STATE OF CALIFORNIA, PETE WILSON, Governor

PUBLIC UTILITES COMMISSION

505 VAN NESS AVENUE

SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3298

June 3, 1998

Dean Shauers, Project Manager

Pacific Pipeline System, Inc.

12201 E. Arapahoe Road, C10

Englewood, CO 80112

RE: Variance Request #86 - Allow for 24-hour operations during hydrostatic testing activities on Segment 1, 2, and 3.

Dear Mr. Shauers:

The CPUC and ANF have reviewed the above-referenced request and approve your request, based on the following factors:

• In accordance with Mitigation Measure N-1, pipeline construction activities shall occur between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday (or for a shorter period if stipulated by applicable noise ordinance).

• Hydrostatic testing of the pipeline must be conducted prior to operation to determine if there are any leaks in the pipeline. In accordance with State Fire Marshal requirements, the testing procedure involves stressing the pipe at the low point of the section of pipe being tested to 97% of its specified minimum yield strength (see Table 1 for proposed pipeline test sections). The line is pressurized with water and once the pressure has stabilized, the specified test pressure is maintained without further pumping for a minimum of 8 hours. The water used to pressurize the pipeline sections is proposed to be released at the locations specified in Table 1. To accomplish hydrostatic testing, PPSI and its contractor may be required to have crew(s) at the specified location(s) for 24-hours a day. The current plan calls for a contractor crew of six for hydrostatic testing and a PPSI inspector per shift/per test section.

• Locations for hydrostatic testing fill and discharge points (see Table 1) have been selected by PPSI that do not lie within a radius of 300 feet of any residential properties. However, these locations are still subject to the review and approval of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB) as part of NPDES permit approval and U.S. Forest Service, Angeles National Forest (ANF).

• On September 23, 1997, the ANF approved 24-hour hydrostatic testing for Segment 2A construction conducted during fall 1997.

• The following measures shall be implemented:

- All applicable mitigation measures for the project shall be implemented at the subject locations.

- 24-hour hydrostatic testing of the subject pipeline sections shall not commence until appropriate CRWQCB and ANF approvals are granted for the subject hydrostatic testing fill and discharge locations. If any of the proposed locations change due to CRWQCB or ANF review, any newly proposed location shall be at minimum 300 feet from residential properties.

- 24-hour hydrostatic testing of the subject pipeline sections shall not commence until approvals of noise ordinance variances, if required, are granted by the applicable jurisdiction (see Table 1). All noise complaints received shall be filed immediately with the applicable jurisdiction and CPUC Lead Environmental Monitor for consideration. Failure to file any noise complaints shall result in the immediate cessation of construction as granted under this variance approval.

- Implementation of this variance in accordance with the provisions noted above shall be verified on a random basis by a CPUC/ANF Environmental Monitor.

Sincerely,

Andrew Barnsdale

Project Manager

cc: R. Borden, ANF

H. Rastegar, Aspen

Table 1: Hydrostatic Testing Locations¹

1. Subject to the review and approval of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board and U.S. Forest Service, Angeles National Forest.

Back to Variances Pages

Back to MMCRP Home Page