Pipeline Safety: Incorporation of Standard NFPA 59A in the Liquefied Natural Gas Regulations

Passage 1[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 24 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 5918] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-2897] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Research and Special Programs Administration Pipeline Safety: Incorporation of Standard NFPA 59A in the Liquefied Natural Gas Regulations AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: RSPA invites representatives of liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, state and local government, and the public to an open meeting on proposed changes to the LNG regulations. RSPA is drafting amendments to the LNG regulations by replacing substantive provisions of Part 193 of title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) by incorporation by reference of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 59A (1996 edition)--Standard for the Production, Storage and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The proposed changes are intended to enable operators to utilize current technology, materials, and practices, thereby reducing costs and enhancing economic growth. We believe these changes will eliminate unnecessary or burdensome requirements. The purpose of this meeting is to gather information on experiences with the current Federal LNG safety regulations, and with the NFPA 59A standards, and to solicit comments and suggestions. RSPA hopes to publish the NPRM in the Federal Register for public evaluation and comment by July 1998. DATES: The public meeting will be held on March 31, 1998, from 9.00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interested persons are invited to attend the meeting and present oral or written Comments on this subject. ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the Radisson Airport Hotel, 2081 Post Road, Providence, Rhode Island 028860. Hotel phone number is (401) 739-3000.#

Passage 2COMMENTS: Written comments on the subject of this notice may be submitted by May 15, 1998, to the Dockets Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Plaza 401, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Comments should identify the docket number of this notice. Persons should submit the original and one 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 open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Israni, (202) 366-4571, or e- mail: [email protected], regarding the subject matter of this notice. Issued in Washington, D. C. on February 2, 1998. Richard B. Felder, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 98-2897 Filed 2-4-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P#