Michigan Gas Safety Standards Revised

The 22nd edition of the safety rules, or standards, took effect November 4, 2010.

On March 17, 2010, the Commission sought permission from the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (SOAHR) to revise rules governing gas pipeline safety to incorporate updated federal standards into the Michigan rules. SOAHR approved the request for rulemaking, SOAHR #2010-016, the same day. The Commission submitted the draft rules to SOAHR and the Legislative Service Bureau (LSB) for informal approvals, which were granted on March 22, 2010, and March 29, 2010, respectively.

On April 27, 2010, the Commission issued an order providing the public with an opportunity to comment on the proposed revisions. See MPSC case docket number U-16295. The Commission held a public hearing on June 3, 2010, at which one person testified. The Commission also received one written comment. On July 1, 2010, the Commission issued an order approving revised rules and submitted them to LSB and SOAHR for their formal approvals, which they granted on July 30, 2010 and July 29, 2010, respectively. On July 30, 2010, the rules were filed with the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), which, by virtue of MCL 24.245a(1), had 15 session days to object to the rules by filing a notice of objection. JCAR did not take any action to prevent the rules from being transmitted to the Secretary of State.

On October 26, 2010, the Michigan Public Service Commission issued an order formally adopted the proposed rules and transmitted the adopted rules to the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules for filing with the Secretary of State. The rules took effect November 4, 2010.

Prior to year 2000, the Michigan Gas Safety Standards were referred to as the Michigan Gas Safety Code and appeared under R 460.14001 to R 460.14999 of the Michigan Administrative Code. Starting on January 6, 2000, the Michigan Gas Safety Standards replaced them and appear instead at R 460.20101 - R 460.20606 of the Michigan Administrative Code.

Guide to the Michigan Gas Safety Standards

The June 2011 version of the Guide combines Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations (rules) with the 22nd edition of the Michigan Standards (rules) to provide an easy-to-use reference for field or office.

June 2011 Guide (PDF 1,451 KB, 266 pages).

To order the bound printed version, send your name and address, along with a check or money order (payable to State of Michigan) for $14.50 each, to:

Beth Schafer
Operations & Wholesale Markets Division
Michigan Public Service Commission
Post Office Box 30221
Lansing, Michigan 48909

If you have questions, please call 517-241-6123 or e-mail schaferb1@michigan.gov
 

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