[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 79 (Friday, April 23, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 22115]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-9197]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

[Docket RSPA-98-4957]


Renewal of Existing Information Collection

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

ACTION: Request for public comments and OMB approval.

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SUMMARY: As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Research and Special Programs Administration's (RSPA) Office of 
Pipeline Safety (OPS) published a notice on January 22, 2004 (69 FR 
3194) requesting public comments on a request for renewal of an 
information collection, Drug and Alcohol Testing of Pipeline Operators. 
This information collection requires that pipeline operators submit 
drug and alcohol test results for their employees. RSPA/OPS believes 
that alcohol and drug testing requirements are an important tool for 
operators to monitor drug and alcohol usage in the industry. RSPA/OPS 
has found that the drug and alcohol usage rate among employees in the 
pipeline industry is less than 1%. This notice requests approval of the 
renewal from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and additional 
comments from the public.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by May 24, 2004, to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Comments should identify the docket number of this notice, 
RSPA-98-4957, and be mailed directly to OMB, Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), 726 Jackson Place, NW., Washington, DC 
20503, ATTN: Desk Officer for the Department of Transportation (DOT).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marvin Fell, OPS, RSPA, DOT, 400 
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, (202) 366-6205 or by 
electronic mail at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion of Comment

    A comment was received from a drug and alcohol testing company that 
provides services to pipeline operators. This commenter raised the 
issue of the reporting of test results from contractors. This commenter 
has raised this issue with DOT and RSPA/OPS on other occasions. 
However, this issue is a matter of policy and is outside the scope of 
the renewal of this information collection. The purpose of this notice 
is to allow the public an additional 30 days to comment on the 
information collection renewal and to request approval of the renewal 
from OMB.
    Abstract: Drug and alcohol abuse is a major societal problem and it 
is reasonable to assume the problem exists in the pipeline industry as 
it does in society as a whole. The potential harmful effect of drug and 
alcohol abuse on safe pipeline operations warrants imposing 
comprehensive testing regulations on the pipeline industry. These rules 
are found in 49 CFR part 199.
    Title: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Pipeline Operators.
    OMB Number: 2137-0579.
    Type of Request: Renewal of an existing information collection.
    Estimate of Burden: 1.22 hour per operator.
    Respondents: Gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,419.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,963 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 April 16, 2004.
Richard D. Huriaux,
Regulations Manager, Office of Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 04-9197 Filed 4-22-04; 8:45 am]
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