Section 2 - Line Markers for Mains and Transmission Pipelines

XYZ Utilities O&M Manual Rev. 2.0 - November 1, 2019

1.0  PURPOSE

2.0  SCOPE

3.0  DEFINITIONS

4.0  REFERENCES

5.0  RESPONSIBILITY

6.0  PROCEDURE(S)

7.0  TRAINING/QUALIFICATIONS

8.0  PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

9.0  DOCUMENTATION/RECORDKEEPING

10.0  RELATED DOCUMENTS/FORMS

11.0  APPENDICES

1.0  PURPOSE

This section describes the actions for placing and maintaining pipeline [means all parts of those physical facilities through which gas moves in transportation, including pipe, valves, and other appurtenances attached to pipe, compressor units, metering stations, regulator stations, holders, and fabricated assemblies] markers.

2.0  SCOPE

This method is to be used to identify the locations of all XYZ Utilities pipelines and for all distribution lines in Class 1 and 2 locations (as defined under 49 CFR § 192.5).

Markers are not required for transmission pipelines in Class 3 or 4 locations if placement of a marker is impractical or for distribution mains in Class 3 and 4 locations where a damage prevention program for notification and inspection is established.

3.0  DEFINITIONS

None at this time.

4.0  REFERENCES

49 CFR 192.5, 192.707

5.0  RESPONSIBILITY

Gas [means natural gas, flammable gas, or gas which is toxic or corrosive. For NH, means any manufactured or natural gas or any combination thereof] Operations, Construct and Maintain or designee shall [indicates a mandatory requirement] be responsible to:

• Identify locations for the placement of markers
• Verify markers are in place and visible when conducting leakage surveys and patrols [the act of visually observing, identifying, discussing and influencing field conditions and activities along the route of a gas transmission pipeline to minimize risk to the public and the Company. Patrols may be performed by walking, driving, flying (car, van, truck, helicopter, plane, snowmobile, etc.) or other engineering approved methods for traversing the routes]
• Install markers for newly identified locations
• Replace markers as necessary

Mapping/Records or designee shall:

• As applicable, maintain records on line markers

All employees:

• Notify supervisor when a damaged marker is observed.

6.0  PROCEDURE(S)

6.1  General

1. Distribution lines in Class 1 and 2 locations (as defined under 49 CFR §192.5) are to be identified by yellow colored plastic posts with a CAUTION - NATURAL GAS PIPELINE decal affixed to each side of the post and facing the direction of the distribution line route.

2. All markers installed on XYZ Utilities facilities will meet the following specifications:

The words "Warning", "Caution", or "Danger" followed by the words "Gas Pipeline", all of which must will be in letters at least one inch high with one-quarter inch stroke on a background of sharply contrasting color-stroke.  The name of the operator [a person who operates an underground facility or facilities to furnish any of the following services or materials such as: electricity, gas, steam, liquid petroleum products, telephone, telegraph, communications, cable television, sewage removal, traffic control systems, or water] and the telephone number (including area code) will be included where the operator can be reached at all times.

3. The placement and maintenance of permanent line makers shall be as specified in this procedure.

4. Exercise extreme caution during installation of post to protect pipe coating from damage.

5. Use a post hole digger to install post. Prior to installing post into the ground install the plastic anchor barb into the bottom of the post, then with a slight force insert the post into the hole forcing the barb to bend upward. The hole shall then be properly backfilled and tamped.

6. It is recommended markers be placed 1 foot east or south of the pipeline.

7. Ensure soil anchor tabs are attached to prevent unauthorized removal of the post.

8. Record the marker location on the patrol map

6.2  Location

Line Markers shall be placed as follows:

a. Below ground facilities

1. On either side of all road crossings, railroad rights-of-way, creels and bridges regardless of whether the gas line is exposed or buried.

2. All marking devices must be placed and maintained as close as practical over each buried main [a distribution line that serves as a common source of supply for more than one service line] and transmission line [a pipeline, other than a gathering line, that: (1) Transports gas from a gathering line or storage facility to a gas distribution center, storage facility, or large volume customer that is not down-stream from a gas distribution center; (2) operates at a hoop stress of 20 percent or more of SMYS; or (3) transports gas within a storage field. NOTE: A large volume customer may receive similar volumes of gas as a distribution center, and includes factories, power plants, and institutional users of gas]. A marker should [indicates best practice and is the action that is expected to be performed as described unless there is a compelling reason not to do so] be placed at each point where the direction of the pipeline can change.

3. At reasonable intervals adjacent to roadways to be readily visible to parties who may [indicates an action or method that can be used at the discretion of the user. It is not required or expected] be performing excavations near the pipeline route.

4. Located directly over the pipeline wherever possible.

b. Above ground facilities

1. Mains

2. Transmission lines

3. Pressure reducing facilities

4. Holding facilities

5. Any facility [means all parts of the pipeline(s) through which gas moves in transportation, including pipe, valves, fittings, and other appurtenances attached to pipe, compressor units, metering stations, regulator stations, delivery stations, holders, and fabricated assemblies] accessible [pertaining to valve inspection requirements, accessible means: (a).  The valve, and/or valve enclosure, is visually identifiable. (b).  The cover of below grade valve enclosures can be removed. (c).  The surface connection sleeve to below grade valves is free and clear of obstructions. (d).  If the valve is below grade, the operating nut is correctly aligned and centered in the surface connection sleeve. (e). An operating key can be correctly placed on the valve operating nut] to the public other than residential, commercial and industrial meter sets

6.3  Maintenance

When patrols are performed or during continuing surveillance, observations will be made for adequate markers, for proper location and for proper markings on the signs. All reported missing or damaged line markers are to be replaced or repaired as follows:

1. Pipeline ROW - prior to the next scheduled patrol or leak survey.

2. Distribution - at least annually [means once per calendar year and at intervals not to exceed 15 months].

3. ROW maintenance shall be scheduled with sufficient frequency as to assure adequate visibility of line markers at all times.

7.0  TRAINING/QUALIFICATIONS

8.0  PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Observe all personnel and procedural safety procedures as necessary per job requirements.

9.0  DOCUMENTATION/RECORDKEEPING

XYZ Utilities will keep records on pipeline markers in a manner applicable to each system for the life of the facility.

All forms and data sheets associated with the implementation of this instruction shall be stored with the applicable job file or electronic data base for a minimum of five years or according to the requirements of each state regulation, whichever is longer.

10.0  RELATED DOCUMENTS/FORMS

None at this time.

11.0  APPENDICES

None at this time.