25-12.008. New, Reconstructed or Converted Facilities

(1) No new or reconstructed system or portion thereof may be:

(a) Constructed, until written construction specifications complying with these rules are developed.

(b) Placed in service until the pipeline facilities have been inspected and found to comply with the construction specifications and Operating and Maintenance Plans.

(2) Before a piping system can be converted to a regulated gas, the operator must:

(a) Have a general conversion procedure as a part of its operation and maintenance plan.

(b) File a conversion plan with the Commission for the specific system at least 15 days prior to start of conversion. This plan need not be filed for minor conversions which are scheduled to be completed in one day and where sectionalizing of the system to be converted is not planned.

(c) Have inspections performed of the pipeline to assure that it was constructed in accordance with standards applicable at the time of installation. Visual inspection of the underground facilities will not be required if construction and testing records have been maintained.

(d) Review the operating and maintenance history of the system to be converted. Any areas showing abnormal maintenance requirements shall be replaced, reconditioned or otherwise made safe prior to conversion.

(e) Establish the maximum allowable operating pressure no greater than the highest sustained operating pressure during the 5 years prior to conversion unless it was tested or uprated after July 1, 1970 in accordance with the Subparts J or K of 49 C.F.R. 192 (2017) as adoped in Rule 25-12.005, F.A.C.

(f) Make a leak survey over the entire converted system concurrent with the conversion.

(g) Determine areas of active corrosion as required by Subpart I of 49 C.F.R. 192 (2017) and these rules. Required cathodic protection must be accomplished within 1 year after the date of conversion except that buried steel tubing must be protected prior to placing the system into operation.

Rulemaking Authority 350.127(2), 368.03, 368.05(2) FS. Law Implemented 368.03, 368.05(2) FS. History–New 11-14-70, Amended 9-21-74, 10-7-75, 10-2-84, Formerly 25-12.08, Amended 12-15-09, 10-11-12, 3-2-17.