[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]
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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.
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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