[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 155 (Monday, August 12, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52517-52518]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-20368]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

[Docket Number: RSPA-4957]


Pipeline Safety Reports of Abandoned Underwater Pipelines

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

ACTION: Notice and request for public comments and OMB approval.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Pipeline Safety Reports of Abandoned Underwater 
Pipelines. Specifically, public comment is requested to minimize the 
burden of this collection of information on the public, along with 
other factors listed in the body of this notice. RSPA/OPS published a 
notice requesting public comment on May 20, 2002 (67 FR 35618). No 
comments were received. RSPA/OPS is offering the public another 
opportunity to comment on this information collection. It is also 
requesting OMB approval for the 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 within 30 days of the 
publication date of this notice to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to send comments directly to 
OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 726 Jackson Place, 
Washington, DC 2003 ATTN: Desk Officer for the Department of 
Transportation. Comments can be reviewed at the Department of 
Transportation Dockets Facility, Plaza

[[Page 52518]]

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. 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) to direct 
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/OPS's regulations for 
abandonment reporting can be found at Title 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.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 7, 2002.
Stacey L. Gerard,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 02-20368 Filed 8-9-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P