[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 97 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 35618]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-12547]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

[Docket Number: RSPA-98-4957]


Pipeline Safety Reports of Abandoned Underwater Pipelines

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration.

ACTION: Notice and request for public comments.

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SUMMARY: This notice requests public participation in the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) approval process regarding the renewal of 
an existing Research and Special Programs Administration's (RSPA) 
collection of information for Pipeline Safety Reports of Abandoned 
Underwater Pipelines. Specifically, public comment is requested on ways 
to minimize the burden of this collection of information on the public, 
along with other factors. RSPA intends to request OMB approval for 
renewal of this information collection under the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 and 5 CFR Part 1320.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by July 19, 2002 to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to send comments in duplicate 
to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Dockets Facility, Plaza 401, 
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. To submit comments 
electronically, log on to the following Internet Web address http://dms.dot.gov. Click on ``Help & Information'' for instructions on how to 
file a document electronically. Comments can be reviewed at the dockets 
facility which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except on Federal holidays, when the facility is closed. Comments must 
identify docket number of this notice. Persons should submit the 
original documents and one (1) copy. Persons wishing to receive 
confirmation of receipt of their comments must include a stamped, self-
addressed postcard. Please identify the docket and notice numbers shown 
in the heading of this notice. Documents pertaining to this notice can 
be viewed in this docket. The docket can also be viewed electronically 
at http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marvin Fell, (202) 366-6205, to ask 
questions about this notice; or write by e-mail to 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Pipeline Safety Reports of Abandoned 
Underwater Pipelines
    Type of Request: Renewal of existing information collection.
    Abstract: Underwater pipelines are being abandoned at an increasing 
rate as older facilities reach the end of their useful life. This trend 
is expected to continue. In 1992, Congress responded to this issue by 
amending the Pipeline Safety Act (49 U.S.C. 60108(c)(6)(B)) which 
directs the Secretary of Transportation to require operators of an 
offshore pipeline facility or a pipeline crossing navigable waters to 
report the abandonment to the Secretary of Transportation in a way that 
specifies whether the facility has been abandoned properly according to 
applicable Federal and State requirements. RSPA's regulations for 
abandonment reporting can be found at 49 CFR 192.727 and 195.402.
    Respondents: Gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 400.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,400 hours.
    Comments are invited on: (a) The need for the proposed collection 
of information for the proper performance of the functions of the 
agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; 
(b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed 
collection of information including the validity of the methodology and 
assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity 
of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden 
of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including 
the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other 
technological collection techniques.
    All timely written comments to this notice will be summarized and 
included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also be 
available to the public in the docket.

    Issued in Washington, DC on May 14, 2002.
Stacey L. Gerard,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 02-12547 Filed 5-17-02; 8:45 am]
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