[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 245 (Tuesday, December 22, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 70735-70745]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33757]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

49 CFR Part 193

[Docket No. RSPA-97-3002; Notice 2]
RIN 2137-AD11


Pipeline Safety: Incorporation of Standard NFPA 59A in the 
Liquefied Natural Gas Regulations

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to replace substantive portions of 
siting, design, construction, equipment and fire protection provisions 
of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) regulations and incorporate by reference 
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Fire 
Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 59A (1996 edition), titled 
``Standards for the Production, Storage and Handling of Liquefied 
Natural Gas (LNG)''. This document proposes to amend remaining LNG 
regulations including some operation and maintenance requirements. 
These proposed changes are intended to enable operators to utilize 
current technology, materials, and practices, thereby reducing costs 
and enhancing economic growth. These changes will eliminate unnecessary 
or burdensome requirements while maintaining current levels of safety. 
The proposed rule is consistent with the President's goals of 
regulatory reinvention and improvement of customer service.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on this notice 
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by March 22, 1999. Late filed comments 
will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on the subject of this document must be 
submitted in duplicate to the Dockets Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Plaza 401, Washington, DC 
20590-0001. Comments should identify the docket and document number 
stated in the heading of this document. Alternatively, comments may be 
submitted via e-mail to ``[email protected].'' The docket 
facility is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except holidays. All comments received will be electronically scanned 
into the docket and will be accessible at http://dms.dot.gov. General 
information about the RSPA/Office of Pipeline Safety programs can be 
reviewed by accessing OPS's homepage at http://ops.dot.gov.


[[Page 70736]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Israni, (202) 366-4571, or by e-
mail: [email protected], regarding the subject matter of this 
proposed rule, or the Dockets Facility (202) 366-9329, for copies of 
this document or other material in the docket.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On August 26, 1996, the NFPA petitioned RSPA, requesting that the 
substantive portions of 49 CFR Part 193 be replaced with ANSI/NFPA 59A 
(1996 edition), titled ``Standards for the Production, Storage and 
Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)''. The petition specifically 
recommends removing the Subparts on siting, design, construction, 
equipment and fire protection, and instead referencing chapters 1 
through 9 of the ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition). The petition recommends 
retaining the Subparts on operation, maintenance, personnel 
qualification and training, and security, with some minor changes.
    The existing Federal safety standards for LNG facilities were 
developed as a result of the Pipeline Safety Act of 1979, now re-
codified in 49 United States Code Section 60103. In 1979, Congress 
determined that the public would be better served if the US Department 
Of Transportation (DOT) developed its own standards for the LNG 
industry. Prior to July 1, 1976, no Federal standards for LNG 
facilities existed. The existing standard, specifically dealing with 
the LNG industry that is associated with the pipeline facilities, was 
issued as a Final Rule on February 11, 1980 [45 FR 9203] and now 
appears at 49 CFR Part 193. Between July 1, 1976 and February 11, 1980, 
LNG facilities were required to follow ANSI/NFPA 59A (1972 edition) and 
Part 192.
    In 1974, the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) hired Arthur D. Little 
consulting firm (ADL) to conduct a study on safety information on LNG 
facilities. The ADL produced a report titled ``Technology and Current 
Practices for Processing, Transferring, and Storing Liquefied Natural 
Gas,'' which included a comparative analysis of national, state, local, 
industrial, and professional society codes, standards, practices and 
regulations relating to LNG facilities. The study identified and 
analyzed many areas of public concern about the operation of LNG 
facilities. It also addressed many practices and functions where 
precautions were needed to protect persons and property. The study 
found that ANSI/NFPA 59A was the basis for practically all national, 
state, and local codes for LNG facilities. Therefore, OPS used the 
ANSI/NFPA 59A, in part, as a basis for existing Federal standards.
    A report issued on July 31, 1978, by the General Accounting Office 
titled ``Liquefied Energy Gases'' highlighted some of the safety 
concerns in the transportation and storage of LNG. Foremost among those 
were: (1) protection of persons and property near an LNG facility from 
thermal radiation caused by ignition of a major spill of LNG, (2) 
protection of persons and property near an LNG facility from dispersion 
and delayed ignition of a natural gas cloud arising from a major spill 
of LNG, and (3) reduction of the potential for a catastrophic spill of 
LNG.
    OPS identified many deficiencies in the pre-1980 LNG standards 
which needed to be corrected to reduce the potential for a major spill 
of LNG and provide an acceptable level of safety. Because of the 
difference in format and the need for regulatory language to facilitate 
enforcement, a few sections of ANSI/NFPA 59A were restated for their 
adoption in Part 193.
    There have been significant changes in the ANSI/NFPA 59A since 
1980. Because ANSI/NFPA 59A is revised on a regular basis, and because 
that revision process includes input from a wide variety of experts and 
a broad representation of interests, the 1996 edition of the ANSI/NFPA 
59A includes the latest developments in LNG facility design and safety. 
Many of these developments have not been incorporated into Part 193, 
and therefore, Part 193 lags behind the ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition). 
The format and language of the ANSI/NFPA 59A has also changed 
significantly, over the years, to facilitate enforcement.
    The NFPA provides the following justification in support of its 
petition:
    1. Adopting ANSI/NFPA 59A by reference will further the long 
standing federal policy in favor of adoption and use by federal 
agencies of privately developed voluntary consensus standards. The 
Office of Management and Budget Circular A-119, issued in 1982, later 
updated on October 16, 1993, establishes that policy in the interests 
of greater economy and efficiency.
    2. The adoption and use of a voluntary consensus standard such as 
ANSI/NFPA 59A offers substantial benefits. It provides an effective 
means for government to draw on the energies and talents of private 
citizens to produce timely, high quality standards. Members of the 59A 
technical committee are regulators from DOT, Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission, Coast Guard, and state, insurance interests, special 
experts, operators, contractors and fire department personnel. This 
ensures the input of a wide variety of experts and interests.
    3. The method used to update the regulations through the 
availability of a regular revision cycle produces new editions of ANSI/
NFPA 59A every three to five years.
    4. The ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition) includes the latest 
developments in LNG facility design and safety. Many of these 
developments have not been incorporated into 49 CFR Part 193 as it 
currently exists. The following are some of those significant 
provisions in the ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition) which either are not 
addressed or are inadequately addressed in the existing Part 193:

--Provisions that provide alternate siting criteria for American 
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) containers that are equipped 
with product retention valves meeting ANSI/NFPA 59A. Such valves have 
already been used in the propane industry for two, or more decades, and 
have considerably reduced the frequency of incidents in propane 
facilities.
--ANSI/NFPA 59A continually reexamines with each review cycle criteria 
for a seismic investigation and criteria to design and construct 
seismically capable structures. Current seismic criteria in ANSI/NFPA 
59A reflects state-of-the art design, unlike the 20 year old 
requirements currently in Part 193.
--ANSI/NFPA 59A incorporated requirements that better specify the load 
bearing insulation under LNG tanks. These new provisions include 
additional temperature monitoring requirements that will assure the 
long term integrity of the load bearing insulation.
--New enhanced welding requirements in ANSI/NFPA 59A are more inclusive 
(e.g. weld examination requirements were strengthened to improve 
reliability) and the language is more comprehensible than that in Part 
193.
--Requirements for soil heating in the ANSI/NFPA 59A were expanded to 
include replaceable temperature sensors to protect them from conditions 
which could cause failure, such as corrosion and moisture penetration.
--New text, in ANSI/NFPA 59A, clearly describes the requirements 
associated with sealing an electrical conduit to prevent the migration 
of gas past a seal. This amendment was the result of a serious incident 
in which pressurized gas migrated past a seal

[[Page 70737]]

and entered an area containing a source of ignition.

    OPS has been very active in incorporating by reference voluntary 
consensus standards in its regulations. OPS participates on various 
voluntary committees to jointly develop consensus standards, including 
the ANSI/NFPA 59A technical committee for many years. The existing Part 
193 references some provisions of ANSI/NFPA 59A in eight different 
locations. Recent amendments to the LNG regulations [(February 25, 
1997; 62 FR 8402) and (August 1, 1997; 62 FR 41311)] have brought Part 
193 closer to ANSI/NFPA 59A. Unlike older editions of the ANSI/NFPA 
59A, text in the current standard is in a regulatory format making it 
more suitable for adoption. Most of the amendments regarding design, 
siting, construction and equipment in 49 U.S.C. 60103 have been 
incorporated in the ANSI/NFPA 59A.
    Adoption of ANSI/NFPA 59A in Part 193 will maintain current levels 
of safety and allow industry flexibility in applying latest technology. 
Based on the above discussion factors and taking into account potential 
benefits to Federal and State regulators, the LNG industry, and most of 
all, to public safety, RSPA decided to consider the possible adoption 
of ANSI/NFPA 59A into Part 193.
    On November 19, 1997, and May 5, 1998, RSPA briefed the Technical 
Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (TPSSC) on the NFPA petition and 
progress of the proposed rule. On April 29, 1997, RSPA and NFPA staff 
briefed the National Association of Pipeline Safety Regulators (NAPSR) 
on the same subject. In November 1997, NAPSR formed an LNG Part 193 
review committee to provide recommendations on which requirements of 
Part 193 should be retained. On February 17-18, and April 21-22, 1998, 
RSPA held meetings with the NAPSR LNG Part 193 committee to receive 
their input on changes to current regulations.
    On March 31, 1998, RSPA held a meeting of representatives of the 
LNG industry, State and local governments, and the public to gather 
information on experiences with the current Federal LNG safety 
regulations, and with the ANSI/NFPA 59A, and to solicit comments and 
suggestions. On April 22, 1998, RSPA had a joint meeting with NFPA, 
American Gas Association (AGA) and the NAPSR LNG review committee to 
discuss technical differences between Part 193 and ANSI/NFPA 59A. On 
May 22, 1998, RSPA briefed NAPSR on the input provided by the NAPSR LNG 
review committee and the status on this proposed rule.

II. Proposed Rule

    Reference to ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition) is proposed for Subparts 
B through E with some exceptions, rather than current requirements of 
Part 193, because ANSI/NFPA 59A covers the same subjects and reflects 
current technology and practice. RSPA is retaining those requirements 
in Subparts B through E where ANSI/NFPA 59A does not adequately address 
an issue. RSPA proposes to amend 49 CFR Part 193 by revising Subparts A 
through J as set forth below.
Subpart A--General

Section 193.2001  Scope of Part

    This section has been revised to include reference to ANSI/NFPA 59A 
in paragraph (a) as follows:

    (a) This part and Chapters 1-9 of ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition) 
prescribe safety standards for LNG facilities used in the 
transportation of gas by pipeline that is subject to the pipeline 
safety laws (49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq.) and Part 192 of this chapter. 
In the event of a conflict, the requirements of this part prevail.

    No changes have been made to paragraph (b).

Section 193.2003  Semisolid Facilities

    Semisolid facilities have never been built and it appears unlikely 
any will be built. Therefore, RSPA proposes to delete this section.

Section 193.2005  Applicability

    A new paragraph (a) stating new or amended standards in this 
proposed rule would not apply to existing Part 193 regulated LNG 
facilities or LNG facilities under construction before these standards 
become effective, has been added. Subsequent paragraphs have been 
renumbered with minor corrections.

Section 193.2007  Definitions

    Although many terms are adequately defined in ANSI/NFPA 59A, many 
identical definitions have been retained in Part 193 for application in 
Subparts where ANSI/NFPA 59A does not apply. However, RSPA proposes to 
make some changes to current definitions for clarification as shown 
below.
    Reference to underground caverns has been deleted from the text 
since it has not been proven practical to store LNG in an underground 
cavern.
    Reference to semisolid or solidifying LNG has been deleted 
throughout the text, since no semisolid facilities exist and none are 
planned.
    Sections 193.2009 through 193.2017 have been retained. These 
Sections relate to Rules of regulatory construction, Reporting, 
Incorporation by reference, and Plans and procedures.

Section 193.2019  Mobile and Temporary LNG Facilities

    This section is retained. Although it already references ANSI/NFPA 
59A for mobile LNG facilities, there is an additional requirement in 
the current regulations, which requires that the State where the mobile 
LNG facility is to be located must be provided with at least two weeks 
advance notice.
Subpart B--Siting Requirements
    RSPA proposes to delete siting requirements in this Subpart and 
replace them by referencing ANSI/NFPA 59A, with the following 
exceptions:

Section 193.2051  Scope

    This paragraph would be retained with some revised language as it 
clearly prescribes which LNG facilities need siting. ANSI/NFPA 59A does 
not specify where siting is needed, and therefore, may cause 
misinterpretation.

Section 193.2057  Thermal Radiation Protection

    Paragraphs (a), (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(5), (c) and (d) have 
been retained. There are some differences between the thermal exclusion 
zone requirements in ANSI/NFPA 59A and Part 193. ANSI/NFPA 59A does not 
take into consideration the wind speed and ambient temperature which 
occur 95% of the time as defined in the Paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3). 
Paragraph (b)(4) is deleted because differences between the thermal 
exclusion zone distances predicted for pure methane and those for LNG 
with a higher heating value are not significant and will have no 
bearing on safety.
    The method of calculating the exclusion distances for levels of 
radiant exposure as described in paragraph (c) of the current 
regulations is being changed from the model ``LNGFIRE I'' to ``LNGFIRE 
III''. This improved ``Windows'' version of the computer model 
``LNGFIRE III'' for calculating exclusion distances corrects small 
errors that appeared in the earlier ``DOS'' version of the ``LNGFIRE 
I'' model and is available from the Gas Research Institute.
    Reference to flux correlation factor ``f'' and its numerical values 
in the offsite target table in paragraph (d) has been deleted. Also, in 
the same table under item 6 the phrase ``if closer to (P)'' has

[[Page 70738]]

been deleted. Both terms have no use under the current regulations.

Section 193.2059  Flammable Vapor-gas Dispersion Protection

    Paragraphs (a) and (b) have been retained. Paragraphs (c) and (d) 
have been revised, and Paragraph (e)--Planned vapor control has been 
deleted. One important difference between the two codes is that the 
lower flammable concentration limit at the outer boundary of the 
flammable vapor cloud is 2.5% for Part 193 and 5% for ANSI/NFPA 59A. 
Another difference involves design spill duration. Part 193 requires a 
minimum 10 minute spill, whereas NFPA 59A does not have a minimum spill 
time requirement. Other changes made in the section are: (1) the 
atmospheric temperature to be used in the model has been changed from 
0 deg. C (32 deg. F) to a more realistic 80 deg. F (27 deg. C); (2) 
dispersion coordinates y and z have been deleted because they are no 
longer required in running the DEGADIS model; (3) the elevation for 
contour (receptor) output H has been specified as 0.5 meters; and (4) a 
reference height of 10 meters is specified for measuring wind speed. 
Specifying the above parameters will produce more accurate DEGADIS 
model results.

Section 193.2061  Seismic Investigation and Design Forces

    This section has been replaced in its entirety and instead ANSI/
NFPA 59A will be referenced. The seismic criteria in Part 193 are 20 
years old, whereas the requirements in ANSI/NFPA 59A reflect current 
technology. Part 193 requires a seismic evaluation of an LNG facility 
if it is located at a site in Zone 2, 3 or 4 of the Seismic Risk Map of 
the U.S., whereas ANSI/NFPA 59A requires seismic evaluation for all LNG 
facilities. In addition, ANSI/NFPA 59A requires two levels of ground 
motions, safe shutdown earthquake (SSE) and operating basis earthquake 
(OBE). The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) also has similar 
requirements as ANSI/NFPA 59A. Part 193 provides no specific 
performance basis, whereas, ANSI/NFPA 59A does; one for SSE and another 
for OBE.

Section 193.2063  Flooding

    This section has been retained. ANSI/NFPA 59A does not address 
flooding.

Section 193.2067  Wind Forces

    This section is retained with changes. ANSI/NFPA 59A does not take 
into consideration uncertainties associated with high winds such as 
hurricanes. RSPA believes LNG storage tanks must be designed to 
withstand high wind speeds. However, the 200 mph wind speed design in 
the current rule is excessive and has been changed to 150 mph. Most 
hurricane wind speeds, according to a study by one expert, are less 
than 150 mph.

Section 193.2069  Other Severe Weather and Natural Conditions

    This section is retained because it covers conditions such as 
avalanches or mud slides that are not addressed in ANSI/NFPA 59A. 
Paragraph (a) has been revised.

Section 193.2071  Adjacent Activities

    Paragraph (a) has no meaning. Paragraph (b) addresses offsite 
facilities and is not discussed in ANSI/NFPA 59A. Therefore, paragraph 
(b) is retained and paragraph (a) is deleted.
Subpart C--Design

Section 193.2101  Scope

    This section has been revised to include reference to ANSI/NFPA 
59A.

Section 193.2119  Records

    This item is retained. Part 193 requires test data to be retained 
even after the item is retested. Some valuable information on the 
history of an item could be lost if this part 193 requirement was 
deleted.

Section 193.2125  Automatic Shutoff Valves

    This requirement is retained because it requires avoidance of fluid 
hammer, and because Part 193 has a better definition of the term `fail-
safe'.

Section 193.2149  Impoundment Required

    Except for paragraph (e) this section is retained because it 
requires impounding areas along transfer piping and around parking 
areas for loaded LNG trucks. Paragraph (e) would be deleted because it 
refers to NFPA 30 which does not cover flammable liquefied gases--such 
as those used as refrigerants at LNG plants.

Section 193.2155  Structural Requirements

    Paragraph (a) of this section contains more detailed requirements 
than ANSI/NFPA 59A, therefore is retained. Paragraph (b) is deleted due 
to ambiguities regarding what is implied by a ``credible release of the 
tank contents.'' Paragraph (c) is revised to prohibit location of LNG 
storage tanks within a horizontal distance of one mile from the ends or 
\1/4\ mile from the nearest point of the runway, whichever is longer. 
For the height of the structures in the vicinity of an airport, 
operators must review Federal Aviation Administration requirements in 
14 CFR 1.1.

Section 193.2159  Floors

    This section is retained. Reference to classes of impounding 
systems has been deleted and `covered impoundment' are exempted from 
this requirement. No equivalent is found in ANSI/NFPA 59A. Paragraphs 
(a) and (b) have been revised and paragraph (c) and (d) have been 
deleted.

Section 193.2161  Dikes, General

    Paragraph (a) is retained because it prohibits any penetration 
through dike walls. RSPA believes seals around pipes may deteriorate 
and not prevent LNG from leaking past dikes required in ANSI/NFPA 59A. 
Part of the sentence in Paragraph (b) is deleted as it is no longer 
relevant.

Section 193.2167  Covered Systems

    This section is retained. There are some existing facilities with 
this system.

Section 193.2171  Sump Basins

    This requirement is retained by substituting the term `covered' for 
`Class 1'.

Section 193.2173  Water Removal

    Existing paragraphs (a) and (b) in this section are revised. ANSI/
NFPA 59A allows water to be removed from impounding areas by natural 
drainage through penetrations in the impounding area floors or dike. 
This section requires water removal by sump pumps and specifies what 
pump capacities are required. A strict application of this section 
could cause some operators to install very large capacity pumps to 
handle precipitation that is expected to occur only once every ten 
years. The intent of the regulation is to keep impounding areas as free 
of standing water as is practical. The probability of these two events: 
LNG in the impoundment area and heavy rainfall occurring concurrently 
is very small. It is anticipated that allowing operators to remove the 
water at 25% of the rate currently stated would have little affect on 
public safety. Therefore, this section is modified accordingly.

Section 193.2175  Shared Impoundment

    This section is retained. The requirement to prevent low 
temperature or fire exposure resulting from leakage from any one of the 
tanks served causing any other storage tank to leak is not prohibited 
in ANSI/NFPA 59A.

[[Page 70739]]

Section 193.2179  Impoundment Capacity: General

    Paragraph (b) in this section is revised to require adequate 
capacity where displacement could occur when water or snow enters the 
impoundment system.

Section 193.2181  Impoundment Capacity: LNG Storage Tanks

    This section is revised to require a minimum volumetric holding 
capacity of the impoundment area of: (a) 110 percent of the LNG tank's 
maximum liquid capacity for an impoundment area serving a single tank; 
or (b) 100 percent of all tanks or 110 percent of the largest tank's 
maximum liquid capacity, whichever is greater, for an impoundment area 
serving more than one tank. If the dike is designed to account for a 
surge in the event of catastrophic failure, then the impoundment 
capacity may be reduced to 100 percent in lieu of 110 percent.

Section 193.2183  Impoundment Capacity: Equipment and Transfer Systems

    This section is revised for clarification. The phrase `but not less 
than 10 minutes' is added at the end of (b). This inconsistency was 
causing confusion among operators.

Section 193.2185  Impoundment Capacity: Parking Area, Portable 
Containers

    This section is retained because it is not addressed in the ANSI/
NFPA 59A.

Section 193.2187  General

    This section is retained because it is not addressed in the ANSI/
NFPA 59A.

Section 193.2191  Stratification

    This section is retained because it requires operators to provide 
means for mitigating the potential for a rollover. All of the wording 
after ``rollover and over pressure'' is deleted because LNG plant 
designers are familiar with rollover prevention methods. ANSI/NFPA 59A 
has no similar requirement.

Section 193.2205  Frost Heave

    Only part of this requirement is retained because it requires 
continuous monitoring of tank foundation systems; ANSI/NFPA 59A only 
requires periodic checking. Other portions are addressed more 
effectively in ANSI/NFPA 59A.

Section 193.2207  Insulation

    It is important to retain paragraph (a) because the application of 
insulation to the outer shell of an LNG storage tank could cause the 
temperature of the outer shell to fall so low that the metal could 
become brittle. Paragraph (b) has been deleted as it is covered in 
ANSI/NFPA 59A.

Section 193.2209  Instrumentation for LNG Storage Tanks

    This section is retained as it is not adequately covered in ANSI/
NFPA 59A. Also, ANSI/NFPA 59A does not require any recorders, which 
RSPA believes are essential for continuous monitoring. RSPA believes 
electronic data collection is equivalent to recorders. Item (6) in the 
table of paragraph (a) is deleted because it lacks technical 
justification. Paragraph (c) is unnecessary, and is therefore deleted.
Subpart D--Construction
    Section 193.2303 Construction Acceptance and Section 193.2304 
Corrosion Control Overview are retained. No equivalent appears in ANSI/
NFPA 59A.

Section 193.2305  Procedures

    This section is retained to provide safety during construction, 
operation and maintenance of the LNG facility.

Section 193.2307  Inspection

    Paragraph (b) is deleted, but paragraphs (a) and (c) are retained 
because no equivalent requirements in ANSI/NFPA 59A.
    Sections 193.2309 and 193.2311 are retained because there are no 
equivalent requirements in ANSI/NFPA 59A.
    Section 193.2315 Piping Connections would be amended by retaining 
paragraphs (b) and (c) and deleting all other paragraphs.
    Section 193.2317 Retesting is retained. ANSI/NFPA 59A addresses 
retesting on tanks only.

Section 193.2321  Nondestructive Tests

    Paragraph (a) is retained with an exception for liquid drain and 
vapor vent piping that operate at less than 20% of SMYS. A new 
paragraph (b) has been added which states that liquid drain and vapor 
vent piping that operate at less than 20% of SMYS is not required to be 
nondestructively tested provided it has been visually inspected in 
accordance with the ASME B31.3. Paragraph (e) is renamed as paragraph 
(c) with a minor correction to the ASME reference. Radiographic testing 
of the butt welds in metal shells of storage tanks was incorrectly 
referenced to ASME Section IX, in lieu of Section VIII Division 1. One 
hundred percent (100%) radiographic examination on tanks less than 
70,000 gallons is essential for cryogenic liquids, therefore, retained. 
The remaining paragraphs are deleted.
    Sections 193.2325 and 193.2329 are retained because no equivalent 
requirements exist in ANSI/NFPA 59A.
Subpart E--Equipment
    Sections 193.2407, 193.2409 and 193.2413 addressing operational 
control, shutoff valves and combustion air intakes are amended to 
retain paragraphs 193.2407(a), 193.2409(b) and 193.2413(a). These 
requirements are not covered in the NFPA standards. The remaining 
paragraphs in the preceding sections will be deleted.
    Sections 193.2417  through 193.2421 addressing liquefaction 
equipment are retained. No similar requirements appear in ANSI/NFPA 
59A.
    In Secs. 193.2427 through 193.2445 on Control Systems, requirements 
not addressed in ANSI/NFPA 59A are retained, the remaining sentences 
are deleted. Paragraph (a) in Section 193.2427--General is deleted as 
not needed under the current rule. In Section 193.2429--Relief valves 
first sentence of paragraph (a), and paragraphs (c)(2), (e), and (f) 
are retained, the remaining requirements are deleted. Section 
193.2431--Vents is deleted. Paragraph (a)(1) in Section 193.2433--
Sensing devices is retained, and paragraphs (a)(2) and (b) are deleted. 
Section 193.2435--Warning devices is retained because it covers all 
sensing devices; ANSI/NFPA 59A covers only fire protection sensors. 
Paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) in section 193.2437--Pumps an compressor 
control are retained as these requirements cover all pumps and 
compressors. Except for a small clarification in (a)(1), Section 
193.2439 on emergency shutdown control systems is retained as it 
requires automatic shutdown in case of major process upset, a leak, or 
a fire. Section 193.2441--Control center is retained. Requirement in 
Section 193.2443-Fail-safe control is enforceable unlike ANSI/NFPA 
59A's, therefore, it is retained. Section 193.2445--Sources of power is 
retained, as it is not addressed in the ANSI/NFPA 59A.
Subpart F--Operations
    This subpart is retained.

Section 193.2521  Operating Records

    This section is modified to include how long different types of 
records must be kept.
Subpart G--Maintenance
    This subpart is retained with the following changes:

Section 193.2609  Support Systems

    An inspection time frame is added.

[[Page 70740]]

    Section 193.2611 Fire Protection is retained with an additional 
important requirement from the ANSI/NFPA 59A that operators will be 
required to have a maintenance program for all plant fire protection 
equipment.
    Section 193.2619 Control Systems is retained with a minor change in 
the paragraph (c). Internal shutoff valves have been included along 
with other control system components to be inspected and tested yearly.

Section 193.2639  Maintenance Records

    In addition to requirements in this section a reference to ANSI/
NFPA 59A is added.

Subpart H--Personnel qualification and training, is retained.
Subpart I--Fire Protection
    Except for the following sections, RSPA proposes to replace this 
entire subpart by referencing ANSI/NFPA 59A Chapters 2 and 9.
    Section 193.2801 Scope is retained with some revised language.
    In Section 193.2807 Smoking, paragraph (c) about `No Smoking' signs 
is retained, and paragraphs (a) and (b) are deleted.
    Section 193.2813 Storage of Flammable Fluids is retained. These 
requirements are broader in scope than similar requirements in ANSI/
NFPA 59A.

Section 193.2817  Fire Equipment

    Certain requirements in this section are modified to retain 
important safety features not adequately addressed in ANSI/NFPA 59A. 
This section is revised to include only one paragraph.

Section 193.2819  Gas Detection

    This section is modified to retain only the most important 
requirements by deleting paragraphs (a), (c) and (f). Existing 
paragraphs (b), (d) and (e) have renumbered as (a) (b) and (c).

Section 193.2821  Fire Detection

    In addition to the current requirement for an audible alarm in the 
area of fire detection, reference to ANSI/NFPA 59A has been added. All 
other requirements have been deleted.
Subpart J--Security
    This subpart is retained.
    Appendix A to Part 193 is retained.
    RSPA believes the proposed rule improves public safety and is 
better for the LNG industry because the revised requirements 
incorporate current technology and state-of-the-art safety standards.

III. Regulatory Analyses and Notices

Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    The Department of Transportation (DOT) does not consider this 
action to be a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of 
Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735; October 4,1993). Therefore, it was 
not received by the office of Management and Budget. This proposal is 
not significant under DOT's regulatory policies and procedures (44 FR 
11034: February 26, 1979).
    This proposal would amend 49 CFR 193 by replacing substantive 
sections of the current regulation with ANSI/NFPA Standard 59A, titled 
``Standard for the Production, Storage and Handling of Liquefied 
National Gas (LNG)''. The purpose of this adoption is to enable 
operators to utilize current technology, materials, and practices, 
thereby reducing costs and enhancing national growth. This change to 
Part 193 will eliminate unnecessary and burdensome requirements. 
Further the adoption of industry standards is consistent with the 
President's goals of regulatory reinvention and improvement of customer 
service to the American people. Adoption of industry standards also 
meets the goals of OMB's Budget Circular A-119, ``Federal Participation 
in the Development and Use of Voluntary Standards,'' promoting adoption 
of voluntary consensus standards wherever possible.
    The NFPA has a standing committee which regularly reviews ANSI/NFPA 
59A. RSPA has a representative on this committee, and RSPA sought the 
committee's input in several discussions concerning the adoption of 
ANSI/NFPA 59A into Part 193. Members of the ANSI/NFPA 59A technical 
committee include: RSPA, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Coast 
Guard, State governments, insurance interests, contractors, and fire 
departments. Representation by this group ensures that essentially all 
interests involved in LNG safety issues have been represented in this 
standard. The NFPA has over 67,000 individual members and includes over 
100 national trade and professional groups. Its goal as an organization 
is to reduce the burden of fire on the quality of life by advocating 
scientifically based consensus codes and standards, research, and 
education for fire safety issues.
    As mentioned above, there should be little to no cost to the 
industry to adopt these regulations as LNG operators are already well 
aware of these standards and they are already being implemented by the 
industry. In fact adoption of this proposal should actually reduce the 
costs to industry as the main purpose of this proposal is to allow the 
adoption of newer technology that was not anticipated when the earlier 
LNG regulations were promulgated. Because this proposal does not 
represent any new burden to the industry and in fact will reduce costs, 
RSPA believes that a regulatory evaluation of this proposal is 
unnecessary. Furthermore, this proposed adoption meets the guidelines 
of Federal Government policy discussed above while reducing the 
administrative burdens on industry and allowing for the use of the 
latest technology and practices.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    As discussed above, RSPA is proposing the revision of part 193 by 
replacing substantive portions of this subpart with the adoption of 
consensus industry standards developed by the NFPA. These safety 
standards are well known and have been implemented by operators of LNG 
facilities throughout the United Sates. The replacement of portions of 
Part 193 with the ANSI/NFPA 59A standard should in fact reduce costs of 
the present regulations to LNG operators (including any small 
operators) and allow the use of more current technologies as mentioned 
in the previous section of this preamble. Nonetheless, RSPA is 
particularly interested in receiving comments from any small business 
operators believing otherwise. Based on the discussion above that show 
that this proposal will reduce the costs of the present LNG 
regulations, while allowing for use of the latest technology, I certify 
pursuant to Section 605 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 
605) that the action will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.

Executive Order 12612

    This rule will not have substantial direct effects on states, on 
the relationship between the Federal Government and the states, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels 
of government. Therefore, in accordance with E.O. 12612 (52 FR 41685; 
October 30, 1987), RSPA has determined that this final rule does not 
have sufficient federalism implications to warrant preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment.

Executive Order 13084

    This rule has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 13084 (``Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'').

[[Page 70741]]

Because this rule would not significantly or uniquely affect the 
communities of the Indian tribal governments, the funding and 
consultation requirements of this Executive Order do not apply.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule does not substantially modify the paperwork burden on LNG 
industry. OPS does not believe that LNG industry will have any 
additional paperwork burden because of this proposed adoption of ANSI/
NFPA 59A, and therefore no separate paperwork submission is required.

Unfunded Mandates

    This rule does not impose unfunded mandates under the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995. It does not result in costs of $100 
million or more to either State, local, or tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or to the private sector, and is the least burdensome 
alternative that achieves the objective of the rule.

National Environmental Policy Act

    RSPA has analyzed this action for purposes of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and has determined 
that this action would not significantly affect the quality of the 
human environment. An Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No 
Significant Impact are in the docket.

Impact on Business Processes and Computer Systems

    Many computers that use two digits to keep track of dates will, on 
January 1, 2000, recognize ``double zero'' not as 2000 but as 1900. 
This glitch, the Year 2000 problem, could cause computers to stop 
running or to start generating erroneous data. The Year 2000 problem 
poses a threat to the global economy in which Americans live and work. 
With the help of the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion, 
Federal agencies are reaching out to increase awareness of the problem 
and to offer support. We do not want to impose new requirements that 
would mandate business process changes when the resources necessary to 
implement those requirements would otherwise be applied to the Year 
2000 problem.
    This NPRM does not propose business process changes or require 
modifications to computer systems. Because this NPRM apparently does 
not affect organizations' ability to respond to the Year 2000 problem, 
we do not intend to delay the effectiveness of the proposed 
requirements in this NPRM.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 193

    Construction, Design, Equipment, Fire protection, Incorporation by 
reference, Liquefied natural gas, Maintenance, Operation, Pipeline 
safety, Reporting and recordkeeping, and Siting requirements.

    Accordingly, RSPA proposes to amend 49 CFR 193 as follows:

PART 193--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 193 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5103, 60102, 60103, 60111, 60118 and 49 CFR 
1.53.

Subpart A--General

    2. In Sec. 193.2001 paragraph (a) would be revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 193.2001  Scope of part.

    (a) This part and Chapters 1-9 of ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition) 
prescribe safety standards for LNG facilities used in the 
transportation of gas by pipeline that is subject to the pipeline 
safety laws (49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq.) and part 192 of this chapter. In 
the event of a conflict, the requirements of this part prevail.
* * * * *


Sec. 193.2003  [Removed and Reserved]

    3. Section 193.2003 would be removed and reserved.
    4. Section 193.2005 would be amended by adding a new paragraph (a) 
and by redesignating existing paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) as paragraphs 
(b), (c) and (d) respectively. Newly designated paragraphs (b) through 
(d) would be revised as follows:


Sec. 193.2005  Applicability.

    (a) New or amended standards referred to in this part do not apply 
to existing [Part 193 regulated] LNG facilities or LNG facilities under 
construction before [effective date of the final rule].
    (b) Standards issued between February 11, 1980, and [effective date 
of the final rule] in this part governing the siting, design, 
installation, or construction of an LNG facility and related personnel 
qualification and training do not apply to LNG facilities for which 
application for approval of the siting, construction, or operation was 
filed before March 1, 1978, with the Department of Energy (or any 
predecessor organization of that Department) or the appropriate State 
or local agency in the case of any facility not subject to the 
jurisdiction of the Department of Energy under the Natural Gas Act (not 
including any facility the construction of which began after November 
29, 1979, not pursuant to such an approval).
    (c) If an LNG facility listed in paragraph (a) of this section is 
replaced, relocated or significantly altered after February 11, 1980, 
the replacement, relocated facility must comply with the applicable 
requirements of this part governing, siting, design, installation, and 
construction, except that:
    (1) The siting requirements apply only to LNG storage tanks that 
are significantly altered by increasing the original storage capacity 
or relocated, not pursuant to an application for approval filed as 
provided by paragraph (b) of this section before March 1, 1978; and
    (2) To the extent compliance with the design, installation, and 
construction requirements would make the replaced, relocated, or 
altered facility incompatible with the other facilities or would 
otherwise be impractical, the replaced relocated, or significantly 
altered facility may be designed, installed, or constructed in 
accordance with the original specifications for the facility, or in a 
manner that the Administrator finds acceptable.
    (d) The siting, design, installation and construction of an LNG 
facility under construction before February 11, 1980, or that is listed 
in paragraph (b) of this section (except a facility under construction 
before July 1,1976) must meet the applicable requirements of ANSI/NFPA 
59A (1972 edition) and part 192 standards of this chapter or the 
application requirements of this part, except that no part 192 standard 
issued after March 1, 1978, applies to an LNG facility listed in 
paragraph (b) of this section.
    5. Section 193.2007 would be amended by removing terms ``including 
an underground cavern'' from definition of Storage tank, ``or 
solidifying'' from definition of LNG facility, and ``or semisolid'' 
from definitions of Liquefied natural gas or LNG, Vaporization, and 
Vaporizer.

Subpart B--Siting Requirements

    6. Section 193.2051 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2051  Scope.

    This subpart and ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition) prescribe siting 
requirements for the following LNG facilities: Containers and their 
impounding systems, transfer systems and their impounding systems, 
emergency shutdown control systems, fire control systems, and 
associated foundations, support systems, and

[[Page 70742]]

normal or auxiliary power facilities necessary to maintain safety.


Sec. 193.2055  [Removed and Reserved]

    7. Section 193.2055 is removed and reserved.
    8. Section 193.2057 would be amended by removing paragraph (b)(4) 
and redesignating paragraph (b)(5) as (b)(4), and revising newly 
designated paragraph (b)(4), paragraphs (c)(1) and (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 193.2057  Thermal radiation protection.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) The height of the flame base should be that of any dike or 
containment in relation to the horizontal reference plane. The height 
of the target shall be in relation to the same reference plane.
    (c) * * *
    (1) The method of calculating the exclusion distance for levels of 
radiant exposure listed in paragraph (d) of this section shall be the 
method described in the Gas Research Institute's (GRI) report GRI-0176, 
which is also available as the ``LNGFIRE III'' computer program 
produced by GRI.
* * * * *
    (d) Limiting values for incident radiant flux on offsite targets. 
The maximum incident radiant flux at an offsite target from burning of 
a total spill in an impounding space must be limited to the distances 
in paragraph (c) of this section using the following values of 
``Incident flux':

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Incident flux Btu/
                    Offsite target                        ft \2\ hour
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Outdoor areas occupied by 20 or more persons
 during normal use, such as beaches, playgrounds,
 outdoor theaters, other recreation areas or other
 places of public assembly...........................              1,600
(2) Buildings that are used for residences, or
 occupied by 20 or more persons during normal use....              4,000
(3) Buildings made of cellulosic materials or that
 are not fire resistant or do not provide durable
 shielding from thermal radiation that:
    (i) Have exceptional value, or contain objects of
     exceptional value based on historic uniqueness
     identified in Federal, State, or local
     registers;
    (ii) Contain explosive, flammable, or toxic
     materials in hazardous quantities; or
    (iii) Could result in additional hazard if
     exposed to high levels of thermal radiation.....              4,000
(4) Structures that are fire resistant and provide
 durable shielding from thermal radiation that have
 the characteristics described in paragraphs (3)(i)
 through (3)(iii) above..............................              6,700
(5) Public streets, highways, and mainlines of
 railroads...........................................              6,700
(6) Other structures, or the right-of-way line of the
 facility............................................             10,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    9. Paragraph (a) in Sec. 193.2059 would be amended by removing the 
phrase ``paragraph (e) of''. Paragraphs (c)(2) through (c)(4) and 
(d)(1) introductory text, (d)(1)(i) and (d)(2) would be revised and 
paragraph (e) would be removed to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2059  Flammable vapor-gas dispersion protection.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Dispersion conditions are a combination of those which result 
in longer predicted downwind dispersion distances than other weather 
conditions to the site at least 90 percent of the time, based on U.S. 
Government weather data, or as an alternative where the model used 
gives longer distances at lower wind speeds, Atmospheric Stability 
(Pasquill Class) F, wind speed = 4.5 miles per hour (2.01 meters/sec) 
at reference height of 10 meters, relative humidity equals 50.0 
percent, and atmospheric temperature = 80 deg. F(27 deg. C).
    (3) The elevation for contour (receptor) output H = 0.5 meters.
    (4) A surface roughness factor of 0.03 meters shall be used. Higher 
values for the roughness factor may be used if it can be shown that the 
terrain both upwind and downwind of the vapor cloud has dense 
vegetation and that the vapor cloud height is more than ten times the 
height of the obstacles encountered by the vapor cloud.
    (d) * * *
    (1) Vaporization results from the spill caused by an assumed 
rupture of a single transfer pipe (or multiple pipes designed to 
deliver the same flow) which has the greatest overall flow capacity, 
discharging at the maximum potential capacity, in accordance with the 
following conditions:
    (i) The rate of vaporization is not less than the sum of flash 
vaporization and vaporization from boiling by heat transfer from 
contact surfaces during the time necessary for spill detection, 
instrument response, and automatic shutdown by the emergency shutdown 
system but, not less than 10 minutes plus, in case of impounding 
systems for LNG storage tanks with side or bottom penetration, the time 
necessary for the liquid level in the tank to reach a level of 
penetration or equilibrate with the liquid impounded. In the case of 
storage tanks with an internal shutoff valve, the time necessary for 
spill detection and response of not less than one (1) hour must be 
used.
* * * * *
    (2) If surfaces are insulated, the insulation must be designed, 
installed, and maintained so that it will retain its performance 
characteristics under spill conditions.


Sec. 193.2061  [Removed and Reserved]

    10. Section 193.2061 is removed and reserved.


Sec. 193.2065  [Removed and Reserved]

    11. Section 193.2065 is removed and reserved.
    12. Section 193.2067 would be amended by revising paragraphs (b)(2) 
introductory text and (b)(2)(i) to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2067  Wind forces

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) For all other LNG facilities:
    (i) An assumed sustained wind velocity of not less than 150 miles 
per hour, unless the Administrator finds a lower velocity is justified 
by adequate supportive data; or
* * * * *
    13. Section 193.2069 would be amended by revising paragraph (a) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 193.2069  Other severe weather and natural conditions.

    (a) In addition to the requirements of seismic investigation, 
flooding, soil characteristics, and wind forces, each operator shall 
determine from historical records and engineering studies the worst 
effect of other weather and natural conditions which may predictably 
occur at an LNG facility site.
* * * * *
    14. Section 193.2071 would be revised to read as follows:

[[Page 70743]]

Sec. 193.2071  Adjacent activities.

    An LNG facility must not be located where present or projected 
offsite activities would be reasonably expected to adversely affect the 
operation of any of its safety control systems, cause failure of the 
facility, or cause the facility to fail to meet the requirements of 
this part.


Sec. 193.2073  [Removed and Reserved]

    15. Section 193.2073 would be removed and reserved.

Subpart C--Design

    16. Section 193.2101 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2101  Scope.

    This subpart and ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition) prescribe 
requirements for the selection and qualification of materials for 
components, and for the design and installation or construction of 
components and buildings, including separate requirements for 
impounding systems, LNG storage tanks, and transfer systems.


Secs. 193.2103--193.2119  [Removed and Reserved]

    17. Sections 193.2103 through 193.2119 would be removed and 
reserved.


Secs. 193.2121--193.2123  [Removed and Reserved]

    18. Sections 193.2121 through 193.2123 would be removed and 
reserved.


Secs. 193.2127--193.2147  [Removed and Reserved]

    19. Sections 193.2127 through 193.2147 would be removed and 
reserved.


Sec. 193.2149  [Amended]

    20. Section 193.2149 would be amended by removing paragraph (c).


Secs. 193.2151 and 193.2153  [Removed and Reserved]

    21. Sections 193.2151 and 193.2153 would be removed and reserved.
    22. Section 193.2155 would be amended by removing paragraph (b), 
redsignating paragraph (c) as paragraph (b), and revising paragraph (a) 
introductory text and newly designated paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 193.2155  Structural requirements.

    (a) The structural parts of an impoundment system must be designed 
and constructed to prevent impairment of the system's performance 
reliability and structural integrity as a result of the following:
* * * * *
    (b) An LNG storage tank must not be located within a horizontal 
distance of one mile (1.6 km) from the ends, or \1/4\ mile (0.4 km) 
from the nearest point of a runway, whichever is longer. For the height 
of structures in the vicinity of an airport, operators must also review 
Federal Aviation Administration requirements in 14 CFR Section 1.1.


Sec. 193.2157  [Removed and Reserved]

    23. Section 193.2157 would be removed and reserved.
    24. Section 193.2159 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2159  Floors.

    (a) Except for covered impoundment systems, floors of impounding 
systems must, to the extent feasible--
    (1) Slope away from the component or item impounded and to a sump 
basin installed under Sec. 193.2171.
    (2) Slope away from the nearest adjacent component;
    (3) Drain surface waters from the floors at rates specified in 
Sec. 193.2173.
    (b) Penetration of floors of an impounding system for piping or any 
other purpose is prohibited.
    25. Section 193.2161 would revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2161  Dikes, general.

    (a) Penetration in dikes to accommodate piping or any other purpose 
is prohibited.
    (b) An outer wall of a component served by an impounding system may 
not be used as a dike except for a concrete wall.


Secs. 193.2163, 193.2165 and 193.2169  [Removed and reserved]

    26. Sections 193.2163, 193.2165 and 193.2169 would be removed and 
reserved.
    27. Section 193.2171 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2171  Sump basins.

    Except for covered impounding systems, a sump basin must be located 
in each impounding system for collection of water.
    28. Section 193.2173 would be amended by revising paragraphs (a) 
and (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2173  Water removal.

    (a) Except for covered systems, impounding systems must have sump 
pumps and piping running over the dike to remove water collecting in 
the sump basin.
    (b) The water removal system must have adequate capacity to remove 
water at a rate equal to 25% of the maximum predictable collection rate 
from a storm of 10-year frequency and 1-hour duration, and other 
natural causes. For rainfall amounts, operators must use the ``Rainfall 
Frequency Atlas of the United States'' published by the National 
Weather Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
* * * * *
    29. Section 193.2179 would be amended by revising paragraph (b) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 193.2179  Impoundment capacity: general.

* * * * *
    (b) Where applicable, displacement which could occur when water or 
snow enters the impounding system.
    30. Section 193.2181 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2181  Impoundment capacity: LNG storage tanks.

    Each impounding system serving an LNG storage tank must have a 
minimum volumetric liquid impoundment capacity of:
    (a) 110 percent of the LNG tank's maximum liquid capacity for an 
impoundment serving a single tank;
    (b) 100 percent of all tanks or 110 percent of the largest tank's 
maximum liquid capacity, whichever is greater, for the impoundment 
serving more than one tank; or
    (c) If the dike is designed to account for a surge in the event of 
catastrophic failure, then the impoundment capacity may be reduced to 
100 percent in lieu of 110 percent.
    31. Section 193.2183 would be amended by revising paragraph (b) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 193.2183  Impoundment capacity: equipment and transfer systems.

* * * * *
    (b) The maximum volume of liquid which could discharge into the 
impounding space from any single failure of equipment or piping during 
the time period necessary for spill detection, instrument response, and 
sequenced shutdown by the automatic shutdown system under 
Sec. 193.2439, but not less than 10 minutes.


Sec. 193.2189  [Removed and Reserved]

    32. Section 193.2189 would be removed and reserved.
    33. Section 193.2191 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2191  Stratification.

    LNG storage tanks with a capacity of 200,000 gallons or more must 
be equipped with means to mitigate a potential for rollover.


Secs. 193.2193-193.2203  [Removed and Reserved]

    34. Sections 193.2193-193.2203 would be removed and reserved.

[[Page 70744]]

    35. Sections 193.2205 and 193.2207 are revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2205  Frost heave.

    If the protection provided for LNG storage tank foundations from 
frost heave includes heating the foundation area, an instrumentation 
and alarm system must be provided to warn of any malfunction of the 
heating system.


Sec. 193.2207  Insulation.

    Insulation on the outside of the outer shell of an LNG storage tank 
may not be used to maintain stored LNG at an operating temperature 
during normal operation.
    36. Section 193.2209 would be amended by removing item (6) in the 
columns titled ``Condition'' and ``Instrumentation'' from the table in 
paragraph (a). Paragraph (c) in the same section would be removed.


Sec. 193.2211-193.2233  [Removed and Reserved]

    37. Sections 193.2211 through 193.2233 would be removed and 
reserved.

Subpart D--Construction

    38. Section 193.2301 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2301  Scope.

    This subpart and ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition) prescribes the 
requirements for the construction or installation of components.
    39. Section 193.2307 would be amended by removing paragraph (b), 
and redesignating paragraph (c) as (b).


Sec. 193.2313  [Removed and Reserved]

    40. Section 193.2313 would be removed and reserved.
    41. Section 193.2315 would be amended by removing paragraphs (a), 
(d), (e) and (f) and by redesignating paragraphs (b) and (c) as new 
paragraphs (a) and (b), respectively.


Sec. 193.2319  [Removed and Reserved]

    42. Section 193.2319 would be removed and reserved.
    43. Section 193.2321 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2321  Nondestructive tests.

    (a) Except as required in paragraph (b) of this section the 
following percentages, as shown in the table below, of each day's 
circumferentially welded pipe joints for hazardous fluid piping, 
selected at random, must be nondestructively tested over the entire 
circumference to reveal any defects which could adversely affect the 
integrity of a weld or pipe:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Cryogenic
                   Weld type                       piping       Other                   Test method
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Butt welds more than 2 inches in nominal size.          100           30  Radiographic or ultrasonic
Butt welds 2 inches or less in nominal size...          100           30  Radiographic, ultrasonic, liquid
                                                                           penetrant or magnetic particle.
Fillet and socket welds.......................          100           30  Liquid penetrant or magnetic particle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Liquid drain and vapor vent piping with an operating pressure 
that produces a hoop stress of less than 20 percent specified minimum 
yield stress does not need to be nondestructively tested, provided it 
has been inspected visually in accordance with ASME B31.3, Chemical 
Plant and Petroleum refinery Piping, 344.2.
    (c) The butt welds in metal shells of storage tanks with internal 
design pressure above 15 psig must be radiographically tested in 
accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Section VIII 
Division 1), except that hydraulic load bearing shells with curved 
surfaces that are subject to cryogenic temperatures, 100 percent of 
both longitudinal (or latitudinal) welds must be radiographically 
tested.


Secs. 193.2323 and 193.2327  [Removed and Reserved]

    44. Sections 193.2323 and 193.2327 would be removed and reserved.

Subpart E--Equipment

    45. Section 193.2401 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2401  Scope.

    This subpart and ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition) prescribe 
requirements for the design, fabrication, and installation of 
vaporization equipment, liquefaction equipment, and control systems.


Secs. 193.2403 and 193.2405  [Removed and Reserved]

    46. Sections 193.2403 and 193.2405 would be removed and reserved.


Sec. 193.2407  [Amended]

    47. Section 193.2407 would be amended by removing paragraph (b).


Sec. 193.2409  [Amended]

    48. Section 193.2409 would be amended by removing paragraphs (a) 
and (c), and redesignating existing paragraph (b) as paragraph (a).


Sec. 193.2411  [Removed and Reserved]

    49. Section 193.2411 would be removed and reserved.


Sec. 193.2413  [Amended]

    50. Section 193.2413 would be amended by removing paragraph (b).


Sec. 193.2415  [Removed and Reserved]

    51. Section 193.2415 would be removed and reserved.


Sec. 193.2423  [Removed and Reserved]

    52. Section 193.2423 would be removed and reserved.


Sec. 193.2427  [Amended]

    53. Section 193.2427 would be amended by removing paragraph (a), 
and by redesignating existing paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) as 
paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) respectively.
    54. Section 193.2429 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2429  Relief devices.

    (a) Each component containing a hazardous fluid must be equipped 
with a system of automatic relief devices which will release the 
contained fluid at a rate sufficient to prevent pressures from 
exceeding 110 percent of the maximum allowable working pressure.
    (b) In addition to the control system required by paragraph (a) of 
this section, a manual means must be provided to relieve pressure or a 
vacuum of the component in an emergency.
    (c) The means for adjusting the set point pressure of all 
adjustable relief devices must be sealed.
    (d) Relief devices which are installed to limit minimum or maximum 
pressure may not be used to handle boiloff and flash gases during 
normal operation.


Sec. 193.2431  [Removed and Reserved]

    55. Section 193.2431 would be removed and reserved.
    56. Section 193.2433 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2433  Sensing devices.

    Each operator shall determine the appropriate location for and 
install sensing devices as necessary to monitor the operation of 
components to detect a

[[Page 70745]]

malfunction which could cause a hazardous condition if permitted to 
continue.


Sec. 193.2437  [Amended]

    57. Section 193.2437 would be amended by removing paragraphs (a)(3) 
and (a)(4), and by removing and reserving paragraph(b). In paragraph 
(a)(2) the semicolon would be removed and period added in its place.
    58. Section 193.2439 would be amended by revising paragraph (a)(1) 
to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2439  Emergency shutdown control systems.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Temperatures of the component exceed the maximum and minimum 
design limits.
* * * * *

Subpart F--Operation

    59. Section 193.2521 in Subpart F would be revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 193.2521  Operating records.

    (a) Each operator shall maintain a record of the results of each 
inspection, test, and investigation required by this subpart and ANSI/
NFPA 59A (1996 edition). Such records must be kept for a period of not 
less than 5 years.
    (b) Data collected from section 193.2209 must be maintained for not 
less than one year.

Subpart G--Maintenance

    60. Section 193.2609 in Subpart G would be revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 193.2609  Support systems.

    Each support system or foundation of each component must be 
inspected annually, not to exceed 15 months, for any detrimental change 
that could impair support.
    61. Section 193.2611 in Subpart G would be amended by redesignating 
existing paragraphs (a) and (b) as new paragraphs (b) and (c) 
respectively, and by adding a new paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2611  Fire protection.

    (a) Facility operators shall prepare and implement a maintenance 
program for all plant fire protection equipment.
* * * * *
    62. Section 193.2619 in Subpart G would be amended by revising 
paragraph (c) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2619  Control systems.

* * * * *
    (c) Control systems in service, but not normally in operation (such 
as relief valves and automatic shutdown devices), and internal shutoff 
valves must be inspected and tested once each calender year, not 
exceeding 15 months, with the following exceptions:
* * * * *
    63. Section 193.2639 in Subpart G would be amended by revising 
paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2639  Maintenance records.

    (a) Each operator shall keep a record at each LNG plant of the date 
and type of each maintenance activity performed on each component to 
meet the requirements of this part and ANSI/NFPA 59A, including 
periodic tests and inspections, for a period of not less than five 
years.
* * * * *

Subpart I--Fire Protection

    64. Section 193.2801 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2801  Scope.

    This subpart and ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition) prescribe 
requirements for fire prevention and fire control at LNG plants. 
However, the requirements do not apply to existing LNG plants that do 
not contain LNG.


Secs. 193.2803 and 193.2805  [Removed and Reserved]

    65. Sections 193.2803 and 2805 would be removed and reserved.
    66. Section 193.2807 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2807  Smoking.

    In addition to the requirements related to smoking in ANSI/NFPA 59A 
(1996 edition), each operator shall display signs marked with the words 
``NO SMOKING'' in prominent places in areas where smoking is 
prohibited.


Secs. 193.2809, 193.2811 and 193.2815  [Removed and Reserved]

    67. Sections 193.2809, 193.2811 and 193.2815 would be removed and 
reserved.
    68. Section 193.2817 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2817  Fire equipment.

    Each operator shall provide and maintain fire control equipment and 
supplies in accordance with the applicable requirements of ANSI/NFPA 
59A to protect or cool components that could fail due to heat exposure 
from fires. Protection or cooling must be provided for critical 
components as long as the heat exposure exists.


Sec. 193.2819  [Amended]

    69. Section 193.2819 would be amended by removing paragraphs (a), 
(c) and (f), and by redesignating existing paragraphs (b), (d) and (e) 
as paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), respectively.
    70. Section 193.2821 would be revised to read as follows:


Sec. 193.2821  Fire detection.

    In addition to the requirements in ANSI/NFPA 59A (1996 edition) 
each operator shall provide an audible alarm in the area of fire 
detection.

    Issued in Washington, DC on December 16, 1998.
Richard B. Felder,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 98-33757 Filed 12-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P