[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 162 (Thursday, August 21, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44436-44437]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-22107]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

49 CFR Parts 192 and 195

[Docket No. RSPA-97-2762]


Pipeline Safety: Pipeline Corrosion Control

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) 
invites representatives of the gas and hazardous liquid pipeline 
industry, state and local government, and the public to an open meeting 
on pipeline corrosion and corrosion control on Monday, September 8, 
1997. The public meeting will be held in conjunction with the National 
Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Fall Committee Meeting. The 
purpose of this meeting is to gather information on experience with the 
current Federal pipeline safety regulations on corrosion control, as 
prescribed in 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195, and to solicit comments and 
suggestions to improve these regulations. Among the issues is whether 
the current regulations should be revised, supplemented, or replaced by 
reference to applicable industry standards and recommended practices.

DATES: The meeting will be held on Monday, September 8, 1997, beginning 
at 9:00 a.m. Interested persons are invited to attend the meeting and 
present oral or written statements on the matters set for the meeting. 
Any person who wishes to speak should notify Jenny Donohue at (202) 
366-4046. Please estimate the time that will be required for your 
presentation. If necessary, RSPA reserves the right to limit the time 
of each speaker to ensure that everyone who requests an opportunity to 
speak is allocated sufficient time. Other speakers may have an 
opportunity to present statements as time allows.

ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held in conjunction with the NACE 
International Fall Conference at the Hyatt Regency Oakbrook Hotel, 1909 
Spring Road, Oakbrook, Illinois.


[[Page 44437]]


COMMENTS: Written comments on the subject of this notice may be 
submitted by November 8, 1997, 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-97-2762). 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 e-mail, [email protected], 
regarding the subject matter of this notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To further the goals of the President's 
National Performance Review (NPR) and Regulatory Reinvention Initiative 
(RRI), RSPA has implemented a program review of those parts of the gas 
and hazardous liquid pipeline regulations that address corrosion and 
corrosion control. The purpose of this review is to eliminate or revise 
those regulations that are outdated or in need of reform. In addition, 
the Administration encourages increased use of applicable standards to 
improve safety and to remove unnecessary burdens from the regulated 
community. See Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A119.
    In organizing this public meeting in association with NACE 
International, a professional society involved in the development of 
technical standards on corrosion control and prevention, OPS expects 
attendance from leading corrosion experts, pipeline operators, state 
pipeline safety officials, and other interested parties. OPS believes 
this forum is a good opportunity for the public to participate in 
discussing pipeline corrosion issues and suggesting ways to enhance 
pipeline safety.
    OPS seeks input on any concerns the public has with the pipeline 
safety corrosion control regulations, including, but not limited to the 
following:
    (1) Should OPS adopt NACE recommended practices for pipeline 
corrosion control to supplement current Federal Regulations?
    (2) Are the pipeline corrosion control regulations in Parts 192 and 
195 sufficient to ensure safety? If not, what changes to the 
regulations are needed?
    (3) Should corrosion control requirements for the gas and hazardous 
liquid pipelines be the same?
    (4) Are there other industry standards concerning corrosion control 
that OPS should consider for adoption?
    OPS's goal is to receive input from all interested parties, so no 
formal agenda will be prepared.

    Issued in Washington, D.C., on August 15, 1997.
Richard B. Felder,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 97-22107 Filed 8-20-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P