Virginia Law

A. These rules are adopted pursuant to § 56-257.2 of the Code of Virginia to establish safety and inspection requirements for master-metered natural gas systems as defined by federal regulations promulgated under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 USC App. § 1671 et seq.), as amended.

B. Parts 191 and 192 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations are hereby adopted by reference as the minimum pipeline safety regulations applicable to master-metered systems within the commission's jurisdiction under § 56-257.2 of the Code of Virginia.

C. Telephonic notices regarding incidents involving master-metered gas systems shall be made, at the earliest practicable moment following discovery of the incident, to the commission's Division of Energy Regulation during the division's daily hours and to the commission's Manager of Gas Pipeline Safety (telephone number (804) 343‑0863) during all other times. Such notices shall include the information listed in 49 CFR 191.5(b)(1) through (b)(5).

D. The commission's Division of Energy Regulation may require certain written reports from the jurisdictional master-metered systems to aid the commission staff in administering an effective gas pipeline safety program.

E. The commission's Division of Energy Regulation shall be empowered to submit and sign on behalf of the commission, such forms and applications as necessary to assure participation in natural gas pipeline safety programs, as deemed advisable by the commission to assure an effective safety program in Virginia, but that the commission comptroller shall be empowered to sign on behalf of the commission those applications and forms pertaining to grants or reimbursement of expenses incurred by the commission in conducting the gas pipeline safety program in Virginia.