[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 227 (Monday, November 26, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59045-59046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-29259]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

[Docket No. RSPA-01-10867; Notice 1]


Transportation of Natural Gas by Pipeline Petition for Waiver; 
Williams Gas Pipelines-West

    Williams Gas Pipelines-West (or ``Williams'') has petitioned the 
Research and Special Programs Administration

[[Page 59046]]

for a waiver from compliance with the regulation in 49 CFR 192.611(d) 
until June 30, 2003. This regulation requires pipeline operators to 
confirm or revise the maximum allowable operating pressure of certain 
gas transmission lines within 18 months after population growth changes 
the classification of the line.
    The petition concerns a 1500-foot pipeline segment constructed in 
1991 in Utah County, Utah, that changed from Class 2 to Class 3 due to 
development of a subdivision. The segment is part of the Kern River 
natural gas transmission line, which runs from Wyoming to the San 
Joaquin Valley near Bakersfield, California, where the gas is used in 
the generation of electricity.
    The petition indicates the change in classification comes while 
Williams is undertaking an expansion project on its Kern River line, 
which it plans to complete in 2003, pending approval by the Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission. Rather than replace the 1500-foot segment 
with new pipe to satisfy Sec. 192.611(d), the petition indicates 
Williams prefers to relocate the segment to a less populated right-of-
way as part of the expansion project. The relocation alternative would 
result in a single impact to land owners and the environment during the 
construction.
    Our Western Region pipeline office has investigated the 1500-foot 
pipeline segment. That office reports that Williams is meeting 
periodically with the developer of the subdivision to ensure the 
developer is aware of the pipeline and its associated risk. The Western 
Region office also says that to minimize threats to the segment, 
Williams is patrolling the segment weekly, observing all nearby 
excavations, and notifying land owners of the existence of the pipeline 
and what to do in the case of an emergency. In addition, the Western 
Region office has confirmed that the segment has not had any deficient 
corrosion control readings, there are no geologically unstable areas 
near the segment, and the segment has had no reported leaks or damage. 
In sum, based on the petition and the Western Region office's 
investigation, we believe Williams is taking all reasonable steps to 
maintain the integrity of the segment.
    We are authorized to waive compliance with Sec. 192.611(d) if the 
waiver is not inconsistent with pipeline safety and we state the 
reasons for granting the waiver (49 U.S.C. 60118(c)). In view of the 
good safety record and condition of the 1500-foot segment, we think 
compliance with the 18-month deadline under Sec. 192.611(d) is 
unnecessary for safety. We also support the goals of lower risk and 
less environmental disturbance that would result from relocating the 
segment as Williams plans. Therefore, we propose to waive compliance 
with Sec. 192.611(d) until June 30, 2003.
    According to the petition, June 30, 2003, should allow enough time 
to complete the expansion project. However, if there is an unforeseen 
delay in the project, we may extend the June 30, 2003, deadline up to 
an additional 6 months without further opportunity to comment by 
publishing a notice of such extension in the Federal Register.
    We invite interested persons to comment on the proposed waiver by 
submitting such data, views, or arguments as they may desire. You may 
submit written comments by mailing or delivering an original and two 
copies to the Dockets Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room 
PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. The Dockets 
Facility is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
on Federal holidays when the facility is closed. Or you may submit 
written comments electronically at the following web address: http://dms.dot.gov. To file written comments electronically, after logging 
onto http://dms.dot.gov, click on ``Electronic Submission.'' You can 
also read comments and other material in the docket at the same Web 
address. All written comments should identify the docket and notice 
numbers stated in the heading of this notice. Anyone who wants 
confirmation of mailed comments must include a self-addressed stamped 
postcard.
    We will consider all comments received by December 26, 2001 before 
taking final action on the petition. Late filed comments will be 
considered so far as practicable. No public hearing is contemplated, 
but one may be held at a time and place set in a notice in the Federal 
Register if requested by an interested person desiring to comment at a 
public hearing and raising a genuine issue.

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60118(c); and 49 CFR 1.53.

    Issued in Washington, DC on November 16, 2001.
Stacey L. Gerard,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 01-29259 Filed 11-23-01; 8:45 am]
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