11019701v1.docx

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. 31-1101-9701
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 August 20, 1997.  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.   These national safety codes and regulations have recently been updated. The Commission is proposing to adopt the updated versions the national safety codes and regulations.
Existing Rule 101 ( 31.11.01.101) adopts by reference the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) based upon the 1993 edition of the code.  The Commission proposes to adopt the 1997 edition of the NESC.  The most significant changes contained in the 1997 edition include:  showing metric as well as inch-foot-pound numeric values;  clarifying the methods for grounding fences; changes to the clearance rules applicable to emergency and temporary overhead lines; and adding requirements for continuance metallic shield for some communication cables.  Existing Rule 201 (31.11.01.201) 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 49 C.F.R. Parts 191, 192, 193, 195, and 199 (effective October 1, 1996).
Existing Rule 202 (31.11.01.202) last adopted the National Fuel Gas Code’s 1992  edition.  The Commission proposes to adopt the 1996 edition of the National Fuel Gas Code.  Significant changes included in the 1996 edition are:  changing the point of delivery for propane piping systems to be the discharge of the final stage pressure regulator; adding sizing tables for polyethylene tubing and corrugated stainless steel tubing; and adding tables for sizing of masonry chimneys exposed to the outdoors below the roof line.  Existing Rule 203 (31.11.01.203) adopts by reference portions of the 1991 edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) referring to gas or gas-burning appliances.  The Commission proposes to adopt the 1997 edition of the UMC.  Finally, the Commission proposes to make several other 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 August 27, 1997.  Persons desiring to comment are encouraged to submit written comments at their earliest convenience rather than wait until the comment deadline.
DATED this 11th day of  June 1997.
Myrna J. WaltersStreet Address for Express Mail:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission472 West Washington Street
PO Box 83720Boise, ID 83702-5983
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Telephone:  [phone]
FAX:           [phone]
bls/N-11019701.dh2