RegulusPipeline research60 FR 54328
Passage 1[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 204 (Monday, October 23, 1995)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 54328-54329] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-26050] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Research and Special Programs Administration [Docket No. PS-121; Amdt. 195-51B] RIN 2137-AB 46 Pressure Testing Older Hazardous Liquid and Carbon Dioxide Pipelines AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; Extension of time for compliance. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This document proposes to extend the time for compliance with the requirements to plan and schedule pressure testing of older hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipelines. Plans are now required by December 7, 1995. This extension of time for compliance is in response to a petition from the American Petroleum Institute (API) to apply a risk-based alternative to the required pressure testing of older pipelines. The extension of time will allow RSPA time to consider the petition. DATES: The deadline that establishes regulations for planning and scheduling pressure testing is proposed to be extended to December 7, 1996. All other deadlines remain intact. Comments on this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) must be received on or before November 22, 1995. ADDRESSES: Written comments must be submitted in duplicate and mailed or hand-delivered to the Dockets Unit, room 8421, U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Identify the docket and notice numbers stated in the heading of this notice. All comments and materials cited in this document will be available for inspection and copying in room 8421 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each business day. Non-federal employee visitors are admitted to the DOT headquarters building through the southwest quadrant at Seventh and E Streets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Israni, (202) 366-4571, regarding the subject matter of this document, or the Dockets Unit (202) 366- 4453, for copies of this document or other information in the docket.#
Passage 2SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a petition dated June 23, 1995, API submitted a risk-based alternative to the pressure testing rule and requested that RSPA delay implementation of the rule until the API proposal has been given full consideration. A copy of the API proposal is available in the docket. API urged that the rule on pressure testing older hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipelines presents an opportunity to apply a risk-based approach to pressure testing, and proposed a risk-based alternative to the final rule issued on June 7, 1994. API argued that its proposal would allow operators to focus resources and effect a greater reduction in the overall risk from pipeline accidents. API has requested a high priority be placed on reviewing their proposal because of the compliance dates for the pressure testing rule. In addition, RSPA has received a few phone calls and requests of waiver of compliance with the June 7, 1994 final rule. Because RSPA has been working actively with the pipeline industry to develop a risk management framework for pipeline regulations, RSPA wants to evaluate the API proposal carefully. RSPA realizes that substantial planning is required before pressure testing older pipelines. Operators will need time to prepare pipeline systems for testing and to arrange for personnel and equipment to conduct the tests. System changes and actual testing must be coordinated with operations to minimize the impact on refineries, distributors, and users of the transported products. Also, operators need time to assure that testing is done safely, with the least environmental risk, and in accordance with applicable Federal and State regulations. Thus, RSPA is proposing to extend the time for compliance to allow evaluation of the API petition. Although the comment period on this proposed extension is limited to thirty days, RSPA recognizes that a final rule cannot be published well in advance of the current compliance date of December 7, 1995. Thus, in order to prevent imposing an undue burden on operators of pipelines which would have to prepare the plans anyway because of late issuance of the final rule, RSPA announces that it will not enforce the December 7, 1995, compliance date prior to a final rule on this notice. RSPA is issuing this NPRM with less than 60 days notice because of the limited time available between this date and December 7, 199#
Passage 3This notice proposes to extend the time for compliance of the final rule establishing regulations for pressure testing older hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipelines published on June 7, 1994, for one year, so there is no additional cost to comply with these rules. This proposed rule is considered to be non-significant under Executive Order 12286, and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979). This extension does not warrant preparation of a Regulatory Evaluation. Also, based on the facts available concerning the impact of this proposed rule, I certify under section 606 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act that it does not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. This action has been analyzed under the criteria of Executive Order 12612 (52 FR 41685) and found not to warrant preparation of a Federalism Assessment. Anhydrous ammonia, Carbon dioxide, Petroleum, Pipeline safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. In consideration of the foregoing, RSPA proposes to amend part 195 of title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: 1. The authority citation for part 195 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60102, 60104, 60108, 60109; and 49 CFR 1.53. 2. Section 195.302 (c)(1) is revised to read as follows: * * * * * (c) Except for onshore pipelines that transport HVL, the following compliance deadlines apply to pipelines under paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)(i) of this section that have not been pressure tested under this subpart: (1) Before December 7, 1996, for each pipeline each operator shall-- (i) Plan and schedule testing according to this paragraph; or (ii) Establish the pipeline's maximum operating pressure under Sec. 195.406(a)(5). * * * * * Issued in Washington, D.C. on October 17, 1995. Richard B. Felder, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 95-26050 Filed 10-20-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P#
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