[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 17, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47031-47032]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-18035]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

[Docket Number: RSPA-98-4957


Pipeline Safety: Renewal of Information Collection: OMB Approval 
and Comment Request

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

ACTION: Request for public comments and OMB approval.

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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 RSPA/Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) collection of 
information for Operator Qualification of Pipeline Personnel. RSPA/OPS 
published a notice requesting public comment on April 18, 2002 (67 FR 
19312-13). RSPA/OPS is offering the public another opportunity to 
comment on this information collection. It is also requesting OMB 
approval for renewal of this information collection under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995. The public is invited to submit comments on ways 
to minimize the burden associated with collection of information 
related to the operator qualification requirements in the pipeline 
safety regulations, as well as other factors listed in the body of this 
notice.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received within 30 days of the 
publication date of this notice to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESS: Interested persons are invited to send comments directly to 
The Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, 726 Jackson Place Washington, DC 20503 ATTN: Desk 
Officer for the Department of Transportation.
    Comments can be reviewed at the U.S. Department of Transportation 
Dockets Facility, Plaza 401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 
which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on 
Federal holidays, when the facility is closed. 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: In response to the notice published on April 
18, 2002 (67 FR 19312-13) one comment was received. A company which 
provides records management services for the pipeline industry 
suggested that RSPA/OPS overestimated the costs of this information 
collection. Because this was the only comment received, RSPA/OPS does 
not believe there is enough evidence to reduce the cost estimate of 
this information collection.
    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.
    Title: National Operator Qualification of Pipeline Personnel.
    Type of Request: Renewal of existing information collection.
    Abstract: Congressional concern with the lack of skills of some 
pipeline personnel was expressed in the Pipeline Safety and 
Reauthorization Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-561). It authorized the 
Secretary of Transportation to require all individuals responsible for 
the operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities to be properly 
qualified to safely perform tasks on pipeline facilities. The operator 
qualification requirements are described in the pipeline safety 
regulations at 49 CFR Part 192, subpart N and 49 CFR Part 195, subpart 
G.
    Respondents: Gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 50,000.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 466,667 hours.


[[Page 47032]]


    Issued in Washington, DC on July 12, 2002.
Stacey L. Gerard,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 02-18035 Filed 7-16-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P