[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]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

49 CFR Parts 192, 195

[Docket No. RSPA-98-3347; Notice 1]


Pipeline Safety: Plastic Pipeline Safety Standards

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

ADDRESSES: 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.

[[Page 5340]]

Comments

    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.

SUPPLEMENTARY 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 to 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