BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION


In the Matter of the Request of 
Puget Sound Energy for a Waiver of Administrative Rules 480-93-020 and 
480-93-160 to operate two 8 inch diameter  pipelines serving its gate station 
at Novelty
Hill in Redmond, WA

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 	 )
	)
	)
	)
	)
	)
	)
	)
	)	
		DOCKET  NO. UG-001809
		
		ORDER GRANTING WAIVER OF RULES

BACKGROUND

On November 20, 2000,  Puget Sound Energy (PSE) filed a petition to operate two 
8 inch diameter pipelines above the requirements of WAC 480-93-020 "to operate 
above 500 pounds per square inch (psig)" and WAC 480-93-160 "to operate above 
the 20% specified minimum yield strength" at its Novelty Hill gate station in 
Redmond, Washington. 

Williams Gas Pipeline West (Williams) currently operates an interstate natural 
gas transmission line at approximately 960 psig at this location.  PSE’s 
facilities tap into Williams pipeline south of Novelty Hill Road, and through 
overpressure protected regulation, the pressure is reduced from 960 psig to 250 
psig.  The Novelty Hill gate station was designed and tested for a maximum 
allowable operating pressure of 960 psig.

Commission Pipeline Safety Staff reviewed the petition and verified that the 
pipe and fittings used are fully compliant with Federal Standards published in 
the Code of Federal Regulations 49, Parts 191-192.  Staff also verified that 
the welders who constructed the facility were tested according to PSE's 
standards and PSE welding procedures were followed.  PSE’s standards and 
procedures are required to meet or exceed federal standards.

This matter was brought before the Commission at its regularly scheduled open 
meeting on December 27, 2000.  The Commissioners, having been fully advised in 
the matter, and having determined the following order to be consistent with the 
public interest, directed the Secretary to enter the following order and 
related provisions.

 FINDINGS

1. Puget Sound Energy a Washington corporation, is a public service company 
subject to the jurisdiction of this Commission under the provisions of chapter 
80.28 RCW.

2. The waiver of WAC 480-93-020 and WAC 480-93-160 is reasonable and consistent 
with the public interest and should therefore be approved.


O R D E R

THE COMMISSION ORDERS;

After the effective date of this order, Puget Sound Energy is hereby granted 
the waiver of WAC 480-93-020 and WAC 480-93-160 to operate two 8 inch diameter 
pipelines serving its Novelty Hill gate station in Redmond, Washington.

DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 27th day of December, 2000.

WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



CAROLE J. WASHBURN, Secretary