Periodic Updates to the Pipeline Safety Regulations

Passage 1[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 136 (Monday, July 15, 1996)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 36825-36826] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-17580] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Research and Special Programs Administration [Docket No. PS-143; Amdts. 192-76; 193-11; 195-56] RIN 2137-AC74 Periodic Updates to the Pipeline Safety Regulations AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: On May 24, 1996, RSPA published a final rule in the Federal Register (61 FR 26121) titled ``Periodic Updates to the Pipeline Safety Regulations.'' This final rule updated the references to voluntary specifications and standards to reflect more recently published editions of each document, enabling pipeline operators to utilize current technology, materials, and practices, thereby reducing costs and enhancing economic growth. The final rule also eliminated the requirement for odorization of hydrogen transmission lines in cases where the odorization interferes with industrial end uses. Consistent with President Clinton's Regulatory Reinvention Initiative, these actions eliminated unnecessary regulatory burdens without compromising safety. This document makes minor corrections to the final rule to provide consistency in the regulations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eben M. Wyman, (202) 366-0918, regarding the subject matter of this document; or the Dockets Unit, (202) 366-4453; for copies of this document or other materials in the docket.#

Passage 2The final rule did not make note of amendment numbers to properly revise the pipeline safety laws. The amendment numbers for Docket No. PS-143 are ``Amdt. 192-76; 193-11; 195-56.'' In Section 192.63(a)(1) of the final rule, the word ``fitting'' is improperly used in discussing the marking of thermoplastic fittings in accordance with ASTM D 2513. The word ``fittings'' should replace the word ``fitting.'' The final rule also updated two references to the address of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). However, the correct address was not updated in the amended Section 195.3(b)(6). The address was listed as ``Conshohocken, PA'' not ``West Conshohocken, PA,'' as correctly noted in the amended Appendix A of Part 192. To provide consistency in the pipeline safety regulations, this document corrects section 195.3(b)(6) to reflect the accurate address for ASTM. The correct address is ``American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.'' Finally, the updated editions of voluntary consensus standards included in Appendix A of Part 192 were not updated in Appendix B-- ``Qualification of Pipe.'' Appendix B lists the pipe specifications incorporated by reference in Part 192. For consistency, the specifications in Appendix B should accurately reflect the updated references in Appendix A. This document updates the specifications in Appendix B to match Appendix A. Accordingly, the publication on May 24, 1996, of the final rule (61 FR 26121) is corrected as follows: On page 26122, in the third column, in Sec. 192.63, paragraph (a)(1), in line four, the word ``fitting'' is corrected to read ``fittings.'' On page 26123, in the third column, a new amendatory instruction is added following amendment 5. 6. Appendix B to Part 192, section I, is revised to read as follows: Appendix B to Part 192--Qualification of Pipe I. Listed Pipe Specifications (Numbers in Parentheses Indicate Applicable Editions) API 5L--Steel pipe (1995). ASTM A 53--Steel pipe (1995a). ASTM A 106--Steel pipe (1994a). ASTM A 333/A 333M--Steel pipe (1994). ASTM A 381--Steel pipe (1993). ASTM A 671--Steel pipe (1994). ASTM A 672--Steel pipe (1994). ASTM A 691--Steel pipe (1993). ASTM D 2513--Thermoplastic pipe and tubing (1995c). ASTM D 2517--Thermosetting plastic pipe and tubing (1994). * * * * *#

Passage 3On page 26123, in the third column, in Sec. 195.3, paragraph (b)(6), in line three, the name ``Conshohocken'' is corrected to read ``West Conshohocken.'' These updates were incorporated in the final rule, so RSPA does not need further rulemaking action to correct the updated specifications in Appendix B of Part 192. The purpose of this Notice is to provide consistency in the pipeline safety regulations. RSPA regrets any confusion this error may have occasioned, and publishes this document to provide clarification to all affected parties of this rulemaking. Issued in Washington, DC, on July 3, 1996. Richard B. Felder, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 96-17580 Filed 7-12-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P#