[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 8, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17128-17129]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-9203]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1728


Specifications and Drawings for Underground Electric Distribution

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to revise its 
regulations on Specifications and Drawings for Underground Electric 
Distribution, RUS Bulletin 50-6. This bulletin is currently 
incorporated by reference in RUS regulations and, will continue to be 
incorporated by reference. This proposed rule is necessary to provide 
RUS electric borrowers with the latest specifications for RUS electric 
borrowers to construct their rural underground electric distribution 
systems using state-of-the-art materials, equipment, and construction 
methods. RUS proposes store number and reformat this bulletin in 
accordance with the Agency's new publications and directives system.

DATES: Written comments must be received by RUS or bear a postmark or 
equivalent no later than June 8, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to Mr. George J. Bagnall, Director, 
Electric Staff Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural 
Utilities Service, STOP 1569, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-1569. RUS requires a signed original and 3 copies 
of all comments (7 CFR 1700.30(e)). Comments received will be made 
available for public inspection during regular business hours (7 CFR 
1.27(b)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Trung V. Hiu, Electrical Engineer, 
Electric Staff Division, Distribution Branch, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, STOP 1569, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1569. Telephone: (202) 720-1877. FAX: 
(202) 720-7491.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Order 12866

    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed 
by OMB.

Executive Order 12372

    This proposed rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order 
12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation 
with state and local officials. A Final Rule Related Notice entitled, 
``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order 
12372,'' (50 FR 47034) exempted RUS loans and loan guarantees from 
coverage under this order.

Executive Order 12988

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. RUS has determined that this proposed rule meets 
the applicable standards provided in sec. 3 of the Executive Order.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    The Administrator of RUS has determined that a rule relating to the 
RUS electric loan program is not a rule as defined in the Regulatory 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and, therefore the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act does not apply to this proposed rule.

[[Page 17129]]

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

    This proposed rule contains no reporting or recordkeeping 
provisions requiring Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35).

National Performance Review

    This regulatory action is being taken as part of the National 
Performance Review program to eliminate unnecessary regulations and 
improve those that remain in force.

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

    The Administrator of RUS has determined that this proposed rule 
will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment as 
defined by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.). Therefore, this action does not require an environmental 
impact statement or assessment.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The program described by this proposed rule is listed in the 
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Programs under No. 10.850, Rural 
Electrification Loans and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is available on 
a subscription basis for the Superintendent of Documents, United States 
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325.

Unfunded Mandates

    This rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory 
provision of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act) for State, 
local, and tribal governments or the private sector. Thus, this rule is 
not subject to the requirements of section 202 and 205 of the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act.

Background

    Pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 
U.S.C. 901 et seq.), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to 
amend 7 CFR 1728, Electric Standards and Specifications for Materials 
and Construction, by revising RUS Bulletin 50-6, Specifications and 
Drawings for Underground Electric Distribution. This revised bulletin 
will be renumbered as RUS Bulletin 1728F-806. RUS maintains a system of 
bulletins that contain construction standards and specifications for 
materials and equipment which must be complied with when system 
facilities are constructed by RUS electric and telecommunication 
borrowers in accordance with the RUS loan contract. These standards and 
specifications contain standard construction units and material items 
and equipment units commonly used in RUS electric and telecommunication 
borrowers' systems.
    RUS Bulletin 50-6 provides standard underground electric 
distribution construction drawings and specifications of 12.5/7.2 kV 
and 24.9/14.4 kV underground electric distribution lines. RUS proposes 
to change the bulletin number from RUS Bulletin 50-6 to RUS Bulletin 
1728F-806. The change in the bulletin number and reformatting is 
necessary to conform to RUS's new publications and directives system. 
This action will incorporate the bulletin by reference in 7 CFR 1728.

The following are proposed changes to RUS Bulletin 50-6 (D-806):

    (1) To new drawings, UC2-1 and UC2-2, have been added as 
alternative construction to existing drawing UC2.
    (2) RUS has determined that the URD INSPECTION FORM and 23 drawings 
are no longer practical. Therefore, RUS has removed the following 
drawings: UC3, UC4, UG9A, UG23, UM3-47, UM3-48, UM8-3, UM12-1, UM12-2, 
UM50, UX8 through UX10, and UX12 through UX26.
    (3) Some of the specifications in the Preface have been altered to 
comply with the latest codes and regulations and to improve field 
construction.
    (4) The titles of the drawings in the Index Of Drawings have been 
modified to have better descriptions of the corresponding drawings.
    Approximately 60 drawings have been revised with one or more of the 
following changes:
    (1) Clearance distance ``B'' has been changed to be the distance 
between open vertical conductors (outer edge nearest to pole) and pole 
center in accordance to the latest codes.
    (2) A ``B'' MINIMUM table has been added to appropriate drawings to 
show proper clearances corresponding to different voltages.
    (3) Ground rods have been redrawn to proper grade.
    (4) The installation of ``CAUTION'', ``WARNING'', AND ``DANGER'' 
signs have been changed to meet the latest codes.
    (5) In the material tables, item U hw, ``CAUTION'' sign, has been 
changed to ``WARNING'' signs.
    (6) In the material tables, item U hp, elbow termination, has been 
added.
    (7) Ground wires between ground rods and connectors have been 
redrawn as dotted lines.
    (8) In boxes label ``B'' MINIMUM, the ``v'' ``kv'' has been 
capitalized.
    (9) Some notes below the ``DESIGNATE AS'' headings have been 
deleted where appropriate.
    (10) In the material tables, ``(load break type)'' has been removed 
from item af, cutout descriptions.
    (11) The term ``OVERHEAD SOURCE'' has been added to some drawings 
were appropriate.
    (12) Several conductor routes have been redrawn for easier 
construction and increased performance.
    (13) Devices, such as surge arresters, have been redrawn and 
relocated to reflect the improved designs and to meet the latest safety 
codes.
    (14) Crossarms, penta-head bolts, one-line diagrams, grounding 
pads, and pin insulators have been added to certain drawings where 
appropriate.
    (15) Blowups have been added to several drawings to emphasize 
details.
    (16) The notes on some drawings have been revised to remove 
ambiguity and to meet the latest safety codes and construction 
standards.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1728

    Electric power, Incorporation by reference, Loan programs-energy, 
Rural areas.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 7 CFR part 1728 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 1728--ELECTRIC STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS AND 
CONSTRUCTION

    1. The authority citation for part 1728 is amended to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.; 7 U.S.C. 
6941 et seq.

    2. Section 1728.97(b) is amended by removing the entry for Bulletin 
50-6, and adding to the list of bulletins in numerical order the entry 
for Bulletin 1728F-D806 to read as follows:


Sec. 1728.97  Incorporation by reference of electric standards and 
specifications.

* * * * *
    (b) List of bulletins.
* * * * *
    Bulletin 1728F-D806, Specifications and Drawings for Underground 
Electric Distribution [Month and year of publication of final rule].
* * * * *
    Dated: April 2, 1998.
Wally Beyer,
Acting Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 98-9203 Filed 4-7-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-M