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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09211999 - SD3 s� L -�-_''_�'-art�';:°,� TO: Board of Supervisors - ` Contra Costa FROM: Supervisor John Gioia, District 1 .. Supervisor Joe Canciamilla, District 5 County DATE: September 14, 1999 SUBJECT: Pressure Excess Flow Valves SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS ➢ Direct the Building Inspection Department, County Counsel and County Administrator's Office to develop an ordinance, based on the attached model, requiring the installation of Low Pressure Excess Flow Valves or other similar automatic gas shut-off valves in new homes and substantial remodels. ➢ Direct the Building Inspection Department, fire departments and Community Services Department to develop a program for the installation of Excess Flow Valves in low-income housing, through grants or other sources, and to work with the utility industry and private funding sources for such installations. ➢ Direct appropriate County staff to work with the plumbing industry, labor organizations, fire labor organizations and non-profit organizations to insure that excess flow valves are understood and become known to the public as important home safety devices. ➢ Support state legislation and regulations which mandate the installation of excess flow valves in new construction, substantially remodeled houses and commercial properties, and upon a home sale. ➢ Authorize the County to present to the Contra Costa Mayor's conference and/or City-County Relations Committee, the draft ordinance in an effort to develop a local model ordinance for the use of excess fl o Ives. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATU ACTION OF BOARD ON ;r..��/,/, �APPROVED AS RECO ENDED X +IR VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND UNANIMOUS (ABSENT bar n , CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND AYES: NOES: ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. Contact: Supervisor Gioia (510/374-3231) Supervisor Joe Canciamilia(925/427-8138) ATTESTED PHIL BATCjrE R, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BY , DEPUTY cc: CCC Building Inspection Director CCC Fire Chief CCC Community Development Director CCC Legal Counsel 1 FISCAL IMPACT Fiscal impact is difficult to evaluate, however since the County must inspect all new homes and substantial remodels, fiscal impact should be minor in nature. BACKGROUND Gas excess flow valves (EFVs) are valves that shut off the natural gas source in a home in the event of a gas line break due to an earthquake or other mishap. Recently the US Department of Transportation approved regulations requiring utilities to install High Pressure EFVs (excess flow valves) on their utility service line outside the house, in order to prevent natural gas fires and explosions due to pipe breakage during excavation work outside the house. This valve is known as a high-pressure valve and it is outside the house, covering the service line from the street to the home meter. Low Pressure (in the home) EFVs are designed to be installed after the meter and are designed to shut off the natural gas after the meter. Such low pressure valves act to stop the flow of gas into all the pipes in the home in the event of a pipe break on any pipe in the home or structure. This valve is also very important in that natural gas lines within the house are the ones most often subject to breaking during an earthquake or man made disaster ( i.e., car bumps the hot water tank in garage). The low pressure EFV (inside or in home valve) is designed to automatically shut down the natural gas source inside the house and thus prevents fires and explosions. The low pressure EFV will automatically turn off the natural gas inside the house and when the line is repaired automatically turn the gas back on. The device is similar to a circuit breaker in the electrical system of a house or other building. Low-pressure valves have been recommended by many fire and other safety organizations, but is not the subject of state law today. Also, Contra Costa County and its cities do not have an ordinance requiring the installation of this type valve. However, many new homebuilders, (Centex, Kaufman and Broad, Richmond America, Shapell and others) are voluntarily installing the low pressure EFV on their new homes. In addition, many jurisdictions are considering the adoption of an ordinance that requires new and substantially remodeled homes have an EFV installed. The cost of a low pressure EFV is inexpensive (about $50) relative to the amount of protection and peace of mind it provides. The valve requires a plumber for the valve's installation; however, when a house is built new or substantially remodeled, the work to be done by the plumber is minimal and should cost very little in relationship to the total work done on a home. A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Property Loss Reduction revealed that in the case of an 8.3 Reichter earthquake on the San Andreas fault the 10 counties in the San Francisco Bay Area would experience: *$170 to $200 billion in economic loss; and, *3000 to 8000 deaths and 18000 injuries. It is estimated that 60% of the losses suffered are due to natural gas line breaks within homes and commercial properties. An automatic gas shut-off valve like the low pressure EFV can prevent many natural gas fires and explosions. The in home gas lines are more subject to rupture than those in the ground are, as this pipe has a thinner walled lining. Moreover, fires from wood structures burn fast, catch neighboring structures and further tax fire and other public services during natural disasters. The US Department of Transportation, the State Fire Marshall, local fire departments, building officials and other safety have recommended EFVs oriented organizations as important devices to prevent fires and explosions in buildings. Since many people do not know how to shut off their gas service or in some cases, such as earthquakes, may not be able to, the excess flow valve acts as a 24 hour a day safety check when a resident is not at home or unable to act. EFV's are not unlike smoke detectors, which are now required in all new houses, major remodels and upon resale. Given the high likelihood of a major earthquake in the Bay Area, and throughout California, devices such as these should at least be required in new homes built in Contra Costa County and for homes that are substantially remodeled. Several counties, cities and states are now considering laws that recommend or require EFVs as a home safety protector. The Excess Flow Valve should be considered as a home safety device similar to a smoke detector or fire extinguisher. Contra Costa County should be the first county to mandate these devices as this County has been a leader in safety and planning issues. < 3 > 3 RECEIVED &P 2 C0_ COSTA Co. MITIGATION An ordinance to the City of Fremont municipal code which requires earthquake sensitive gas shut off valves or gas shutoff devices chat are activated by phenomena other than motion 'n all ne«T construction and certaI reinc.�dcliug effective June 1, 1998, and to establish such standards for such valves. Anordinance to the City of Fremont municipal code which requires earthquake sensitive gas shut off z ali es or gas shutoff devices that are activated by phenomena other than motion in all new construction and certain remodeling effective June 1, 1998, and to establish such srandaards for such valves. THE PEOPLE OF FREMONT DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS.- SEC:XXMXXXd ,X SEISMIC GAS SITUTOFF VALVES AND OR GAS S14UT OFF VALVES ACTIVATED BY PHENON EN A. OTHER TI4AT MOTION (a) Definitions. For purpose of this section certain tezm shall be defined as follows: Downstream of Gas Utility Meter shall mean that a portion of a gas piping which is away from the gas utility meter and is on the user or eonsuiner side of the ineter serving a building or structure. Residential Building shall mean any single family dwelling, duplex, apartment building,condominium, townhouse, lodging house, congregate residence, Hotel, or motel. Seismic Gas Shutoff Valve shall mean a system consisting of a seismic sensing means and actuating means designed to automatically actuate a companion gas shut off means installed izt a gas piping system m order to shut off the gas downstream of the location of the gas shutoff means in the event of a sever seismic disturbance. Ile system may consist of seperable components or may incorporate all functions in a single body. 3 The design of the de-ice shall ininitnize or preclude the distuption • to the flow of gas from erroneous vibrations, alien forces, or both erroneous Vibrauons and alien forces_ Standards for such de-ices developed by the Z-21 American National Standards Committee, the California State Architects office and the comments or suggestions from various public utilities shall be utilize to certify the appropriate utilization and desivi of these devices. Automatic Gas Shutoff Device that are not activated by motion, but are activated by significant gas leaks which can occur when pipes rupture uiside the structure. The design of the device shall provide a proven rnetliod to automatically provide for expedient and safe gas shutoff in an einergency. The design of the device sliall provide a capability for ease of consumer or owner resetting Without concerti for safety. The operational and functional design of the device shall be certified by the Independent,Laboratory of the IAS International Approval Services (TAS) [ Fotmerly American Gas Association] or Undetwriters Laboratory (UL) Upstream of Gas Utility Meter shall mean that portion of a gas piping between a utility meter and a gas main line in the street (b) Scope. An approved Seismic gas shut off valve of an Automatic Gas Shut off Device shall be installed downstream of the gas utility meter on each fuel gas line where the gas line serves the following building or structures. 1. A building or structure containing fuel gas piping for which a building permit is first issued on of after June 1, 1998; or 2. An existing building or structure which is altered or added to ; and a. Such a building or structure has fuel gas piping supplying the exsting building or structure or the addition to the building or structure and; 4 b. The alteration or additon is valued at more than $10,000 and abuildingpermit for the wotkis. tirst issued on or aftet June 1, 1998 and; c. The seller of any real property containing fuel gas piping, shall certify to tile prospective purchaser that this section leas been complied with. This cer-6fication shall be made in writing, and may be uiOuded in existing transactional documents, including, but not limited to, die Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake Safety, published pursuant to Seca-on 10149 of the Business and Professions Code, a real estate sales contract or receipt for deposit, or a transfer disclosure statement pursuant to Section 1102.6 or 1102.6a of the Civil Code. d. This provision -,IlaU riot apply to-tjle follow'tig: i. Residential portions of mixed use builings or structures which contain both residential and non-residential uses as determined by the department. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Seismic gas shutoff valves and Automatic gas shutoff devices inay be installed upstream of a gas utility meter provided they meet the requirements of this section. 2. Seisnu'c gas shutoff and Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices installed on a building or structure prior to June 1, 1998, are exempt from the requirements of this section provided they remain installed on the building or structure and are inRiitained for the life of the building or structure. .3. Not withstanding (b)l and (b)2 above, these provisions shall not ,apply to a building or structure if the Department deterniu- ics that a building or structure satisfies all three of the following criteria: A. That the 6uilding or structure is owned, operated and maintained by a governmental entity or public utility; or that the building or structure is owned by a private concern, and provides a public benefic, such as a CO- generation facility ivliicli shares in.'s excess power Airldi a public utility- or with a large industrial facilltv v.-filch has government contracts; B. That the building structure has available 24 liour. year round , maintenance staffing; and C. The gas piping system contauied in the building or structure is designed to withstand seisnuc effects of earthquak-es. (c ) General Requirements. Seismic Gas Shutoff Valves and Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices installed either in compliance with this ordinance or voluntarily with a permit issued on or after)une 1, 1998 shall comply with the following requurements. a. Be installed by a contractor licensed in die appronate classification by the State of California. EXCEPTIONS: A. A person who has been determined by the Department to meet the qualifications of a qualified Installer. B. Seismic Gas Shutoff valves and Automatic Gas Shutoff Valves may be installed by a gas utility company in accordance with manufactures guidelines. i. Seismic Gas Shut off valves must be mounted rigidly to the exterior of the building or structure containing the fuel gas Piping- EXCEPTION: This requirement need not apply if the Department determines that the Seismic Gas Shutoff Valve or the Automatic Gas Shutoff Valve have been tested and listed for an alternate method of installation. 3. Be listed by an approved testing laboratory. ( IAS (formerly AGA), IAMPO,) or the office of the State Architect , or Underwriters Laboratory ([1L) a. Be approved by the Department of Building and Safety. 6 Have a tJxirty year 'kvarranti-which warrants that the -valve is free from defects and will continue to properly operate for thirty yealcs from the date of the Installation. Mere Stisn'U'c Gas Shutoff valves and Automatic Gas Shutoff valves are Viistalled as required by this section, thex shall be maintained for the life of the building or structure of be replaced with a valve complying with the iccquiremcnts of Lhis sccLion. e-cJ#r"\j - REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM (THREE (3)MINUTE LIMIT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the Board. Name: LQ,�A- Phone: (Z3 n Address: It Z, LJ-)C.- -D V—t J <9- city: -2 I am speaking for myself or organization: JC-3 k—kz5 �, -"mss i a� u (name of organization) CHECK ONE: I wish to speak on Agenda Item#''w:>,40 3Date : ql&.,t 114L My comments will be: general for against I wish to speak on the subject of I do not wish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to Consider: RSQUEBT TO BPZAX "IN (T=X (3) )iXI=Z LXXXT) Complete this form and place it in the box near the speakers' rostrum before addressing the board. I h 5�(/ a< ' 3__- /J`�l A Name: CA t4,,,d 56)LU phone: 116..' - , Address ?9(,,.e 4rn o- r ve,. city: a -e z I an speaking for myself or organization: tie of organ s+rtion� CZZCZ oxxt I vish to speak an Agenda Item # Date: Xy comments trill be: general .. for . against I wish to speak on the subject of 1 do not vish to speak but leave these comments for the Board to considers RECEIVED September September 21, 1999 SEP 2 1 1999 Public Comments Before The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors CI.ER BOARD CONTRA UCOSTA CO. �OR� My name is Richard Sowinski, I am the consumer advocate for gascap .org I would like to offer my comments on SD.3 SD.3 CONSIDER directing staff to prepare an ordinance requiring the installation of Low Pressure Excess Flow Valves or other similar automatic gas shut-off valves in new homes and substantial remodels and take related actions, as recommended by Supervisors Gioia and Canciamilla. My comments are in two parts: PART 1 Mr. Chairman, I support your Board's efforts to call for the installation of Excess Flow Valves (EFV) within Contra Costa County. What I don't agree with is the confusion the press has caused about your application and use of EFVs for earthquakes and gas leakage. On September 2, 1999, page A3, the Contra Costa Times reported your Board is preparing an EFV ordinance for protecting my home during an earthquake and to detect gas leakage. That's simply not possible. EFVs only protect against excessive gas pressure - and most EFVs only work when the excessive pressure reaches 5 psi, well above the 1/2 psi delivered to my home. More importantly, when an earthquake strikes and gas pipes rupture, the pressure within the pipe supplying the building does not increase - it decreases -- due to the rupture. Notice I said the pressure decreases -- but the gas keeps flowing. There is a vast difference between gas pressure and gas flow, and that's where the danger lies. Leaking gas flow -- causes explosions and fires where property is lost and people are killed. Therefore, the EFVs you propose cannot protect my home in the event of an earthquake or gas leakage. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires gas companies to advise their customers about EFVs. As I understand SD.3, your following the DOT's directive by bringing EFVs to our community as reported in: Federal Register: February 3, 1998 Volume 63, Number 22 Rules and Regulations Page 5464-5471 page. 1 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Research and Special Programs Administration 49 CFR Part 192 Docket PS-118A; Amendment 192-82 Excess Flow Valve--Customer Notification ------------------- -------- -—----—---- SUMMARY: This final rule requires operators of natural gas distribution systems to provide certain customers with information about excess flow valves (EFVs). Specifically, customers of new and replaced single residence service lines must be provided written notification about the availability of these valves meeting DOT-prescribed performance standards, and related safety benefits and costs. If a customer requests installation, the rule requires an operator to install the EFV if the customer pays all costs associated with installation. EFVs restrict the flow of gas by closing automatically if a service line breaks, thus, mitigating the consequences of service line failures. This regulation would enhance public awareness of the potential safety benefits from installing an EFV. DATES: This final rule takes effect February 3, 1998 In 49 U.S.C. 60110 Congress directed the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue regulations requiring operators to notify customers in writing about EFV availability, the safety benefits derived from installation, and costs associated with installation, maintenance, and replacement. The regulations were to provide that, except where installation is already required, if the customer requests installation, an operator must install an EFV that meets prescribed performance criteria, if the customer pays all costs associated with installation. Before DOT prescribed notification regulations, the statute required DOT to issue regulations prescribing the circumstances where operators of natural gas distribution systems must install EFVs, unless DOT determined that there were no circumstances under which EFVs should be installed. RSPA is the administration within DOT responsible for implementing laws addressing pipeline safety. ------- ------- ------- -- I repeat PIPELINE SAFETY -- EFVs are designed for pipeline safety, not seismic or gas leak detection. These are very different safety issues and requirements, and should not be confused or included in your EFV ordinance. page. 2 I raise the question of cost and justification for implementing such an ordinance. An EFV costs $19.95, and then there is the cost of a permit from the County and/or local municipality. Then there is the installation cost of digging up the lawn and the labor for installing the EFV. Next, comes the cost of having an inspector inspect the EFV installation. And obviously, there will have to be a static pressure test of the retrofitted gas pipe, which will incur more cost and time plus the inconvenience of not having gas in my building during such work. Such costs are based on the consumer having the installation done by either their gas utility or a licensed contractor. At present, I am not aware of any such EFV installation offer from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). Does PG&E cover these costs, or do they plan on passing them on to me? And if PG&E installs the EFV, will it have the appropriate UL, AGA and FM seals of approval to satisfy my building liability insurance provider? If it is your intent to have these EFV installed within the customer's gas pipe after the meter -- in my opinion, your creating an unnecessary expense and undue hardship on that building owner ..... if the utility already has a pressure regulator installed on the customer's service pipe. More importantly, your exposing building owners to liability issues they didn't have before. For example: how will their property liability insurance provider respond to such an EFV residing within the building they insure? Do these EFV's have Underwriter Laboratory (UL), American Gas Association (AGA) and Fire Marshall (FM) seals of approval? Such seals of approval are required by liability insurers and building inspection departments. According to UMAC Incorporated of Exton, PA, this company lists themselves as the exclusive distributor of the GAS BREAKER©, they are not the manufacturer. Their literature does not have UL, AGA or FM seals of approval prominently posted. Exclusive Distributor of the SEE: EXHIBIT A In their literature, are several statements that are misleading and confusing to the average reader. I question this product for it's lack of identifying who the maker is, not having any seals of approval and it's misleading advertising. Is this an EFV that PG&E would install in their gas pipes? The next logical question is: what benefit does an EFV installed inside the customer's gas pipe bring, if there already is a gas pressure regulator on the utility side of the customer's meter? Will the insurer increase the owner's premium, or cancel their policy because of the use of such an unlisted valve? page.3 And in the case of an employer, what benefits or liabilities will there be with these EFV installations? More importantly, how often do such excessive gas pressure events occur? History shows that when the Utility's pressure regulator fails out in the street, excessive gas enters customer's home, blowing out pilot lights and quickly filling it with gas because of the high pressure. Alameda suffered such an excessive gas blow-out 3 years ago with the loss of 21 homes in just a few short hours. Obviously, one loss is too many, but is requiring the installation of EFVs across the county, prudent? If it's my house, first, I'll look to see if the utility already has a pressure regulator on my gas service pipe next to the meter. If there is, I'll be the first to challenge your ordinance. It should be noted, there are gas meter installations that do not have a pressure regulator, and in such instances, your ordinance has merit. In reference to your SD.3 consideration of other similar automatic gas shut-off valves, I have strong reservations regarding the products currently available on the market. As an example, I have brought a KOSO Earthquake Valve Series#300 to demonstrate. A similar valve made by ADVANT is available from most RotoRooter franchises such as the one located in Concord. Such mechanical gas shut valves are better than nothing, but they have their limitations and drawbacks. The most glaring limitation of this mechanical type gas shut off valve is how easy it is to activate. Meaning, heavy trucks, road traffic, gusts of wind, forklifts in industrial buildings and vandals passing by, can easily shut the gas off without your knowledge. Worse, if your building relies upon a steady supply of gas for it's operation, you won't know the gas has been shut off until it's too late. Demonstrate the KOSO valve. I receive calls from building mangers and plant engineers up and down the state, complaining they have such a mechanical valve on their gas pipe and it's constantly being "tripped" causing operational delays, lost man hours and damaged goods. For example, a puffed rice cake manufacturer near Sacramento called for help recently. Because their operation is automated, once the crew directs the puffed rice flowing from the extruder into the cutter of the processing machine, the rest is automatic. Meaning, their one hundred foot long drier, fired by natural gas works automatically. After six hours of production, the forklift driver noticed the stacked cases of finished goods in the warehouse were sagging to one side. Inspection found the puffed rice cakes were still wet and the steam in them was causing the cardboard boxes to soften and collapse. The result was most of that production run went to the dumpster, because the mechanical gas shut off valve falsely tripped. Upon questioning the manager about his reason for his installing such a mechanical shut off vale, he told me his liability insurance carrier made him do it. We have since found, during the past two years, most major building liability page.4 insurance providers have made a policy decision. All commercial and retail buildings wanting their insurance policy renewed, must, at their expense, install a gas shut off valve, or forfeit their policy. This decision is based on existing Public Law, which I will cover in Part 2. Other examples come to us from Southern California, where several counties have similar gas shut off valve ordinances. Such mechanical type valves have been installed on thousands of residential, commercial and government buildings, all complaining of similar "false" shut off problems. People have legitimate complaints when it happens in the middle of winter and their heat has been shut off. There have been calls from invalids, the elderly, single mothers, handicapped people and shut-ins who don't know why their heat has been turned off and they are waiting for the gas company to make an appointment to make a service call, sometimes 3-4 days later. The Southern California Gas Company in Los Angeles will install such a mechanical gas shut off valve for $85 on some buildings, but not single family residences. An example of how pompous utility management is and how they flaunt the law. For earthquake protection and gas leak detection, there currently are no products on the market to protect building owners. But ..... because of these hearings, the envelope has been pushed forward, and at another time I would be happy to introduce you and your staff to a new seismic and energy efficiency safety appliance that exceeds your gas shut off, earthquake and leak detection requirements. I implore you to balance the pros and cons of EFVs and not to duplicate the problems other county's are experiencing with their mandates. Are there any comments or questions? PART 2 Mr. Chairman, Since the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors follows Public Law. What action has your Board taken regarding Public Laws 101-614 and 101-625? More specifically, what measures has this board taken to implement mandated seismic and energy efficiency compliance in Contra Costa County? Have you started seismic compliance measures for all buildings using natural and propane gas within the county ? Have you started energy efficiency measures for all buildings using natural and propane gas within the county? Are you providing funds for seismic and energy efficiency measures mandated by these Public Laws? Are you making provisions for Single Mothers with dependent children, low income tenants, senior citizens, employees working with gas indoors, and most importantly, page.5 building owners who face the brunt of these seismic and energy efficiency laws • without direction or support. For your information, I submit a list of Public Laws that require seismic and energy efficiency measures be in place by Year 2000 -- or suffer sanctions. SEE: EXHIBIT B The sanctions related to Y2K energy compliance facing Contra Costa County are: 1. Loss of Federal Funds, 2. Loss of access to Federally Funded programs, 3. Loss of participation in any future Federally funded programs; and, 4. Damage to the Counties Credit Rating which will affect it's ability to sell revenue bonds on the open market and impact the County's financial credit worthiness because of such non-compliance. Such sanctions are not limited to government agencies, they also apply to building owners and employers such as the County. To grasp how serious Congress is about enforcing compliance, one need only drive through the community and see all of the gas stations shut down and put out of business because of one Public Law regarding underground storage tanks. There are 8 Public Laws, plus other regulations such as PROPOSITION 65 and CalOSHA fueling energy compliance. With such a menu to choose from, regulators looking for a rung up their ladder of advancement, will have a field day, picking and choosing. These are just a few of the sanctions your agency and the building owners within your jurisdiction face from seismic and energy efficiency requirements come Year 2000. THEREFORE, I call for a Public Hearing on Y2K Seismic and Energy Efficiency Compliance and offer my services to the Board. Are there any comments or questions? I can be reached at (925) 228-1170. Thank you. Richard F. Sowinski, gascape consumer advocate www.gascape.org page.6 EXHIBIT A http://www.plusonesafetyproducts.com/EFV%20Notification%20-%2OTechnical.htm ExclusiVe Distributor of the I as 0 1 a�k #P UMAC Excess Flow valves (EFVs) are installed underground where the gas service line joins the main. They are similar to electrical circuit breakers that shut off the electricity when the current exceeds design limits. EFVs automatically shut off the gas when the flow to a residence or commercial facility exceeds design limits. This excess in gas flow can be caused by a break in the service line from ground movement, natural disasters or third party damage. k*Cdor, FdUft or IwTad 444 P611 Divy..UsnW MIN v %)7 DIMIrg.1 hst b 0 E=SS RAN VALVE �Ukl 3f'd SeiVk 40" Ilk, N4in 2nd Swrkq Tv; -, FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT GAS COMPANIES ADVISE CUSTOMERS ABOUT EFVs DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 192.383: EFV Customer Notification, requires that, effective 2/3/99, all gas utilities either notify new or renewal customers about the benefits and availability of EFVs or voluntarily install EFVs on all new and renewed service lines. UMAC Excess Flow valves are the world's leading automatic safety cut-off valves for gas service lines. Over 1 million have been sold since EXHIBIT A page. 1 1975 providing more than 40 billion hours of service. Never has a UMAC EFV not activated when needed. EFV Benefits: Improve environmental impact by reducing the amount of methane escaping into the atmosphere - EPA STAR Program compliance Meet DOT 192.381 and MSS-SP-115 for excess flow valves for use in natural gas system Meet ASTM F 1802-97 - Performance testing of EFVs Accommodates pressures from 5" w.c. to 1000 psi Service line capacities from residential to commercial loads Compatible with fittings and piping materials from most manufacturers Safeguard utilities against unwarranted negative publicity and excessive liabilities that result from gas leak emergencies Increase public confidence in gas Save time and money by reducing the number of emergency situations Bypass or Non-Bypass models available Tamper-proof, in-line installation Provide safe working conditions for utility personnel at the scene of a service line break 100% of all UMAC Valve assemblies are factory tested to meet or exceed DOT 192.381 performance Conditional 10 year valve and labor replacement warranty available at an additional cost EXHIBIT A page. 2 a aF UMAC Medium to High Pressure Excess Flow Valves psig to 1000 prig — Inlet Pressure All!valyes comply with DOT Pat 192.381 and MSSSP-11S.-Emu Flow Vhh+t,�, 1114"KPI and smaltat;for Fuel teas Service Yalvgr tested in amordam w1th W P 1802-97.-Standard Test Wthad for Per(w=nw Testing of Exms Flow Valves fkw.OV and rix chmeristiks W other ka1lon pleme,al your UKAC repmtaM or comW UMAC he*wters filet MI L M N � TRIP POINT # 0A Bypa"Flow Premre After Trip ( af,rr<nart 1 , 5400 350 6DO 1,800 18 to450 400 7DO 2tt 20 .�. r~,..w.�X..;w:. .a>xr>r N� �.v �r,«,.x.� .� A,.. :.,a.. ► 490 430 700 2;250 23 20 640 460 2,800 26 30 820 53 ,f3 ?a 40 680 600 imo 31100 32, _•......,...., •... ..,. ...•r,.....740 GSD 1200 3,4W 35 _ u *' tsaa 70 860 7.30 1,410 4.100 39 x..:..;;.,rw,:.:an.:xe.,n.r:sa:.r.,a�r nw.,.s'....swa>>'n;F„.:N.s;xosws•.Y.0 a.a�u�..as.�nsxr n:;eT... .v:....�+n:se:rrrirws..;s:r.�r•s,:w.>•. ., ,..,,.,:�,., ... .. ....,. .. , ;.».,�r.•:w"..,,.z�s>ro+ru:'c.�>7:.erT.a«s:....>;..:>,nrx�•:,:...an>.,..._�,.><..a..nn, .s,.::;.. r. ,:vs. 801#3 7y8Dy 1,48"o; �4,' 41 'X W_..�.r ��,yQUW�i w� iGiJ' �uV +�^i� ._..._...,........ 46,,....... 000 1,W 4,700 1 !,Igo 1,000 1.7W 5,270 175 wsra.!�.. ns+!!fC�rnrt»wl„�yl!^^!!au,:M,Tra....w �r�.u.• .«.m.nF!:rywY:w.X.. ..nw.;tnm..5*w'#`a'.Y;nr.!w:H_'r,.r.MY!"!.'hwlR.w.« ww..,v Y+r -.......w..r•rwr. ..,.:..,�t.Y.r,. :.!.wvm ,r..:..,..! ..aw.m•.w...:.r'«..... ......, 201�c0 1�,1.#2�,��1sy(�0 -�- 1;" 0_ j_■� 811135 8 8 300 1,490 -- 2,.320 7,&35 '13C0_ rYRr.✓i'^YY•.:.....0 ..,..,.... ... ... ............... 350 1,590 ( J�/ _ - 2��J.iy��/�[y} x,_358 1_a ». .,�� +."� .^-.,.•Y.._.•�t'if�Alf' ._... -.r...r......�� _r+w._..•.».�5r1f[VY �yYy-...,-r:,....._......_ ...v.._..v...r_. 175 ....r-......_.._....... y .., /,�,......:. .nr..w✓..A ...s:i.r. .e.'.:. ,r ::.. ,anm.x../r�rr.,v .. ;.....+: ... . .. .. .......... .... 60 5W 1,810 3.0” 9,955 195 'a;.:- ..vrYa:.4.•MyWU XxKHxrq;f'yµ.My. xHxwxasial N:M1h'�nP'Fx.»VMVXFfA.+Yu.%N5#bXrK rCN4Kwt4u:xem:w`.r;!:S.Wn:«.x.4v'Xs,:M`xRd�#.Va4+,:W,#`sMM`sabg7.+ub+}Ta#i:?s�taMkG:':{RK.ktcS:YK Ma+w:,:h'xKvitkt'HAAX.`+ni•Aa.:.:iv+N:ftFte'ah+..._..'trn s.t>t�t t.i.-:...s..:.: ..x..., ... 1 jo90 - 34220 10,360 215 240 700 2,120 3�10_0 11.315276 9,170 3-W, a 11,360 29+0 « a *'For tethn a1 data ort Series 400 vOyes Ouse centat UhtAC i.frim 3K,kf r 0,CTS,K op w 60 ., Norte:for tWumce In sWas and addlt;*W. tedvrrt i b*r 3o4*4 UMAC Exetu How valets.oltm Caotact U-MAC, AVERAGE PRESSURE DROP AT AN IWET PRESSURE OF 10 PSIG ,...+..._"sw..m.•,.r.m«.....r........sw••r..:'.+m._..*ea.ww.,r.'.rn.....s,».a....r.r..m++.'.».,..+�s•.....w..x.w...w�r.'••v«(+`s'.s......r�ntL-Behnees Typical Customer vw'vr.sr..r.«L< .,..,...oanw..d.. ar.•.^!,f.aar«Aw.•v:...enr.rn,eaa.wgr....+r.e..,,.s.!..w:P;«*r�retrw!ar.^»u.w-r..vsn'r,Drop (SCIF" 0.6 SO Gan 1ta Valve ip) Sodas 28 ......w` r�tr,N•t"ip1�5ly#'t•:ay*.1y,.ahM,,'si i�}ntii.x�rl!eIai�'rt'''i�R'.rI4a.i�ti.rot rrywrW'YWa'k Y ',m t4,bNYiVi?kiM#'7r26 1 1250 .80 C ,« # nr.FL�3i:I.Y;11tyli."'c�i11:L'1kk#lt:C'RYN'/�WF '#"%�%i- Gi�er i1tlr�Y!i lib K�1`ridYb Ii�IR{k'6!+[IdJ.�kIC Mytl6+�Yibnir3aMd MY►i!:k�14nl3r�it6e$r9Bit►,�P C,r�:O!€Aftl�xaa EXHIBIT B A Compendium of Energy Compliance Laws 1 Public Law 101-614, 104 Stat. 3231 be applied with respect to buildings -- "(A) for which Federal financial assistance has been obtained through grants, loans, financing guarantees, or loan or mortgage insurance programs; or "(13) the structural safety of which is regulated by a Federal agency. "(3) REGULATIONS. -- The President shall ensure the issuance, before February 1 2. Public Law 101-625, 104 Stat. 4079 to make recommendation on financing energy efficiency in private mortgages, through the policies of Federal agencies and federally chartered financial institutions, mortgage bankers, homebuilders, real estate brokers, private mortgage insurers, energy suppliers, and nonprofit housing and energy organizations. The task force shall include individuals representing the Federal Housing Administration mortgage 3. Public Law 102-245, 106 Stat. 7 regarding emerging technologies;". TITLE IV -- NATIONAL COMMISSION ON REDUCING CAPITAL COSTS FOR EMERGING TECHNOLOGY SEC. 401. 15 USC 3701 note" NATIONAL COMMISSION ON REDUCING CAPITAL COSTS FOR EMERGING TECHNOLOGY. (a) ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE. -- There is established a National Commission on Reducing Capital Costs for Emerging Technology 4. Public Law 102-486, 106 Stat. 2776, Part 1, Titles 1-12 Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or by other technically accurate methods. (3) The term "energy efficient mortgage" means a mortgage on a residential building that recognizes the energy savings of a home that has cost-effective energy saving construction or improvements (including solar water NOTE: PL 102-486 has been included and expanded upon by Presidential Executive Order# 13123, effective June 3, 1999. 5. Public Law 102-550, 106 Stat. 3672, Part 1, Titles 1-5 mortgagor to undertake the energy efficiency improvements until the efficiency improvements are actually installed; and (C) to transfer or sell the energy efficient mortgage to the appropriate secondary market agency, after the mortgage is EXHIBIT 6 page. 1 issued, but before the energy efficiency improvements are actually installed. (4) PROMOTION OF PILOT PROGRAM. --The 6. Public Law 102-550, 106 Stat. 3802, Part 11, Titles 6-12 end the following new paragraph: "(25) The term 'energy efficient mortgage' means a mortgage that provides financing incentives for the purchase of energy efficient homes, or that provides financing incentives to make energy efficiency improvements in existing homes by incorporating the cost of such improvements in the mortgage.". (b) UNIFORM SEE: doc. 102-550 Utility Loans p. 46 7. Public Law 102-550, 106 Stat. 3802, Part 11, Titles 6-12 end the following new paragraph: "(25) The term 'energy efficient mortgage' means a mortgage that provides financing incentives for the purchase of energy efficient homes, or that provides financing incentives to make energy efficiency improvements in existing homes by incorporating the cost of such improvements in the mortgage.". (b) UNIFORM 8. Public Law 102-550, 106 Stat. 3672, Part 1, Titles 1-5 the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or by other technically accurate methods. (3) The term "energy efficient mortgage" means a mortgage on a residential building that recognizes the energy savings of a home that has cost-effective energy saving construction or improvement (including solar EXHIBIT 6 page.