(A) MNG responsibilities. MNG is responsible for installing natural gas distribution service lines, piping, gas mains, saddles or taps, first shut off valves, the meters and the service regulators for the location set forth in the customer's application for service, whether that customer be an individual property owner, business, school, university, hospital, industry or other entity. Only MNG personnel may turn the meter on or off. If the customer requires the meter to be turned off for any reason, the customer or customer's authorized agent must contact MNG and schedule a time for shut off or turn on. If work is being performed, the licensed gas professional shall never operate any part of the distribution system, including the meter. MNG personnel will turn the meter off for work to be performed, and turn the meter on according to established safety standards after repairs are completed. MNG will also time the meter when the meter is turned on, after repairs or additions to the customer's piping. If the meter is turned off by personnel other than MNG, a twenty-four- (24-) hour chart test shall be required before the gas can be turned back on.
(B) MNG is solely responsible for the service line up to and including the meter. MNG shall refuse to turn on gas until the customer's licensed gas professional has repaired all gas leaks so disclosed. MNG personnel shall then turn on the meter, time the meter, and leave the premises.
(C) MNG personnel shall be subject to the orders and directions of the Director of Public Works and/or the Murray Natural Gas Field Operations Manager, and they are vested with full authority to enter any structure, building or other premises at any reasonable time in the discharge of their duties herein imposed.
(D) It shall be the duty of Murray Natural Gas to receive all applications for connection to Murray natural gas system, to pass on, approve, or reject any such applications received, to keep a daily record of all applications received, and to make a monthly report of natural gas operations to the Council, if requested.
(E) MNG personnel shall witness the licensed gas professional selected by the customer leak test customer gas piping and venting for structures in the course of new construction and/or when new service lines are added. In addition, MNG gas personnel shall check reported gas leaks and turn off the meter for the licensed gas professional and turn it back on when the licensed gas professional has completed all work on the customer's gas issues. At the time MNG turns the meter back on, MNG personnel will time the meter.
(F) MNG gas personnel shall give the owner or agent in charge of any structure, written notice of any visible issues with the gas piping or venting when evaluating a potential leak call or when observing the air or soap test on new service piping, so that the licensed gas professional can evaluate and make any necessary changes or repairs. It is the responsibility of the property owner or customer to engage a licensed and certified gas professional to install, maintain and repair all gas appliances, including lighting of the pilot light, and to ensure that such appliances are functioning consistent with the code and all applicable rules and regulations. If the owner or agent fails to comply with this notice, MNG shall turn off the gas, and shall not thereafter turn the gas back on again until the licensed gas professional has completed the necessary repairs. MNG personnel shall time the meter prior to turning on the gas.
(G) It shall also be the duty of MNG personnel to investigate all alleged violations of the provisions of this chapter, to discuss issues and situations that arise with the Field Operations Manager, to issue imminent danger notices or potential hazard notices as needed, and/or to file complaints when necessary.
(H) No one except an employee of Murray Natural Gas System shall at any time operate any valve of any type or in any way tamper or make any connection with any gas main, meter, meter connection or gas service pipe between the main and the meter under penalty of law. However, in the event of extenuating circumstances, the Director of Public Works and/or the Gas Field Operations Manager, are authorized to allow emergency responders to turn off gas at the service line valve.
(Ord. 2022-1837, passed 12-8-22; Am. Ord. 2023-1856, passed 12-14-23)