[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 166 (Wednesday, August 27, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 51636]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-21964]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA)

[Docket No. RSPA-98-4470]


Pipeline Safety: Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committees; 
Vacancies

AGENCY: Office of Pipeline Safety, Research and Special Programs 
Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice; request for applications.

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SUMMARY: The Research and Special Programs Administration's (RSPA) 
Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) seeks applications for membership on 
the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (TPSSC) and the 
Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee 
(THLPSSC). The TPSSC and the THLPSSC review and report on proposed 
standards relating to the transportation of gas or hazardous liquids 
through pipelines or of the operation of gas or hazardous liquid 
pipeline facilities.

DATES: Application forms should reach RSPA/OPS on or before October 15, 
2003.

ADDRESSES: You may request an application form by writing to Research 
and Special Programs Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety (DPS-
12), U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20590; by calling 202-493-0967; or by faxing 202-366-
4566; or by e-mailing [email protected]. Send your application in 
written form to the above street address. This notice and the 
application form are available on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov 
under docket number 4470.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Whetsel, OPS, (202) 366-4431 or 
Richard Huriaux, OPS, (202) 366-4565, regarding the subject matter of 
this notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Technical Pipeline Safety Standards 
Committee (TPSSC) and the Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety 
Standards Committee (THLPSSC) are statutorily mandated Federal advisory 
committees that advise RSPA/OPS on proposed safety standards for gas 
and liquid pipelines. Federal law requires that RSPA/OPS submit cost-
benefit analyses and risk assessment information on proposed safety 
standards to the advisory committees. The TPSSC and the THLPSSC 
evaluate the merits of the data provided and the methods used within 
the analyses to provide recommendations relating to the cost-benefit 
analyses. Both of the committees are tasked with determining 
reasonableness, cost-effectiveness, and practicability of RSPA/OPS 
proposed pipeline safety regulations. Each member must be experienced 
in the safety regulation of transporting natural gas or hazardous 
liquids or operating a hazardous liquid pipeline facility or, must be 
technically qualified, by training experience or knowledge, in at least 
one field of engineering applicable to transporting gas or hazardous 
liquids or operating a hazardous liquid pipeline facility.
    Each Committee consists of 15 members. Five members each are 
selected from Federal, State, or local governmental agencies. Two of 
these are State Commissioners selected after consultation with 
representatives of the national organization of State Commissions. Five 
members are selected from the natural gas or hazardous liquids pipeline 
industry, after consultation with industry representatives. Three must 
be currently engaged in the active operation of pipelines and at least 
one of the three must have education background or experience in risk 
assessment and cost-benefit analysis. Five members are to be selected 
from the general public. Individuals selected as public members may not 
have a significant financial interest in the pipeline, petroleum, or 
natural gas industry. Two of the public members must have education, 
background, or experience in environmental protection or public safety, 
and at least one of these will have education, background or experience 
in risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis.
    The Committees meet at least twice during each calendar year. In 
addition, Committee members may be polled or asked for comments on 
notices of proposed rulemaking or other matters at any time without 
formally assembling at one place.
    We will consider applications for 11 positions that expire or 
become vacant in mid-2003 in the following categories: (a) Federal, 
state, or local government (1 liquid vacancy; 3 gas vacancies--one must 
be a Commissioner); (b) Natural Gas/Hazardous Liquid Industry (No 
vacancies at this time); (c) General Public (5 liquid vacancies and 2 
gas vacancies).
    Each member serves a 3-year term, but may be reappointed. All 
members serve at their own expense and receive no salary from the 
Federal Government, although travel reimbursement and per diem are 
provided.
    In support of the policy of the Department of Transportation on 
gender and ethnic diversity, we encourage qualified women and members 
of minority groups to apply.
    We may not release a completed application or the information in it 
to the public, except under an order issued by a Federal court or as 
otherwise provided under the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a).

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60102, 60115.

    Issued in Washington, DC on August 21, 2003.
Stacey L. Gerard,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 03-21964 Filed 8-26-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P