Reporting of Gas Pipeline Leaks Caused by Excavation

Date:

October 11, 2011

Purpose:

The purpose of this Alert Notice is to allow the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) to analyze the effectiveness of damage prevention efforts and implement risk-based investigations to prevent recurrence. 

This Reporting Pertains to the Following Codes:

1. 49 CFR §192.614 
2. 49 CFR §192.617
3. Minnesota Statutes 299J.04
4. Minnesota Statutes 299F.62
5. Minnesota Statutes 299F.63

Scope:

This Alert Notice applies to all intrastate gas pipeline operators.  This document describes the actions and records OPS requires to demonstrate compliance with the referenced Federal Regulations and Minnesota Statutes.

Alert Requirements:

Effective December 1, 2011 the operator’s Operation & Maintenance manuals shall be revised as necessary so that all gas leaks caused by excavation are reported to OPS via email as soon as possible, but no later than the Friday following work week in which the damage was discovered.  This includes leaks caused by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd parties.  If no excavation leaks occur, no report is necessary.

The gas leak reports shall include the following information:

1. Date the damage occurred
2. Elapsed time (in minutes) from damage occurrence to gas off (if known)
3. Ticket number (if known)
4. Pipeline operator name
5. Locator company name
6. Excavator company name
7. Location of damage (address, street, city)
8. Pipeline damaged (transmission, main, service)
9. Apparent cause of damage
10. Pipeline diameter
11. Pipe material (plastic, steel, cast iron, copper, etc.)
12. Excavation equipment causing damage (if known)
13. Comments

Please note that operators are still required to complete and submit the Annual Utility Damage Report Form in accordance with Minnesota Statues 299F.63, as they have in the past.  These reports are in addition to any required telephonic or incident reports.