2014.12.22 Council Agenda Item 8
Summary
Natural gas line expansion street opening permit process update from the Public Works Director.
A public comment period will not be included with this item.
ACTION: Council action is not anticipated.
Description
The Town of Falmouth has coordinated with the Towns of Cumberland and Yarmouth an application and inspection process pertaining to public street openings to install natural gas. An application process/guideline and installation update via a map is attached.
The Town is authorized by ordinance to protect public streets and associated infrastructure through a permitting and inspection program. Town staff works with the applicant to initially locate the future natural gas line to avoid conflicts with other underground infrastructure such as water lines, stormwater lines, sewer lines and underground utilities. Once a location is determined, a permit is issued. Construction is monitored by town staff and a third party engineer, Gorrill Palmer of Gray Maine. The cost of third party monitoring and inspection is paid for by the applicant. The Town’s inspection authorization is limited to impact on other public infrastructure. The integrity or quality of line installation is not within the authority of the Town but it is regulated by the Maine PUC.
