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(a) The pipeline operator must file with the gas inspector an annual verified report in letter form on or before June 30 of each year to cover the reporting period of June 1 through May 31. The annual report must include the following information:
(1) A statement that the regulated pipeline has no outstanding safety violations as determined in an inspection or audit by either the Texas Railroad Commission or the United States Department of Transportation.
(2) If any safety violations, as determined by the Railroad Commission or the United States Department of Transportation, have not been corrected, the violations must be reported and an action plan to correct the safety violations must be provided. The action plan must include a timeline for corrective action and the individual or firm responsible for each action.
(3) If the pipeline operator has no reporting responsibility to the Texas Railroad Commission or the United States Department of Transportation and is otherwise exempt from the safety regulations of either agency, the following documents pertaining to the preceding reporting period of June 1 through May 31:
(A) copies of internal reports of responses to pipeline emergencies;
(B) current operations and maintenance logs; and
(C) current emergency action plan.
(4) Evidence that the pipeline operator has current liability insurance in accordance with this division.
(5) A statement that the regulated pipeline information provided is correct. If the information provided is no longer correct, updated or corrected information.
(b) The pipeline operator must, upon the request by the gas inspector, make available a log of all the maintenance and monitoring activities conducted on all pipelines subject to this division for the reporting period must be made available upon request by the gas inspector.
(c) The pipeline operator shall file a copy of all initial or follow-up reports provided to the Texas Railroad Commission and the United States Department of Transportation on unsafe pipeline conditions, pipeline emergencies, or pipeline incidents with the gas inspector. The pipeline operator shall file with the gas inspector any initial or follow-up reports filed with state and federal regulatory agencies regarding pipeline releases concurrently with the city. (Ord. 29228)
(a) All repairs and maintenance of pipelines must be performed in accordance with the United States Department of Transportation and Texas Railroad Commission mechanical integrity requirements.
(b) A pipeline operator shall protect, maintain in a state of good repair and condition, and regularly paint all pipeline risers and appurtenances related to pipeline construction and operations that are composed of materials generally protected or painted.
(c) If non-emergency repairs require excavation of a regulated pipeline, the pipeline operator shall provide written notice to the residents, property owners, and tenants within 500 feet, measured from the centerline of the pipeline to be excavated, at least five days before beginning the repairs.
(d) If above-ground non-emergency repairs that are not routine maintenance are required, the pipeline operator shall provide written notice to the residents, property owners, and tenants within 500 feet, measured from the centerline of the pipeline section to be repaired, at least five days before beginning the repairs. The written notice must be:
(1) sent by United States mail, postage prepaid, at least five days before beginning any non-emergency repair; or
(2) hand-delivery at least three days before beginning the non-emergency repairs. (Ord. 29228)
Nothing in this division shall be construed as an assumption by the city of any responsibility of a pipeline operator of a pipeline not owned by the city, and no city officer, employee, or agent has the authority to relieve a pipeline operator of their responsibility under this division or by any other law, ordinance, rule, or regulation. (Ord. 29228)
(a) All regulated pipelines must be maintained in an active condition unless abandoned in accordance with state and federal regulations.
(b) Within 60 days after the pipeline becomes idle or inactive, a pipeline must be purged and plugged.
(c) The pipeline operator shall notify the gas inspector in writing within 30 days after a pipeline is abandoned. Within 60 days after abandonment, the regulated pipeline must be purged and plugged.
(d) To reactivate an abandoned pipeline, the pipeline operator shall apply for a new regulated pipeline permit in accordance with this division.
(e) A reactivated regulated pipeline must be pressure tested for integrity and compliance with the Texas Railroad Commission and the United States Department of Transportation regulations. A regulated gas permit application to reactivate an abandoned pipeline must include the results of the pressure testing. (Ord. 29228)
Division IV. Violations.
(a) A person is criminally responsible for a violation of this article if the person:
(1) refuses the gas inspector access to an operation site or a regulated pipeline;
(2) fails to comply with a gas inspector’s orders; or
(3) fails to comply with any provision of this article.
(b) A person who knowingly violates any provision of this article is guilty of a separate offense for each day or portion of a day during which the violation is continued. Each offense is punishable by a fine of $2,000. This fine shall be doubled for the second conviction of the same offense within any 24-month period and trebled for the third and subsequent convictions of the same offense within any 24-month period. See Section 51A-1.103 for additional provisions on enforcement. (Ord. Nos. 26920; 29228)