I202409 NOPV Response

EXECUTIVE OFFICES
INTERMOUNTAIN GAS COMPANY
555 SOUTH COLE ROAD-P.O.BOX 7608• BOISE,IDAHO 83707• [phone]• FAX:[phone]
September 16,2024
Mr.Jeff Brooks,Programs Manager
Idaho Public Utility Commission
PO Box 83720
Boise,ID 83720-0074
Subject:Response to the Notice of Probable Violation dated August 5,2024(Report#I202409)
Dear Mr.Brooks,
This letter is intended to address one(1)notice of probable violation stemming from a construction inspection
conducted by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission(IPUC)on July 24,2024,on service line 02251-621 of
Intermountain Gas Company(IGC)pursuant of Chapter 601 Title,49,United States Code.
PROBABLE VIOLATION
1. 49 CFR$ 192.805 Qualification Program
(h)After December 16,2004,provide training,as appropriate to ensure that individuals performing
covered tasks have necessary knowledge and skills to perform the tasks in a manner that ensures the
safe operation of pipeline facilities;and
2. OPS 204 Qualifying Plastic Joiners
2.6.External Compressions Ring Mechanical Fittings: 192-1005.03 Joining of Plastic Pipe—Met Fit
2.6.1.A section of three-fourths inch(3/4")IPS,one and one-fourth inch(1 '/4")IPS,or two-inch
(2")IPS will be joined with an external compression ring fitting per the manufacturer's
procedure and/or instructions.
2.6.2.Qualified inspector observes the joining process to determine that the proper procedure is
being followed.
2.6.3.Qualified inspector shall visually examine the connection.
2.6.4. Successful test qualifies the individuals for pipe diameters one-half inch(1/2")CTS through
two-inch(2")IPS.
3. JM Eagle Met Fit
Per manufacture recommendations:
• Series 200 V-Tool is only to be used for to 1 1/4"pipe.
• Series 200 Hydraulic Tool System is used for 2"pipe and can be used to join 1 '/4"to 2"with
the correct adapters.
Finding(s)•
IPUC staff a contract employee for IGC install a 3/4"Met-Fit Tee fitting.Per contractor supervisor and FOC,the
IGC OQ process to qualify employees and contractors only utilized the 2"hydraulic tool.No training was
given for the use of Series 200 V-Tool.
The contractor also proved IPUC staff that the employee has improperly used the hand tool and damaged
several 3/4 Met-Fits while utilizing the Series 200 V-Tool without training or qualification on the tool and
lacked knowledge and skill on the tool.The damaged Met-Fits were not put in service per communications.
Intermountain Gas Response
Upon investigation of this occurrence,training on the use of the Series 200 V-Tool was included during Plastic
Pipe Joining Training and Qualification that was conducted in February 2024 by the IGC Safety and Technical
Training department. The contractor employee attended and completed the training and became qualified to
install Met-Fits on February 27, 2024.

EXECUTIVE OFFICES
INTERMOUNTAIN GAS COMPANY
555 SOUTH COLE ROAD-P.O.BOX 7608• BOISE,IDAHO 83707•[phone]• FAX:[phone]
Additionally,after further investigation of potentially damaged Met-Fits, it was determined there was scarring
on the stainless-steel compression ring. There was no damage to the pipe or the plastic portion of the Met-Fit.
The fittings were not compromised and there are no safety concerns.
IGC is in the process of evaluating different tooling.
Please contact Josh Sanders at(701)222-7773 with questions or comments.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pat Darras
Vice President,Engineering&Operations Services
Intermountain Gas Company