31-1101-0001_APAnotice_dh.doc

IDAPA 31 - IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

31.11.01 - SAFETY AND ACCIDENT REPORTING RULES
FOR UTILITIES REGULATED BY THE
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

DOCKET NO. 31-1101-0001

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES

AUTHORITY: In compliance with Section 67-5220(1), Idaho Code, notice is hereby given of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission’s proposed rulemaking. This action is authorized pursuant to Section 61-515, Idaho Code.

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE: A public hearing concerning this rulemaking will be scheduled only if requested in writing by twenty-five (25) persons, a political subdivision, or an agency, not later than October 18, 2000. The hearing site will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Request for accommodations must be made not later than five (5) days prior to the hearing, to the Commission’s address set out below.

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY: The following is a non-technical explanation of the substance and purpose of the proposed rules:

The Commission’s Safety and Accident Reporting Rules currently adopt by reference several national safety codes and the federal gas pipeline safety regulations. Several of these national safety codes and regulations have recently been updated. The Commission is proposing to adopt the updated version of the safety codes and regulations.

Existing Rule 201 adopts various parts of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations pertaining to gas and pipeline corporations. The Commission proposes to adopt the updated safety regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation found at 49 C.F.R. Parts 191, 192, 193, 195, and 199 (effective October 1, 2000) and 65 Fed.Reg. 54,440 (issued September 8, 2000).

The Commission also proposes to update Rule 202 by adopting the 1999 edition of the National Fuel Gas Code. The Commission also proposes to adopt the 2000 edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code. Finally, the Commission proposes to make a few non-substantive and format changes to its Safety Rules.

NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING: Pursuant to IDAPA 04.11.01.0811, negotiated rulemaking was not conducted because these proposed rules adopt updated national safety codes and regulations dealing with the provision of electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, and water services.

ASSISTANCE ON TECHNICAL QUESTIONS: For assistance on technical questions concerning the proposed rules, contact Donald L. Howell II, Deputy Attorney General at [phone] or David Schunke, Deputy Administrator at [phone].

DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN COMMENTS: Anyone may submit written comments regarding these proposed rules. All written comments and data concerning the proposed rules must be delivered to the Commission Secretary at the address identified above or must be postmarked on or before October 25, 2000. Persons desiring to comment are encouraged to submit written comments at their earliest convenience rather than wait until the comment deadline.

DATED this day of August 2000.

Myrna J. Walters Street Address for Express Mail
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission 472 West Washington Street
PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83702-5983
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]