PROPOSED RULES
COMMISSION
Continuance of WSR 05-02-096.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 01-17-048.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 480-93 WAC, Gas companies -- Safety, WUTC Docket No. UG-011073.
Hearing Location(s): Commission Hearing Room 206, Second Floor, Chandler Plaza Building, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, on March 31, 2005, at 1:30 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: March 31, 2005.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Mary DeYoung by March 29, 2005, TTY (360) 586-8203 or (360) 664-1133.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rules are intended to ensure the safety of gas pipeline operations and to promote safety for the citizens of Washington state from the hazards of gas pipeline operations. The proposed rules are intended to implement the requirements of Executive Order 97-02, requiring agencies to review significant rules for need; effectiveness and efficiency; clarity; intent and statutory authority; cost and fairness. The proposal repeals some of the existing rules that are no longer necessary, adds rules to clarify existing federal rules which the commission adopts by reference, and includes new rules that are more stringent than federal rules, such as adding "new construction" as an activity included as a covered task. The proposed rules include new rules for defining "timeframes" used throughout the chapter, and addressing protection of exposed plastic pipe.
The purpose of this continuance of WSR 05-02-096 is to provide notice of a change in the adoption and hearing dates for this rule making from March 16, 2005, to March 31, 2005.
Name of Proponent: Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Sondra Walsh, Senior Policy Strategist, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 664-1286; Implementation and Enforcement: Carole J. Washburn, Executive Secretary, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 664-1174.
A small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.
A copy of the statement may be obtained by contacting Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, Records Center, Docket No. UG-011073, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250, phone (360) 664-1286, fax (360) 664-1150, e-mail swalsh@wutc.wa.gov.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The commission is not an agency to which RCW 34.05.328 applies. The proposed rules are not significant legislative rules of the sort referenced in RCW 34.05.328(5).
March 1, 2005
Carole J. Washburn
Executive Secretary