[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 60 (Monday, March 29, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16339-16340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-6904]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

[Docket No. RSPA-03-16841; Notice 2]


Pipeline Safety: Grant of Waiver; Columbia Gas Transmission

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA); Department 
of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice; grant of waiver.

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SUMMARY: Columbia Gas Transmission requested a waiver of compliance 
with the regulatory requirements at 49 CFR 192.611(d) which require 
natural gas pipeline operators to confirm or revise the maximum 
allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of their natural gas pipelines 
within 18-months after a class location change.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Columbia Gas Transmission submitted a request to RSPA's Office of 
Pipeline Safety (RSPA/OPS) seeking a waiver of compliance with the 
regulatory requirements at 49 CFR 192.611(d) to confirm or revise the 
MAOP of its natural gas pipeline within 18-months after a class 
location change. Two segments of Columbia's Line MC pipeline changed 
from Class 2 to Class 3 locations. To maintain the current MAOP of 899 
psig, Columbia elected to replace 9,500 feet of its pipeline with new, 
heavier wall pipe. The two segments of the pipeline, totaling 
approximately 1,700 feet, involve stream crossings or wetland areas. 
The two segments are 1,506 feet and 200 feet in length, respectively.
    Columbia anticipated that 7,800 feet of its replacement project 
would be complete by October 31, 2003. However, due to unforeseen 
delays in obtaining joint State/Federal environmental permits for the 
pipe replacement in stream crossings and wetlands areas, Columbia was 
unable to complete the replacement of the remaining 1,700 feet of pipe 
prior to the expiration of the 18-month period allowed by Sec.  
192.611(d).
    Columbia discontinued its pipe replacement project at the start of 
the winter heating season and intends to resume the project in May 
2004. Colombia expects all 9,500 feet of its Line MC will be replaced 
not later than July 1, 2004. For this reason, Columbia requested a time 
extension until July 1, 2004, to comply with Sec.  192.611(d).
    Columbia provided the following justification for the waiver of 
their 30-inch Line MC pipeline:
     The 30-inch pipeline was internally inspected in 
1999 using both geometry and high resolution magnetic flux leakage 
tools; no anomalies or dents were identified on the two pipeline 
segments in the stream crossing and wetland areas of Line MC.
     The cathodic protection test stations on these 
two segments of Line MC are above the minimum criteria.
     There have been no leaks on these two segments 
of Line MC.
     The existing pipe and coating on these two 
segments of Line MC appear in satisfactory condition.
     The existing Line MC was manufactured using a 
double submerged are welding process.
     The existing Line MC was pressure tested twice; 
in 1962 during construction and again in 1974. The pipeline was tested 
above 100% specified minimum yield strength during both pressure tests.
    After reviewing the waiver request, RSPA/OPS published a notice 
inviting interested persons to comment on whether a waiver should be 
granted (Notice 1) (68 FR 66156; Jan. 9, 2004). No comments were 
received from the public in response to the notice.
    For the reasons explained above and those explained in Notice 1, 
RSPA/OPS finds that the requested waiver is not inconsistent with 
pipeline safety. Therefore, Columbia Gas's request for a waiver is 
granted until July 1, 2004.


[[Page 16340]]


    Issued in Washington, DC on March 23, 2004.
Stacey L. Gerard,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 04-6904 Filed 3-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P