<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" citation="COMAR 20.56.01.07" title_num="20" subtitle_num="56" chapter_num="01" heading="Gas Leak Surveys.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Frequency of Leak Surveys. Each owner shall conduct a gas leak survey of a LPG pipeline system in accordance with the following schedule:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>At least once each calendar year, at intervals not exceeding 15 months, for a pipeline located in a business district or place of public assembly;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>At least once every 3 calendar years, at intervals not exceeding 39 months, for a pipeline made of cast iron, ductile iron, and cathodically unprotected steel; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>At least once every 5 calendar years, at intervals not exceeding 63 months, for all other types of pipelines.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Testing Methods.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Each owner shall establish written procedures for conducting gas leak surveys as specified in this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Acceptable methods for owners conducting gas leak surveys, as described in the GPTC Guide for Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems, include:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Subsurface gas detector survey, including bar hole surveys;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Bubble leakage test for pipelines exposed to the atmosphere; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Pressure drop test.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>In addition to the acceptable methods listed in §B(2) of this regulation, other survey and test methods that have been tested and proven to be at least equal to the methods listed in §B(2) of this regulation and approved by the Commission may be used to meet the requirements of §B(1) of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A leak or leaks discovered by a gas leak survey conducted pursuant to this regulation shall be classified, and the appropriate action taken as described in the GPTC Guide For Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Field Operations.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An owner shall conduct a leakage survey on each new or replaced service line before the line is placed in service, but after backfilling and a reasonable period of gas pressurizing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>After a leak repair, an owner shall conduct a gas leakage survey in accordance with §B of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Records of Leak Surveys.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An owner shall maintain a record of each leak survey listing by location and date for the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Number of leaks detected;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Severity of each leak; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Action taken to repair each leak.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An owner shall maintain the records required under §E(1) of this regulation as long as the segment of pipeline involved remains in service.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>