02 DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL REGULATION

658 MAINE FUEL BOARD

1. CHAPTER 12 PERMITS FOR ABOVEGROUND AND UNDERGROUND PROPANE AND NATURAL GAS STORAGE FACILITIES AND ROOFTOP INSTALLATIONS

Summary: This Chapter sets forth requirements for permitting aboveground and underground propane and natural gas storage facilities and rooftop installations in Maine.

1. 12.1 Installation
   1. 12.1.1 Aboveground and underground propane storage facilities
      1. 1. Installations of aboveground and underground propane storage facilities utilizing storage containers of over 2,000 gallon individual water capacity, or with aggregate water capacity exceeding 4,000 gallons, must be submitted to the Board for approval and permitting prior to installation.
      2. 2. Actuators on internal valves and emergency shut-off valves must not be operated with a flammable gas.
      3. 3. All facilities permitted under this section shall be enclosed with a minimum six (6) feet (1.8 m) high industrial type chain-link fence meeting clearance and egress requirements of NFPA 58. All piping, valves and pumps shall be within the enclosure.
      4. 4. In addition to the electrical shut-off switch that controls the pump used for liquid transfer, an identified and accessible emergency switch or circuit breaker shall be installed at a location not less than 25 ft or more than 100 ft, from the point of transfer at a bulk plant, to shut off the power in the event of a fire, an accident, or other emergency.

         5.The emergency remote electrical shutoff shall be identified as such by a sign incorporating the words “Storage Facility” and “Emergency Electrical Shutoff” in block letters not less than two (2) inches in height on a background of contrasting color to the letters. The sign shall be visible from the point of transfer.

   2. 12.1.2 Aboveground and underground compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas storage facilities.

      The standards for installation as set forth in 12.1.1(1)-(5) apply to installations of aboveground and underground compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas storage facilities utilizing storage containers of over 2,000 gallon individual water capacity, or with aggregate water capacity exceeding 4,000 gallons, and must be submitted to the Board for approval and permitting prior to installation.

2. 12.1.3 Rooftop Propane Installations
   1. Installations of rooftop propane containers must be installed in accordance with NFPA 58 and must be submitted to the Board for approval and permitting prior to installation.
      1. 12.1.3 Rooftop Compressed Natural Gas Installations

         Installations of rooftop compressed natural gas containers must be installed in accordance with NFPA 55 and must be submitted to the Board for approval and permitting prior to installation.

      2. 12.1.4 Rooftop Liquefied Natural Gas Installations

         Installations of rooftop liquefied natural gas containers must be installed in accordance with NFPA 59A and must be submitted to the Board for approval and permitting prior to installation.

3. 12.2 Application Procedure
   1. 12.2.1 Generally
      1. Application for a permit must be made on a form supplied by the Board. The application must be accompanied by detailed plans, including a cross-sectional view, front and side elevations, and plot plans, and the fee set forth in Chapter 10 of the rules of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation. A permit must be obtained prior to commencement of the installation or alteration.
      2. 12.2.2 Change in Tank Capacity, Piping or Operation

         Any physical change that would increase the tank capacity or alter the piping or operation of the facility requires that a new application be filed, and a new permit be issued.

         1. 12.2.2.1 When any individual tank with a water capacity of 2,000 gallons or more is replaced, the following must be done:
         2. 1. If the facility has not been previously permitted, a new permit must be applied for and granted before the tank is replaced.
         3. 2. If the facility has been permitted, the Board must be informed in writing at least fifteen (15) days before the tank is replaced.
4. 12.3 Inspection Required Prior to Placing in Operation

   When the installation or alteration is completed, the person making the installation or alteration must notify the Board prior to placing into operation. A Board inspector shall inspect the installation within a reasonable time so as not to cause undue delay in the progress of the construction contract or installation. The inspector shall determine whether the installation complies with all applicable statutes and rules. If the inspector determines that the installation does not comply, the facility must not be placed into operation and the procedures set forth in 32 M.R.S. § 18110 apply.

STATUTORY Authority: 32 M.R.S. § 18123(2)

Effective date:

September 27, 2014 – filing 2014-245

REPEALED AND REPLACED:

September 16, 2023 – filing 2023-168