The Public Utility Commission Thursday clarified its Implementation Order as a continued step in implementing the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines Act (Act 127).

The Commission voted 5-0 to issue the Final Order indicating all pipeline operators of Class 1 transmission lines in Pennsylvania must register these lines with the Commission.  All entities with Class 1 transmission lines that have not previously filed must now file with the Commission by June 22, 2012.  A Class 1 location is considered an offshore area or any class location unit that has 10 or fewer buildings intended for human occupancy.

Act 127 directed the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and facilities within the Commonwealth. The Commission also is tracking the development of pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells. Final forms and other materials are available on the Commission’s website.

Act 127 expanded the Commission’s authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws as they relate to those pipelines and facilities. Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned natural gas distribution systems, non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and propane distribution pipeline systems.

For more information, visit the PUC’s Act 127 webpage.

6/11/2012