Wyo. Code R. 045-0007-9
Effective Date: 03/26/1990 to 01/25/2005
Rule Type: Superceded Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 045.0007.9.03261990
Section 1. Design & Construction Provisions. The provisions of Chapters IV and VI as to occupancy of and construction within high- way rights-of-way shall apply.
Section 2. Definitions. For the purpose of this regulation the following definitions are used:
(a) 'Gas' means natural gas, flammable gas, gas which is toxic or corrosive, and carbon dioxide.
(b) 'Transmission lines and facilities' means pipelines and facilities for the transportation of gas between states (Interstate) as well as those that transport gas from gathering lines and storage facilities to distribution centers and storage facilities, and directly to large volume customers (Intrastate).
(c) 'Gathering lines' means pipelines that transport gas from a production facility (wellhead) to a storage facility or transmission line.
(d) 'Distribution Line' (including service lines and distribution mains) means those lines conveying gas to customers from a common source.
Section 3. Specific Provisions.
(a) Design and Construction of all carrier pipe and casing pipe shall be in compliance with the most current provisions of Federal and State laws, rules and regulations, as well as industry standards and the provisions of this regulation.
(b) Casing of pipelines is not required if the carrier pipe is of heavy wall thickness and the line is cathodically protected.
The heavy wall thickness portion of the line, or casing if used, shall extend at a minimum, to the face of the bore pit to allow for future widening of the roadway.
(c) Bore and receiving pits shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet to the bottom of the roadway embankment or ditch flow line, but no closer than thirty (30) feet from the edge of traveled way to the face of the pit, in order to allow for a continuous clear zone.
(d) Bore and receiving pits shall not be located in the median strips of divided highways where the median is less than 120 feet wide, unless specifically approved by the Department's engineer due to extenuating circumstances.
(e) No parallel encroachments will be allowed within the median strips of divided highways.
(f) No parallel encroachments will be allowed within the highway R/W for transmission and/or gathering lines.
The number of gathering lines crossing the highway R/W shall be held to a minimum by placing large casing pipes in a few locations and running several gathering lines through them.
(g) Distribution systems may be allowed to encroach parallel or cross the highway R/W.
(h) The minimum depth of cover for all lines, whether in urban or rural areas, shall be 36 inches below natural ground and/or below roadway ditch flow line.
If a 36 inch depth is not practical due to rock, additional protective measures, i.e. concrete encasement, concrete cap or slab, etc., shall be considered by the applicant and shall be part of the application for the license.
(i) Pipeline crossings shall be as near to perpendicular to the roadway centerline as practical.
(j) Transmission and gathering line support facilities like storage tanks, valves, clean-out traps, compressors, cathodic protection fields and rectifiers, and similar facilities shall not be located on the highway right-of-way.
NOTE: If extenuating circumstances or site specific conditions prove that a cathodic protection groundbed must be on highway right-of-way (other than Interstate highways) in order to be effective, such an installation may be approved if sufficient justification is presented by the applicant.
If such facilities are located immediately adjacent to the highway R/W and require periodic access, an approach and gate may be applied for at the Department's District office by separate procedure.
(k) Distribution system pressure regulators, whether in huts or vaults as well as metering equipment, shall not be located on highway R/W unless extenuating circumstances exist and the proposed location has been specifically approved.
(l) Vent pipes and marker posts shall be located as close as possible to the R/W line. If their location falls within the clear recovery area, they shall be of a breakaway design.
(m) Abandoned or incomplete bores shall be backfilled and plugged as directed by the Department's engineer.