Determining the Extent of Corrosion on Gas Pipelines

Passage 1[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 25, 1999)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 28136] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-13161] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Research and Special Programs Administration [Docket No. PS-107; Notice 2] RIN 2137-AB50 Determining the Extent of Corrosion on Gas Pipelines AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of availability of draft environmental assessment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Gas pipeline operators must examine buried metallic pipelines for corrosion when the pipeline is exposed. RSPA proposed to require that operators investigate further to determine the extent of any harmful corrosion that is found. A draft environmental assessment of this proposed rule is available in the docket. DATES: Interested persons may submit written comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment until June 24, 1999. ADDRESSES: Send comments in duplicate to Marvin Fell, Room 7428, Research and Special Programs Administration, U. S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590. Identify the docket and notice number stated in the heading of this notice. All comments and docketed material will be available for inspection and copying in Room 7428 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each business day. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marvin Fell at (202) 366-6205 or [email protected].#

Passage 2SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Whenever a gas pipeline operator learns that a buried metallic pipeline has been exposed, the operator is required to examine the exposed portion of the pipeline for evidence of external corrosion, if the pipeline is bare or has a deteriorated coating (49 CFR 192.459). In a notice of proposed rulemaking (54 FR 27041; June 27, 1989), RSPA proposed to amend this standard to require that when corrosion requiring remedial action is found, the operator investigate further to determine the extent of the corrosion. We have analyzed the proposed rule for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Only in limited circumstances will operators marginally enlarge an area of exposed pipe to investigate the extent of corrosion, and less harmful investigative techniques will be used where necessary to safeguard people and the environment. Thus, we have determined that the proposed rule would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. A draft environmental assessment document is available for review in the docket. Issued in Washington, D.C. on May 19, 1999. Richard B. Felder, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 99-13161 Filed 5-24-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-U#