosive. HAZARDOUS LIQUID: Petroleum, petroleum products, CO2 or anhydrous ammonia. MASTER METER OPERATION: A pipeline system for distributing gas within, but not limited to a definable area, such as a mobile home park, housing project, or apartment complex, where the operator purchases metered gas from an outside source for resale through a gas distribution pipeline system. The gas distribution pipeline system supplies the ultimate consumer who either purchases the gas directly through a meter or by other means, such as rents. MUNICIPALITY - A city, county, or other political subdivision of a state. OPERATOR - An individual having primary responsibility operating, maintaining pipeline facilities. SYSTEM - Any individual, firm, joint venture, partnership, corporation association, municipality, cooperative association, or joint stock association and including any trustee, receiver, assignee, or personal representative therefore. PIPELINE SYSTEM: A pipeline system that may be natural gas distribution, natural gas transmission or hazardous liquid pipeline. STATE - The State of Mississippi. TRANSPORTATION OF GAS - The distribution of natural gas or hazardous liquids to the public for compensation. CLASSIFICATION OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS: CLASS A SYSTEMS: Natural gas distribution systems of 20,000 or more meters or 100 miles or more of transmission pipelines and satisfy the requirements of this administrative rule by demonstrating to the Commission that by training and education the operators of the systems have met the standards for certification and therefore do not need to have individually named operators. CLASS B SYSTEMS: Natural gas distribution systems of less than 20,000 meters and more than 3,000 meters or less than 100 and more than 50 miles of transmission pipelines may elect to meet Class A standards or Class C standards. CLASS C SYSTEMS: Natural gas distribution systems of less than 3,000 meters or less than 50 miles of transmission pipelines are required to have individually named operators. CLASS D SYSTEMS: MASTER METER OPERATION Those persons who manage or are responsible for a Master Meter operation. 115. DUTIES, MEMBERSHIPS, MEETINGS AND EXPENSES: 1. There shall be an Advisory Committee established to assist the Commission and Association in the certification of natural gas operators and the regulatory program thereafter. The duties of the Committee shall be to consult with these agencies in all matters pertaining to certification programs and make appropriate recommendations regarding rules and procedures. The Committee shall consist of (7) members as follows: Four (4) persons, each representing the four (4) classes, elected in staggered terms by the Association, two (2) persons, at large selected by the Committee to serve at pleasure of the Committee, one (1) appointed representative of the Mississippi Public Service Commission. 2. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee shall be elected by and from the Committee membership. The Committee shall meet at least twice per year at the call of the Chairman. Members of the Committee shall be reimbursed by their respective organization only, and not by Committee, Association, or Commission. 3. The minutes shall be recorded and filed with the Public Service Commission. 120. APPEALS Any operator, system, or master meter operation aggrieved by this administrative rule, must file a petition stating the grievance to the Committee. The Committee will recommend to the Mississippi Public Service Commission the possible solution that the Committee feels is appropriate. Final decision in all grievances rests with the Mississippi Public Service Commission. 125. PENALTIES Any operator of system found by the Commission, or any duly designated hearing officer appointed thereby, to be in violation of any of these provisions or any rule, regulation or order of the Public Service Commission, shall be subject to fines and/or penalties as provided by law. * * Rule 57.2 As amended by Order of the Commission in Docket 1997-AD-508, effective January 1, 1998. * Rule 57.2 As amended by Order of the Commission in Docket 2013-AD-196, effective February 15, 2014. SUBPART 5: SPECIAL RULES - WATER CHAPTER 58: PURITY OF WATER SUPPLY RULE 58. 100. All water furnished by any utility for human consumption or for domestic uses shall be pure, wholesome, potable, not dangerous to health and insofar as practicable, free from objectionable odor and taste. All water furnished by any utility for human consumption or household purposes shall comply with all requirements of the Mississippi State Board of Health. CHAPTER 59: ANALYZES AND RECORDS RULE 59. 100. The Commission reserves the right to require under its supervision (a) an extended bacteriological as well as physical and chemical examination when deemed advisable for any particular water furnished, (b) that the results of all tests made either by the State Board of Health or by the utility shall be kept on file in the office of the utility for public inspection. These records shall indicate when, where and by whom these tests were made. The standard method of testing recommended by the American Public Health Association shall be followed as regards the examinations and collection of water and any departure therefrom shall be specifically stated. Whenever tests made by the State Board of Health, the utility or made for any other purposes disclose the presence of bacillus coli or any unnecessarily high bacterial count, the utility shall immediately take action to make its water supply safe for human and domestic purposes. CHAPTER 60: NEW SOURCE OF SUPPLY RULE 60. 100. When any utility proposes to use water from a new or different source of supply, it shall be required to obtain a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity from the Commission. Before the issuance of such Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, the utility shall be required to furnish a permit from the State Board of Health approving the use of a new supply. CHAPTER 61: PROTECTION OF WATER SUPPLY RULE 61. 100. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS The water supply system, including wells, pumping wells, pumping equipment, treatment works, mains and service pipes, shall be free from sanitary defects. 105. CONNECTIONS PROHIBITED No physical connection between the distribution system of a public potable water supply and that of any other water supply shall be permitted unless such other water supply maintains a safe, sanitary quality in accordance with these rules and regulations and the inter-connection of both supplies is approved by the State Board of Health. 110. ALGAE The growth of algae in the water at the source of supply in reservoirs or other basins and in the water mains shall be controlled by proper treatment. 115. WELLS Utilities obtaining water supplies from driven or drilled wells shall maintain the tightness of well casing and provide protection at the surface of the ground to prevent the infiltration of water other than that from the strata tapped by such wells. CHAPTER 62: OPERATION OF "DEAD ENDS" RULE 62. 100. "Dead Ends" in the distribution mains should be avoided as far as possible. If such "dead ends" exist, they shall be flushed not less than each ninety (90) days or more if conditions require. To insure compliance with this requirement, all "dead ends" or mains of four (4) inches in size or larger shall be equipped with hydrants or blow-off valves. Records shall be kept of all flushing of mains showing the date, place and duration of flushing. CHAPTER 63: ADEQUATE SERVICE REQUIREMENTS RULE 63. 100. PRESSURE Water utilities shall make every effort to maintain a pressure on their distribution systems which shall not at any time fall below the minimum of 35 PSI or rise above the maximum pressure of 125 PSI at customer's service connections. However, on rural lines where fire protection is not furnished, the minimum pressure may be as low as 25 PSI. 105. FIRE HYDRANT SERVICE In addition to furnishing domestic and commercial service, each utility furnishing fire hydrant service must be able, within a reasonable period of time after notice, to supply fire hydrant service to local fire fighting equipment and facilities. No utility shall, however, be required to install larger mains or fire hydrants or otherwise supply fire service unless proper contractual arrangements shall have been made with the utility by the municipality, agency or individual desiring such service. CHAPTER: 64: STATION METERS AND PRESSURE SURVEYS RULE 64. 100. STATION METERS Each utility furnishing water service shall install at each operation such station meter and instruments as may be necessary to obtain a daily and monthly record of the total amounts of water delivered into the mains. 105. PRESSURE GAUGES 1. Each utility furnishing water service in cities of 1,000 inhabitants or more shall maintain a graphic recording pressure gauge at its plant, downtown office or at some central point in the distributing system or each subdivision thereof where continuous records shall be made of the pressure in the mains at that point. 2. Utilities operating in cities of 5,000 or more inhabitants shall equip themselves with one or more graphic recording pressure gauges in addition to the foregoing and shall make frequent records during periods of maximum use, each covering intervals of at least 24 hours' duration of the water pressure at various points on the system. All records or charts made by these meters shall be identified, dated and kept on file, available for inspection. CHAPTER 65: METERS RULE 65. 100. DEFECTS AND ERRORS IN MEASUREMENTS No service water meter shall be allowed in service which has an incorrect gear ratio or dial train or is in any way mechanically defective or shows an error in measurement in excess of three (3%) per cent, plus or minus, when registering water at stream flow equivalent to approximately one-tenth, one-half and full normal rating under average service pressure. However, a water utility may, with the approval of the Commission, follow the American Water Works Association's standard procedure for testing water meters. 105. ADJUSTMENT When adjustment is necessary, such adjustment shall be made as accurately as practicable for average rate of flow under actual conditions of installation. Test for accuracy shall be made with suitable testing device in accordance with the best modern water meter practices, 110. AVERAGE ERROR For purposes of application, the average error of a water meter is defined as one-third of the algebraic sum of the errors when tested in accordance with Section 100 above, provided, however, that a water utility may, with approval of the Commission, follow the American Water Works Association's standard procedure for testing water meters. CHAPTER 66: METER TESTS RULE 66. 100. AT REQUEST OF CUSTOMER Each utility furnishing metered water service shall make a test of the accuracy of any water service meter upon request of a consumer in accordance with the provisions of Rule 11.120. The consumer shall be notified of the time and place of such test so that he may be present to witness same should he so desire. 105. REPORT TO CUSTOMER A written report giving the result of such test shall be made to the customer requesting same, the original record being kept on file at the office of the utility. 110. METER TESTS BY COMMISSION 1. Upon written application to the Commission by a customer or the utility, a test shall be made of the customer's meter as soon as practicable by a representative of the Commission. The application for such test shall be accompanied by a remittance of the amount fixed below as the fee for such test. This fee shall be retained by the Commission. However, if the meter is found to be more than three (3%) per cent fast, the utility shall repay to the customer the amount of the fee paid by the customer to the Commission for such meter test. No charges shall be made by the Commission for test on meters where such test does not require extra traveling or other expense or where it is practical to make the test incident to other Commission work. 2. The amount of the fee to be paid for a meter test made by the Commission shall be as follows: For each meter not exceeding 1 inch capacity - $2.50 For each meter exceeding 1 inch but not exceeding 2 inch capacity - $4.00 For meters exceeding 2 inches capacity - $8.00 CHAPTER 67: METER TESTING RULE 67. 100. WATER METER TESTERS Each utility furnishing metered water service shall maintain suitable water meter testers at each plant having 100 or more meters and shall keep same in proper adjustment so as to register accurately the condition of the meter at all times. 105. CERTIFICATE OF CALIBRATION REQUIREMENTS Each water meter tester shall be accompanied by a certificate of calibration indicating that the volumes or weighting devices used have been referred to proper standards, which standards have been certified by the National Bureau of Standards or some testing laboratory or other authority of recognized standing. 110. LOCATION OR METER TESTER Meter testers shall be located in suitable working space, easily accessible and equipped with all necessary facilities and accessories. They shall be available for inspection and use at all reasonable hours by the authorized representatives of the Commission. 115. PERIODIC TESTS Unless otherwise ordered by the Commission, each service water meter installed shall be periodically removed, inspected and tested and in accordance with the following schedule or as often as the results obtained may warrant to insure compliance with the provisions of Rule 64. Five-eights inch meters, ten years or for each 20,000 cubic feet of registration. Three-fourths inch meters, eight years or for each 300,000 cubic feet of registration. One inch meters, six years or for each 400,000 cubic feet of registration. All meters above one inch, every four years. CHAPTER 68: CONSTRUCTION RECORDS RULE 68. 100. Every water utility, in accordance with Rule 4.115(2), shall prepare or cause to be prepared and shall keep on file permanent and adequate records in the form of maps or clearly descriptive tabular statements or both showing the size, kind and location of all of its underground mains or other hidden construction and shall define locations of all valves and shut-off cocks. For all new construction work done, the records shall show date of construction by year and month. CHAPTER 69: SHORTAGE OF SUPPLY AND INTERRUPTION OF DELIVERY RULE 69. 100. SHORTAGE AND INTERRUPTION The utility shall exercise reasonable diligence to furnish a continuous and adequate supply of water to its customers and to avoid any shortage of interruption of delivery thereof. It can not, however, guarantee complete freedom from interruption. 105. TEMPORARY SUSPENSION FOR REPAIRS The utility shall have the right to suspend service temporarily to make necessary repairs or improvements to its system and shall notify the customers affected as soon as circumstances permit and shall prosecute the work with due diligence and with the least possible inconvenience to its customers. 110. APPORTIONMENT OF SUPPLY DURING TIME OF SHORTAGE During times of threatened or actual water shortage, the utility shall apportion its available water supply among its customers as directed by the City or Commission. In the absence of direction from the City or Commission, it shall apportion the supply in the manner that appears most equitable under the circumstances then prevailing with due regard to public health and safety. CHAPTER 70: WASTE OF WATER RULE 70. 100. DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE Where negligent or wasteful use of water exists on a customer's premises seriously affecting the general service, the utility may discontinue the service if such conditions are not corrected within five (5) days after giving customer written notice of intent to do so. 105. METERING OF FLAT RATE CONNECTIONS In order to protect itself against serious and unnecessary waste or misuse of water, the utility may meter any flat rate service connection and apply the regularly established meter rates where the customer continues to waste or misuse water five days after the utility has notified him in writing to discontinue such practice. 110. WATER SAVING DEVICES The utility may require water saving devices to be installed on air conditioning and refrigeration devices of over three tons. The company may require the use of cooling towers or other water saving devices on air conditioning and refrigerating equipment of more than three tons capacity.