Gas pipeline facilities, leaks, scheduled replacements (Framingham Town Clerk)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c.66, §10, I hereby request the following records:

* All maps of pipeline facilities (services, mains, regulators, etc.) provided by utility companies, including details regarding the age or dates of the installation of the pipeline, the material of the pipeline, and whether the pipeline is high pressure or low pressure. If you have these maps in shape files or in arc GIS, those formats are preferable.

* The most recent inventory of outstanding leaks on the distribution system within the boundaries of municipality, including the location of the leak, date the leak was identified/classified, the grade of the leak, whether the leak has been reclassified or designated for repair, and the date on which the inventory was compiled.

* The list or map of pipeline segments currently scheduled for replacement.

This information should be available to the municipality as required by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 164, Section 144 (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter164/Section144).

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.

In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Beryl Lipton

Hello Ms. Mulvey,

Thank you very much for your message! Could you please provide me with the contact information for the Department of Public Works so that I may follow up directly?

Thank you!
Beryl

Hello Peter,

Thank you very much for your message! I would like to confirm that no one associated with the Town of Framingham is in possession of this information. While I understand that the natural gas lines are privately owned, House Bill 4164, which was signed by Governor Patrick in June and went into effect on October 1, permits municipal representatives to acquire this information from the Department of Public Works in order to facilitate efficient infrastructure improvements between the city and utility companies (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter164/Section144).

Thanks again!
Beryl