§ 32-219. Emergency response plans and emergency incident reporting.

(a)

Each pipeline owner or operator shall maintain written procedures to minimize the hazards resulting from an emergency. These procedures shall at a minimum provide for:

(1)

Prompt and effective response to emergencies:

a.

Leaks or releases that can impact public health, safety, welfare;

b.

Fire or explosions at or in the vicinity of a pipeline or pipeline easement; or

c.

Natural disasters.

(2)

Effective means to notify and communicate required and pertinent information to local fire, police, and public officials during an emergency;

(3)

The availability of personnel, equipment, tools, and materials as necessary at the scene of an emergency;

(4)

Measures to be taken to reduce public exposure to injury and probability of accidental death or dismemberment;

(5)

Emergency shut down and pressure reduction of a pipeline;

(6)

The safe restoration of service following an emergency or incident;

(7)

A follow-up incident investigation to determine the cause of the incident and require the implementation of corrective measures.

(b)

Each pipeline owner or operator shall meet annually with representatives of the city to review emergency response plans. These reviews shall be in accord with U.S. Department of Transportation and state railroad commission requirements and the owner or operator will:

(1)

Furnish or update a copy of the emergency response plan described in subsection (a) of this section;

(2)

Review the responsibilities of each governmental organization in response to an emergency or incident;

(3)

Review the capabilities of the pipeline owner or operator to respond to an emergency or incident;

(4)

Identify the types of emergencies or incidents that will result in or require contacting the city; and

(5)

Plan mutual activities that the city and the pipeline owner or operator can engage in to minimize risks associated with pipeline operation.

At this meeting, the city shall provide the pipeline owner or operator with a list of additional contacts that should be made in the event of a pipeline emergency or incident. The city will inform the pipeline owner or operator of the emergency response groups that will be contacted through 911.

(c)

Upon discovery of a pipeline emergency or incident, the following communications are to be initiated by the affected pipeline owners or operators:

(1)

A general description of the emergency or incident;

(2)

The location of the emergency or incident;

(3)

The name and telephone number of the person reporting the emergency or incident;

(4)

The name of the pipeline owner or operator;

(5)

Whether or not any hazardous material is involved and identification of the hazardous material so involved; and

(6)

Any other information as requested by the emergency dispatcher or other such official at the time of reporting the emergency or incident.

(d)

The pipeline owner or operator shall contact any other emergency response groups that are necessary that may not be activated through the county 911 system.

(e)

The pipeline owner or operator shall contact the Denton County Emergency Planning Committee (DCEPC) no later than one hour after the discovery of any incident.

(f)

Not withstanding anything any provision in this division, each pipeline, containing natural gas which contains hydrogen sulfide in concentrations of more than 100 parts per million, shall be constructed with an audible alarm system that will provide an alarm to the general public in the event of a leak from any pipeline, gathering or flow line subject to this division. The audible alarm system shall be of a type and design approved by the city.

(g)

Within two years of the effective date of the pipeline permit and every two years thereafter, the pipeline owner or operator shall conduct an on-site, emergency drill that includes, but shall not be limited to, the personnel operating the pipeline, local law enforcement personnel, and officials of the city.

(Code 1994, § 4.929; Ord. No. 430, § 1, 9-17-2007)