CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Legislation sought by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia to enhance fire protection passed the state Senate on Wednesday and is going to Gov. Justice.
The Senate passed the bill to bring regulation of fire hydrants and their maintenance and testing for reliability under Commission jurisdiction on a 33-0 vote. The House of Delegates earlier passed the bill 89-2. The measure now goes to the governor for his signature.
Justice last year asked the Commission to perform a statewide study on the reliability of the 50,000 fire hydrants in West Virginia. The survey was completed and given to the Legislature in January, which resulted in House Bill 5617.
The bill “to ensure that all installed fire hydrants are working properly” authorizes the Commission to adopt national standards to ensure the reliability of fire hydrants. The Commission may issue rules and regulations related to the inspection, flow testing, and maintenance of hydrants.
“We will seek input from all groups and individuals interested in the safety of fire hydrants,” PSC Chairman Charlotte R. Lane said. “We will begin meetings to determine what rules and regulations should be proposed.
“I would like to thank both the House and Senate leadership for their prompt action in dealing with this critical issue and Governor Justice for referring this issue to us.”
More information on this case can be found on the PSC website: www.psc.state.wv.us. Click on “Case Information” and access Case No. 23-0555-W-GI.