Jurisdiction
The Pennsylvania legislature has empowered the Public Utility Commission to direct
and enforce safety standards for pipeline facilities and to regulate safety practices
of certificated utilities engaged in the transportation of natural gas and other
gas by pipeline.
The Commission is authorized to enforce federal safety standards as an agent for
the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Pipeline Safety. The safety standards
apply to the design, installation, operation, inspection, testing, construction,
extension, replacement and maintenance of pipeline facilities. The PUC may prescribe
additional pipeline safety standards over and above federal standards, provided
they are not in conflict.
Whenever the Commission uncovers pipeline safety violations, it is empowered to
direct the utility to take necessary steps to correct the violation.
The PUC investigates all methods or practices of pipeline companies, including reports,
records and other information. PUC investigators inspect the property, buildings,
plants and offices of the pipeline companies and inspect books, records, paper,
email and documents relevant to the enforcement of the rules and regulations.
If an inspector finds evidence of a possible violation, a violation report is written.
The Gas Safety Section will notify the gas utility of the results of the onsite
evaluation, specifically citing the gas pipeline safety regulation the gas utility
is apparently violating. The gas utility must answer with a written response to
the PUC within 30 days of notification.
The gas utility and the Gas Safety Section will work together to reach an agreement
on how to correct the violation. If an agreement can not be reached, the Gas Safety
Section can refer the problem to the PUC for formal resolution by issuing a complaint,
setting a penalty, or seeking enforcement through the court system.
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