SEC. 51A-12.309. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE.

   (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)

SEC. 51A-12.310. NO ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY BY CITY.

   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)

SEC. 51A-12.311. ABANDONED PIPELINES.

   (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.

SEC. 51A-12.401. 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)