BEFORE THE WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

In the Matter of the Request by                      )
THE AVISTA CORPORATION  )      DOCKET UG-010019 
for a Waiver of Certain Pipeline              )
Facilities from Regulatory                     )
Definitions of the Term               )      ORDER GRANTING
"Main" [WAC 480-93-005(12),                      )       WAIVER
CFR 49 Part 192.3]                                         )
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . )

BACKGROUND

  On December 20, 2000, Avista Corporation, a Washington Corporation, filed a 
request for a waiver of WAC 480-93-005(12) and CFR Title 49 Part 192.3, 
Definitions.  49 CFR Part 192 is incorporated into the Washington 
Administrative Code as WAC 480-93-010.  The waiver will provide Avista the 
right to install a new service line from a branching point on an existing 
service line to an adjacent building where the pressure does not exceed 60 
pounds per square inch gauge.

  This matter was brought before the Commission at its regularly scheduled open 
meeting on February 14, 2001.  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 OF FACT

  1. WAC 480-93-005(12) states that a "main" is a gas pipeline which serves as 
a common source of gas for more than one service line, which crosses a public 
right of way, or which crosses property not owned by the customer or the gas 
company.  A service line means a distribution line that transports gas from a 
common source of supply to a customer meter or the connection to a customer's 
piping.  A customer is defined as any individual who purchases gas for his own 
consumption.  A "main" is defined by 49 CFR 192.3 as a distribution line that 
serves as a common source of supply for more than one service line.
  
  2. The Commission is authorized to modify or waive a rule in accordance with 
WAC 480-93-230.

  3. The Commission is certified under the Pipeline Safety Law and must give 
the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) written notice 
of any waiver of 49 CFR codes.  

  4. The effective date of any Federal waiver is subject to a sixty-day review 
and approval by the USDOT. 

 
ORDER

  1. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED That the request by Avista Corporation for a waiver 
be granted, of WAC 480-93-005(12) Definition of "main" - for certain Avista 
pipelines located on private property that serve no more than two residential 
building customers.

  2. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED That the buildings must be located on contiguous 
private property and not be divided by streets, roads, alleys or other public 
thoroughfares.

  3. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this waiver will only apply to mains with a 
maximum allowable operating pressure of sixty pounds per square inch gauge or 
less that are located on private property.

  4. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this waiver will not apply to high-pressure 
services or "farm taps" operating over sixty pounds per square inch gauge 
located adjacent to a building.

  5. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the effective date of the request for waiver of 
49 CFR 192.3 "main" be subject to USDOT Office of Pipeline Safety sixty-day 
review and approval.

  6. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that jurisdiction over this Docket is retained to 
effectuate the provisions of this order.

 DATED at Olympia, Washington, and effective this 14th day of February 2001.

 WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION



      MARILYN SHOWALTER, Chairwoman



      RICHARD HEMSTAD, Commissioner