# U.S. DOT/RSPA - Environmental Assessment - Pipeline Safety: Recommendations to Change Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 0900006480e8f833
- **title:** U.S. DOT/RSPA - Environmental Assessment - Pipeline Safety: Recommendations to Change Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards
- **source type:** rulemaking
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** current
- **official:** true
- **published on:** Not available
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Research and Special Programs Administration Ci< C"T 1 6 9: 14 Environmental Assessment 49 CFR 195 [Docket No. RSPA-97-27171 - 3 Pipeline Safety: Recommendations to Change Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards I. Description of the Action This environmental assessment concems a proposed regulation that the Research and Special Programs... This recommendation suggests a clarification that the emergency telephone number on signs at pump stations and breakout tank areas be a number where the operator is always available. NAPSR stated that some emergency numbers were not answered at all times. There are no environmental consequences of these actions as they...
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- **source url:** https://downloads.regulations.gov/PHMSA-RSPA-1997-2717-0003/attachment_1.pdf
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Research and Special Programs Administration Ci< C"T 1 6 9: 14
Environmental Assessment
49 CFR 195
[Docket No. RSPA-97-27171 - 3
Pipeline Safety: Recommendations to Change Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards
I. Description of the Action
This environmental assessment concems a proposed regulation that the Research and Special
Programs Administration (RSPA) is proposing to change some of its regulations regarding
hazardous liquid and carbon dioxide pipelines. These changes are based on recommendations
from the National Association of State Pipeline Representatives (NAPSR). NAPSR is a non-
profit association of officials from state agencies that participate with RSPA in the Federal
pipeline safety regulatory program.
11. Need for the Action
Annually NAPSR meets and discusses safety and administrative concems of state pipeline
officials. Following NAPSR's comprehensive review of gas pipeline safety standards in 49 C FR
Part 192, (4 recommendations were proposed and adopted, 65 FR 15290: March 22,2000) RSPA
asked NAPSR to perform a similar review of hazard liquid pipeline regulations found in 49 C FR
Part 195. The purpose of the review was to identify regulations that were unclear or hard to
enforce. NAPSR's report can be found in the docket. The report made 30 different

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recommendations.
Eighteen recommendations have previously been adopted. This Notice of Proposed Rulemakii lg
proposes to adopt 5 additional recommendations.
111. Alternatives
RSPA considered 2 alternative scenarios. First, the status quo alternative or do not adopt any
NAPSR recommendations.Second, adopt the NAPSR recommendations which will clarify Parl.
195 making the regulations clearer and more easily enforceable. RSPA chose the second
alternative as it felt that modifying 5 separate sections in Part 195 at virtually no cost would
clarify the intent of these sections, make them more enforceable and with minimal additional
burden to industry and the public.
IV. The Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences of the Action
The affected environment is the entire United States. This section will describe the benefits of 1 he
5 recommendations chosen for adoption.
1) 195.222 Welders: Qualification of Welders.
This recommendation suggests a requirement that welders who do not engage in a particular
welding process for a period of 6 months or more, must be requalified. This recommendation s
identical to American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B3 1.4. This 6 month provision
is already required for welders on gas pipelines (49 CFR 192.229(b). This proposed requirement
will bring the welding requirements of hazardous liquid operators to the same standard as welclers
on gas pipelines.
2) 195.252 Backfillin%
This recommendation suggests that the hazardous liquid requirements for backfilling 195.252 Ibe

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replaced by a regulation identical to the backfilling requirement found in 192.3 19(b) which
specifically states that pipe and coating are not to be damaged by either the backfilling equipme it
or material. RSPA believes that this proposed requirement is merely a clarification but may
potentially increase safety as inspections have shown that poor quality backfill could lead to dents
and gouges on the pipeline.
3) 195.3 10 Hydrostatic Testing;
This recommendation suggests that hydrostatic test reports must include the temperature of the
test medium or pipe. RSPA agrees that temperature data are an important consideration in
determining the validity of a hydrostatic test. A pressure rise due to an increase in temperature
could hide the indication of a small leak. It is necessary to mathematically account for any
temperature-related pressure change to ensure the absence of leaks during the test.
4) 195.403 Training.
This recommendation suggests a requirement to amend the training required for personnel to
evaluate and respond to fire emergencies to clarify specifically what training is needed. This
proposed requirement requires that emergency response training include basic evaluation of fir ,:
hazards and the appropriate use of portable fire extinguishers and other on-site fire control
equipment. The regulation that this proposal updates required training in “the proper use of
firefighting procedures and equipment, fire suits and breathing apparatus.” This earlier standa .d is
unclear regarding the level of training required. The terms “fire suit” and “breathing apparatus,’
are ambiguous. RSPA sees this proposal as a clarification.
5) 195.434 Signs.

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This recommendation suggests a clarification that the emergency telephone number on signs at
pump stations and breakout tank areas be a number where the operator is always available.
NAPSR stated that some emergency numbers were not answered at all times.
There are no environmental consequences of these actions as they only amend current regulatioi 1s
by clarifying their intent and making them more enforceable.
V. List of Contacts
RSPA will solicit public comment on this EA. No comments have been solicited from the pub: ic
prior to this date.
VI. Conclusion
Based on the above considerations, RSPA has determined that there are no significant
environmental impacts associated with this action.
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