Pipeline Safety: Plastic Pipeline Safety Standards

Passage 1[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 21 (Monday, February 2, 1998)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 5339-5340] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-2455] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Research and Special Programs Administration Pipeline Safety: Plastic Pipeline Safety Standards AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration, DOT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) invites representatives of the pipeline industry, state and local government, and the public to an open meeting on the Federal gas pipeline safety regulations on plastic pipe system design, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation in transmission, distribution, and service line applications. The meeting is scheduled to coincide with meetings of the American Gas Association (AGA) Plastic Materials Committee scheduled for the week of March 4, 1998, in Phoenix, Arizona. The purpose of this meeting is to gather information on experience with the current Federal pipeline safety regulations on plastic pipe design, construction, and maintenance and to solicit comments and suggestions to improve these regulations. In particular, OPS seeks comment on whether current regulations should be revised, supplemented, or replaced by references to applicable industry standards and recommended practices. DATES: The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 1998, at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona, from 9:00 a.m until all interested persons have been have been afforded an opportunity to speak. Interested persons are invited to attend the meeting and present oral or written statements. Persons wishing to speak at the meeting should notify Jenny Donohue at (202) 366-4046 by the close of business on Friday, February 27, 1998. Please estimate the time that will be required for your presentation. RSPA reserves the right to limit the time of each speaker to ensure that everyone is allowed sufficient time. Other speakers may present statements as time allows.#

Passage 2ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hotel, 122 North Second Street, Phoenix, Arizona. The telephone number of the hotel is (602) 252-1234. Persons unable to attend the meeting or who wish to comment in writing may submit written comments by May 4, 1998, to the Dockets Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Plaza 401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Comments should identify the docket number of this notice (RSPA-98-3347). Persons should submit the original document and one (1) copy. Persons wishing to receive confirmation of receipt of their comments must include a stamped, self- addressed postcard. Alternatively, comments may be submitted via e-mail to `[email protected]'. The Dockets Facility is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building in Room Number 401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC. The Dockets Facility is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gopala K. Vinjamuri, (202) 366-4503, U.S. Department of Transportation, RSPA, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20590, or by e-mail at `[email protected]', regarding the subject matter of this notice.#

Passage 3SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To further the goals of the President's National Performance Review (NPR) and Regulatory Reinvention Initiative (RRI), RSPA is reviewing the gas pipeline regulations that address plastic pipe systems design, installation, and operations in transmission, distribution, and service line applications. This review seeks to eliminate or revise those regulations that are outdated, ambiguous, or in need of reform. In conducting this review, OPS will endeavor to increase its use of standards developed by voluntary consensus standards bodies. See Pub. L. 104-113 ``The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995,'' and ``Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A119.'' OPS has organized this public meeting to coincide with the AGA Plastics Materials Committee meetings to encourage attendance by technical experts, pipeline operators, state pipeline safety officials, and other interested parties. OPS believes this forum is a good opportunity for the public to discuss plastic pipeline regulatory issues and suggest ways to enhance pipeline safety. Natural gas utilities in the United States have been using plastic piping in underground gas distribution systems for over three decades. Presently, over 85 percent of the gas distribution and service lines, constituting over 500,000 miles, are installed using polyethylene pipe. Apart from occasional failures, mostly caused by third-party excavation damage, the safety performance of plastic pipe systems has been excellent, and the Federal pipeline safety regulations have been sufficient to ensure public safety. However, as plastic pipeline technology continues to improve, and the gas distribution infrastructure incorporates advanced plastics materials, installation methods, and operational techniques, there is a need to reexamine industry standards and the Federal regulations. Further, other critical issues, such as the long-term performance of the plastic piping installed in 1960s and 1970s, need to be addressed. OPS is conducting this public meeting to elicit a free exchange of concerns, ideas, and technical knowledge among the attendees and the federal regulators. OPS seeks input on any concerns and comments the public has with the pipeline safety regulations on plastic pipe, and components in gas transmission, distribution, and service applications. In particular, OPS would like t#

Passage 4o know: (1) Should the plastic pipe regulations accommodate different standards for new plastic materials, higher operating pressures, higher operating temperatures, and modern installation, and maintenance technologies? (2) Are the current plastic pipeline regulations too general, too performance oriented, or too prescriptive? Should the regulations address design safety, testing of valves and fittings, and the use of joints with metal transition fittings? Do the regulations need an added level of safety for large-diameter pipe and fittings? (3) Should OPS be concerned about the performance of large-diameter coiled plastic pipe? Is trenchless installation for large-diameter pipe an appropriate procedure? (4) Should the pipeline safety regulations include procedures that address fusion welding of thick-walled pipe? (5) Should there be specific requirements for natural gas plastic distribution and service lines and components in earthquake and other natural disaster-prone regions? (6) Should the federal pipeline safety regulations address requirements for leak detection, leak surveying, and leak detection equipment? (7) Are there other national standards that OPS should consider referencing? (8) Should OPS consider adopting into the regulations the principles expressed in past waivers? OPS welcomes comments on the above questions, and other issues regarding the regulation of plastic pipe in transmission, distribution, and service line applications. Because OPS's goal is to receive input from all interested parties attending the meeting, it will not prepare a formal agenda. Issued in Washington, D.C., on January 27, 1998. Richard B. Felder, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 98-2455 Filed 1-30-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P#