[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 76 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20698-20703]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-7920]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1728


Specifications and Drawings for 12.47/7.2 kV Line Construction

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, 
is amending its regulations regarding RUS Bulletin 50-3, Specifications 
Drawings for 12.5/7.2 kV Line Construction. This bulletin is currently 
incorporated by reference in RUS regulations and the revised and 
renumbered RUS Bulletin 1728F-804 would continue to be incorporated by 
reference. This rule is necessary to provide the latest RUS 
specifications, materials, equipment, and construction methods for RUS 
electric borrowers to construct their rural overhead electric 
distribution systems. RUS proposes to update, renumber and reformat 
this bulletin in accordance with the agency's new publications and 
directives system.

DATES: This rule will be effective October 21, 2005.

[[Page 20699]]

    Incorporation by reference: RUS Bulletin 1728F-804, Specifications 
and Drawings for 12.47/7.2 kV Line Construction, is approved for the 
incorporation by reference by the Director, Office of the Federal 
Register as of October 21, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James L. Bohlk, Electric Engineer, 
Distribution Branch, Electric Staff Division, Rural Utilities Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 
1569, Washington, DC 20250-1569. Telephone: (202) 720-1967. Fax (202) 
720-7491. e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Order 12866

    This rule is exempted from the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) review for purposes of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has 
not been reviewed by OMB.

Executive Order 12372

    This final rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order 
12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation 
with State and local officials. See the final rule-related notice title 
``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order 
12372'' (50 FR 47034) advising that rural electrification loans and 
loan guarantees are excluded from the scope of Executive Order 12372.

Executive Order 12988

    This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. RUS has determined that this final rule meets the 
applicable standards provided in section 3 of the Executive Order. In 
addition, all state and local laws and regulations that are in conflict 
with this rule will be preempted, no retroactive effect will be given 
to this rule, and, in accordance with section 212(e) of the Department 
of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6912 (e)), 
administrative appeals procedures, if any are required, must be 
exhausted before an action against the Department or its agencies may 
be initiated.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The policies contained in this rule do not have any substantial 
direct effect on states, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Nor does this 
rule impose substantial direct compliance costs on State and local 
governments. Therefore, consultation with states is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    It has been determined that the Regulatory Flexibility Act is not 
applicable to this rule since the Rural Utilities Service is not 
required by 5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. or any other provision of law to 
publish a notice of final rule making with respect to the subject 
matter of this rule.

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

    This rule contains no additional information collection or 
recordkeeping requirements approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).

Unfunded Mandates

    This final rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory 
provision of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. Chapter 
25)) for State, local, and tribal governments or the private sector. 
Thus, this final rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 
202 and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

    The Administrator of RUS has determined that this final rule will 
not significantly affect the quality of the human environment as 
defined by the National Environment Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 
et seq.). Therefore, this action does not require an environmental 
impact statement or assessment.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The program described by this final rule is listed in the Catalog 
of Federal Domestic Assistance Programs under No. 10.850, Rural 
Electrification Loans and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is available on 
a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325, telephone number 
(202) 512-1800.

Background

    Pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 
U.S.C. 901 et seq.), the Rural Utilities Services (RUS) is amended 
Title 7 CFR Chapter XVII, Part 1728, Electric Standards and 
Specification for Materials and Construction, by revising RUS Bulletin 
50-3 (D-804), ``Specification and Drawings for 12.5/7.2 kV Line 
Construction.'' This revised bulletin will be renumbered as RUS 
Bulletin 1728F-804 and will be re-titled as, ``Specification and 
Drawings for 12.47/7.2 kV Line Construction.'' RUS maintains a system 
of bulletins that contains construction standards and specifications 
for materials and equipment which must be utilized when system 
facilities are constructed by RUS electric and telecommunication 
borrowers in accordance with the RUS loan contract. These standards and 
specifications contain standard construction units, material, and 
equipment units used in RUS electric and telecommunication borrowers' 
systems.
    RUS Bulletin 50-3 provides standard construction drawings and 
specification of 12.5/7.2 kV overhead electric distribution lines. RUS 
is proposing to change the bulletin number room RUS Bulletin 50-3 
(Standard D 804) to RUS Bulletin 1728F-804 (D 804). The change in the 
bulletin number and reformatting is necessary to conform to RUS new 
publications and directives system. This rule will incorporate the 
bulletin by reference in 7 CFR 1728.97.

Changes to RUS Bulletin 50-3 (D 804)

    RUS has made the following changes and additions to RUS Bulletin 
50-3 (D-804) renumbering it as Bulletin 1728F-804:
    (1) The new bulletin contains a total of 382 assemblies. (An 
assembly is a construction unit which incorporates the description and 
quantity of material needed to construct the assembly and a dimensioned 
schematic diagram showing how the material needs to be arranged or 
assembled to meet RUS specifications.) Bulletin 50-3 currently contains 
a total of 257 assemblies. In both bulletins, more than one similar 
assembly is often depicted on one drawing.
    (2) Of the 382 total assemblies in the new bulletin, 215 are new 
assemblies and 95 of these 215 new assemblies are new ``narrow 
profile'' assemblies. The drawing numbers and titles of the 215 new 
assemblies and the 24 new guide drawings of the new bulletin are 
tabulated in Exhibit 4 at the end of new Bulletin 1728F-804.
    (3) Of the 382 total assemblies in the new bulletin, 167 are 
standard assemblies of present Bulletin 50-3 that are being redrawn, 
renumbered, and re-used in new Bulletin 1728f-804. Of these 167 re-used 
assemblies, 94 are previous standard assemblies with no material 
changes, 37 are previous standard assemblies with only a change in the 
number or type of washers, and 36 are previous standard assemblies with 
other slight material changes.
    (4) The new bulletin also contains 32 new guide drawings and 8 
renumbered, redrawn and thus re-used guide drawings from Bulletin 50-3. 
Present Bulletin 50-3 contains a total of 32

[[Page 20700]]

guide drawings. (A guide drawing is a dimensioned schematic diagram 
that shows details of how the material of one or more assemblies needs 
to be arranged or assembled to meet RUS specifications but does not 
list the material required for construction.)
    (5) A listing the 167 re-used assemblies and 8 re-used guide 
drawings, with both their old numbers and their new assigned numbers, 
and the required assembly material changes, are tabulated in new 
Exhibit 3 at the end of new Bulletin 1728F-804. Exhibit 3 also lists 
the 90 assemblies and 24 guide drawings that are being discontinued 
from Bulletin 50-3.
    (6) Each of the 382 assemblies and 40 guide drawings in new 
Bulletin 1728F-804 are being given a new number in accordance with the 
assembly numbering format as updated by RUS in 1998. In the updated 
numbering format, each letter and number in the assembly or drawing 
number has a functional meaning.
    (7) New Exhibit 5 at the end of the new bulletin summarizes the new 
RUS assembly numbering format and briefly explains the meanings of each 
letter or number in the new assembly and drawing numbers.
    (8) The assembly drawings, the 19 drawing indexes and Exhibit 3 of 
new Bulletin 1728F-804 show the new assigned assembly numbers and the 
old numbers (in parentheses) of the 167 re-used assemblies and 8 re-
used guide drawings from present Bulletin 50-3. RUS allows the 
borrowers to use either the old or the new assigned assembly number, 
but only for the 167 re-used standard assemblies and 8 re-used guide 
drawings. The borrower is being required to make the slight material 
changes to 73 of the re-used assemblies and to construct the assemblies 
as depicted.
    (9) The new bulletin is being reformatted into 19 separate sections 
or categories. Each section contains an index of drawings and also the 
construction drawings of assemblies designed to perform a similar 
function. Several sections contain construction specifications 
pertaining to the assemblies in that section.
    (10) New tables are being added in the new bulletin that define 
maximum line angles (contained in Exhibit 1), permitted unbalanced 
conductor tensions on crossarm assemblies (contained in Exhibit 2), and 
soil classification data (contained in Section F).
    (11) Exhibit, 1 being added at the end of the new bulletin, 
documents the formula and data used to determine the maximum line 
angles in the tables. Also, Exhibit 2, being added at the end of the 
new bulletin, documents the formula and data used to determine 
permitted unbalanced conductor tensions on crossarm assemblies.
    (12) Each drawing is being given a new, uniform, shorter, and more 
descriptive title. Each drawing also has a new, uniform title block 
that contains, when applicable, the primary voltage and number of 
phases of the depicted assemblies.
    (13) ``Design parameters'' which define and usually limit maximum 
line angles or mechanical loading (tension) is being added, when 
applicable, to the drawings of the new bulletin.
    RUS is discontinuing 90 assemblies and 24 guide drawings presently 
contained in Bulletin 50-3 for one or more of the following reasons:
     They contain material no longer accepted by RUS for use by 
RUS borrowers,
     Either the spacing or the strength of the assembly no 
longer meets the minimum requirements of RUS or the rules of the 
National Electrical Safety Code (NESC),
     They contain technical errors such as a neutral conductor 
support that is not coordinated with the primary conductor support,
     They are redundant of other assemblies or for other 
reasons may no longer be needed, or
     They require so many modifications that it is prudent that 
they be discontinued and subsequently replaced with new assemblies.
    RUS also is modifying and adding to the construction specifications 
in present Bulletin 50-3 incorporate the following significant changes 
in Bulletin 1728F-804:
    (1) Compliance and specific references to the 2002 Edition of the 
NESC,
    (2) Definitions of and provisions for the use of large and extra 
large conductors,
    (3) Permission to lower the neutral conductor under specific 
circumstances,
    (4) Requirement to use a washer under the shoulder of 7.2kV 
crossarm pins,
    (5) Requirement to use a 3-inch (minimum) square, curved, washer 
abutting the pole for primaries, neutrals and guys that deadend on 
poles,
    (6) Requirement to multiply applied loads by the appropriate NESC 
overload factors,
    (7) Minimum insulated spacing (wood and fiberglass) between primary 
conductors and guys,
    (8) Choice of arrester location on transformer assemblies,
    (9) Requirement that all secondary and service wires be covered 
conductors,
    (10) Permission to use stirrups provided certain given criteria are 
met,
    (11) Permission to insulate guy wires provided certain given 
criteria are met,
    (12) Permission to modify assembly drawings without further 
approval from RUS within certain given parameters, and
    (13) New rights-of-ways clearing specifications.

RUS Responses to Comments

    On February 12, 2004, RUS published a proposed rule in the Federal 
Register at 69 FR 6926 to incorporate by reference new Bulletin 1728F-
804 into its rules and regulations. A copy of the proposed bulletin was 
made available to the general public on the RUS website and through the 
U.S. mail. Members of the public were allowed 60 days to furnish RUS 
with written comments regarding the proposed bulletin. Subsequently, 
employees of the following rural electric cooperatives and other 
business firms furnished RUS with written comments, suggestions and 
questions regarding the proposed bulletin:
    (1) Adams Electric Cooperative, Inc.
    (2) Allgeier, Martin and Associates, Inc.
    (3) Cookson Hills & East Central Electric Cooperative.
    (4) Harrison Rural Electric Membership Cooperative.
    (5) Hi-Line Engineering, LLC.
    (6) Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light and Power.
    (7) Morgan County Rural Electric Association.
    (8) National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
    (9) Northern Neck Electric Cooperative.
    In response to the comments and suggestions received, RUS has added 
the following new assemblies and drawings to the bulletin:
    Fifty-three assemblies with various combinations of secondary 
brackets, swinging clevis', extension eyebolts and insulated extension 
links to the A3, A5, B3, B5, C3 and C5 series of assemblies and also 
added top views of assemblies to improve clarity, assemblies D1.5N and 
D1.5NP to utilize offset neutral brackets on double circuit, narrow 
profile assemblies, equipment assemblies R3.3 S2.3, Y3.1, and Y3.4, 
guide drawing G1.2 (and consequently deleted some notes and the 
schematic diagram on guide drawing G1.1), transformed the 9 ``tying 
guides'' in Section L into 20 new assemblies, transformed guide 
drawings E5.1G and

[[Page 20701]]

S1.1NG into assemblies, modified assemblies B4.2 and C4.2 to permit 
line angles from 15 to 90 degrees, and transformed them into guide 
drawings.
    Also in response to the comments and suggestions received, RUS also 
made the following changes and corrections:
    (1) Corrected 85 errors and omissions pertaining to old assembly 
numbers on the drawings, indexes, and exhibits,
    (2) Changes the guy attachment location on 24 drawings to be 
consistent with all of the other guyed assemblies,
    (3) Changed the crossarm attachment location on 9 drawings so that 
all crossarms are installed 18 inches from the top of the pole on all 
assemblies to utilize standard pole drilling and to accommodate pole 
top pins when needed,
    (4) Added connectors (item ``p'') and jumper wires (item ``av'') to 
the material lists on 18 drawings,
    (5) Deleted notes referring to ``tying guides'' from 22 assemblies 
because they were deemed not useful nor needed,
    (6) Removed the note ``(When Req'd)'' referring to down guys from 
12 drawings and added the same note to 5 drawings for the purpose of 
accuracy and consistency,
    (7) Added the ANSI class and size of spool insulator to the design 
parameters of the 10 drawings that refer to the maximum line angles in 
Tables VI and VII,
    (8) Added or changed the distance from the face of the pole to the 
nearest vertical jumper wired to 19 inches on 8 drawings to comply with 
the rules of the NESC,
    (9) Added an additional note in the design parameters utilizing 
pre-assembled crossarms (item ``gj'') to multiply the manufacturer's 
strength rating by the appropriate NESC strength factor to determine 
the permitted loading on the assembly.
    RUS also made the following changes to specific assembly drawings 
in response to the comments and suggestions received:
     Changed drawing numbers ``A1'', ``A2'' and ``N5'' to be 
the same as the assembly numbers on the drawings to be consistent with 
all of the other drawing numbers and removed ``Miscellaneous'' from the 
drawing title,
     Eliminating drawing ``A5'' and relocated its assemblies to 
other drawings,
     Corrected the line angle table reference errors in the 
design parameters on drawings C1.3N, C2.3N and C2.3N,
     Added a top view to assemblies A3.1, B3.1 and C3.1,
     Increased the permitted line angle on assemblies A4.1, 
B4.1, and C4.1 to the range of 90 to 175 degrees,
     Deleted the note regarding down guys on the drawings of 
assemblies A3.2, A3.3 and A4.1 because it was confusing. RUS added 
information regarding the proper installation and location of guys to 
the ``Specifications for Guying Assemblies,''
     Corrected error in design parameters of drawing of 
assembly C6.21 to refer to Note 2,
     Changed the design parameters in the drawings of 
assemblies C6.51 and A2.021 to reference Table B of Exhibit 2,
     Deleted the un-referenced word ``ungrounded'' from guide 
drawing G3.2G,
     Added a note referencing NESC Table 232-2 to guide drawing 
K4.1G,
     Added crossarm mounting hardware to assembly S1.01 and a 
note indicating that these switches may be installed on double deadend 
crossarm assemblies,
     Corrected the drafting errors pertaining to the conductors 
on assembly Q1.1 and darkened the secondary conductors line on drawings 
Q1.1, Q2.1 and Q3.1 to improve clarity,
     Added a note to assembly drawings Q3.2 and Q3.3 requiring 
customer-owned or maintained equipment be located a minimum for 5 feet 
from the assembly,
     Changed the materials on grounding assembly H1.1 to show 
the installation of steel ground wire connecting to the anchor rod,
     Added a note to drawing Q3.2 recommending PT's for 
voltages over 240 volts,
     Added a note to drawing S2.32 indicating that RUS accepted 
pre-assembled switches may be used and to install them according to the 
manufacturer's specifications,
     Added notes to guide drawings D3.1G and D4.1G to adjust 
material for only one neutral attachment subassembly and that the 
minimum clearance between and guy and any primary conductor shall be 5 
feet,
     Modified assembly C5.22 so that the distance from the 
neutral to the center phase conductor is 4 feet, 0 inches,
     Changed the ground clearance to live parts on assembly 
drawing Y1.1 to meet NESC requirements; the ground clearance to the 
bottom of the regulator platform (which does not have braces) was found 
to conform to the NESC and was not changed.
    The following are RUS' responses to comments, suggestions and 
questions that did not result in any additions or changes by RUS to the 
proposed assemblies or drawings:
    (1) RUS did not change any assembly numbers as suggested in some of 
the comments, but did add the following to help borrowers understand 
implement the new assembly numbers:
    (a) A new paragraph on the title page of the bulletin states that 
borrowers are required to use the new specification and drawings, 
however the borrowers can choose to use the old assembly numbers for 
167 specified assemblies that have duel numbers, and
    (b) New Exhibit 5 at the end of the bulletin that summarizes the 
new RUS assembly numbering format and the new numbers' designated 
meanings. This exhibit also tells where additional information can be 
found.
    (2) RUS found it necessary to renumber the 167 re-used assemblies 
so that all of the overhead distribution assembly numbers would have a 
consistent meaning and a standard format. RUS believes that by allowing 
the dual number system for a majority of the new assemblies, it will 
aid the borrowers in implementing the new specifications.
    (3) RUS recommends that borrowers keep copies of old Bulletin 50-3 
for reference purposes and also keep all of their present assemblies in 
their engineering and accounting records until (1) further guidance is 
issued by RUS regarding the proper procedure to retire discontinued 
assemblies and (2) updates and publishes Bulletin 1767B-2, ``Work Order 
Procedure (Electric).''
    (4) Whereas some borrowers may prefer not to turn any line angles 
on tangent or small angle pole top assemblies, NESC rules and RUS 
requirements are not violated if angles no greater than those 
referenced in the design parameters on the drawings are turned on these 
types of assemblies.
    (5) Since the main purpose of the vertical style of narrow profile 
pole top assemblies, (e.g., A1.4N) is not to ``straighten the line,'' 
there is no need to offset the neutral conductor in vertical line with 
the primary conductor(s).
    (6) Several drawings state that the depicted assembly is to be used 
for NESC Grade B construction. The sixth paragraph in the ``General 
Construction Specification'' explains some of the needs for Grade B 
construction. Additional details regarding the rules of the NESC and 
their applications are beyond the scope of this bulletin.
    (7) Page 1 of Exhibit 1 presents the formula, numerical constants 
and variables used to calculate the permitted line angles on pole top 
assemblies. In part, the calculated angles are a function of the number 
of pins installed on the

[[Page 20702]]

assembly and the RUS designated (allowed) loading on pin and insulator 
subassemblies. RUS agrees that sometimes it is not readily apparent why 
some types of pole top assemblies can accommodate larger angles than 
other types of assemblies. All of the input data, calculations and 
resulting permitted line angles have been reviewed and found to be 
correct.
    (8) The line angle on the drawing of assembly A4.1 is purposely 
drawn at an angle less than 90 degrees to show the general range of 
angles that can be used on this assembly.
    (9) RUS believes that it is more convenient for most borrowers to 
have A4.1 and A4.2 as separate assemblies instead of merging them into 
one assembly.
    (10) RUS agrees that guide drawing A5.7NG does not depict a 
``squirrel friendly'' assembly. Nor is it raptor friendly. If squirrels 
or raptors are perceived to be a problem in a borrower's specific 
service area, then RUS recommends using of other assemblies (such as 
crossarm assemblies) that are available in the new bulletin.
    (11) If needed for raptor protection, borrowers may install offset 
neutral brackets and may install the neutral on either side of the pole 
of narrow profile assemblies without further approval from RUS if the 
modified assemblies have a minimum of 4 feet of vertical clearance 
between the neutral and the primary conductor directly above it.
    (12) These specifications are minimum requirements, as a result, 
borrowers may modify the anchor assembly drawings to show the diameter 
of the anchor helixes and may modify the drawings of the pole top 
assemblies to show the maximum permitted transverse loading without 
approval from RUS,
    (13) Borrowers may make copies, re-group and re-arrange the 
assembly drawings of this bulletin for their own convenience and do not 
need from RUS,
    (14) An extension bracket (item ``fl'') is specified by RUS on 
assembly R1.1 and other similar equipment assemblies to provide 
climbing space for line workers. The extension bracket may be omitted 
if the assembly is accessible for work from bucket trucks designed for 
such work.
    (15) The RUS assembly drawings do not show a pre-manufactured 
platform for the installation of line regulators because these types of 
platforms have not been accepted for listing in RUS Informational 
Publication 202-1 (``List of Materials'').
    (16) Assembly drawing Q4.1 shows the use of crossarms because a 
cluster bracket for installing primary metering equipment has not been 
accepted for listing in RUS Informational Publication 202-1.
    (17) RUS believes that restricting conductors to 2,000 pounds is 
unnecessarily too restrictive.
    (18) RUS no longer permits pin type insulator to be installed in a 
horizontal position, like in old assembly M5-4 because it has been 
reported that horizontally installed pin insulators sometimes fill with 
water and when the water froze the insulator cracked.
    (19) A new statement was added in the ``Conductor Installation 
Specifications'' stating that small conductors can be installed on 
large conductor assemblies (number suffix ``L'') but that their 
tensions cannot exceed the permitted loads shown design parameters on 
the assembly drawings.
    (20) Assemblies C5.22 and C5.32, whose crossarm mounting position 
is different that the other crossarm assemblies and have limited 
applications, are included in the new bulletin upon request by some RUS 
borrowers.
    (21) New single-phase and two-phase assemblies similar to proposed 
assembly C5.71L for the application of large conductors or NESC Grade B 
construction were not added to the bulletin because RUS perceives that 
these additional assemblies would have very limited use.
    (22) The suggestion to add several new large conductor assemblies 
was not used. However, a statement was added in the ``General 
Construction Specifications'' that makes it clear that borrowers may 
modify standard crossarm assemblies to make them suitable for large 
conductor construction without approval by RUS.
    (23) New double deadend assemblies with conductor spacing the same 
as proposed assemblies C5.22 and C5.32 was not used because these 
assemblies are not RUS preferred construction and are reduntant of 
other available assemblies.
    (24) RUS added new alternative construction information and details 
in the ``Specifications for Guying Assemblies'' for situations where a 
down guy might need to be installed very close to the neutral conductor 
on double deadend assemblies.
    (25) RUS did not add a new double deadend crossarm assembly with a 
manufactured crossarm assembly (item ``gj'') in which the neutral 
deadends on the crossarm because this new assembly would have very 
limited use.
    (26) RUS did not add a new assembly with manufactured crossarm 
assemblies and spacing the same as proposed assembly D6.91 because this 
assembly would be redundant of new assembly D6.92, is relatively 
expensive, and thus would have very limited use.
    (27) RUS did not add a new, two-phase, feedthrough guide drawing 
because it is unnecessary. When needed, jumper conductors and 
connectors can be added to assembly B6.21 similar to that shown on 
guide drawing C6.52G.
    (28) RUS did not add any new double circuit assemblies with one 
circuit installed above the other circuit because RUS has standardized 
on the style of double circuit construction as shown on assembly 
drawings in the new bulletin. The suggested alternative double circuit 
design can be constructed using assemblies C1.11 and B1.14 with slight 
material modifications.
    (29) No changes were made regarding the guy attachments, bolts, 
washers, bolt hole sizes, and the permitted loads of proposed 
assemblies E1.1 and E1.1L. The comments appear to be the result of 
misunderstanding. The 6,600 pound permitted load of assembly E1.1 is 
based on the surface area of a 3-inch washer. The 8,500 pound permitted 
load of assembly E1.1L is based on 85 percent of the RUS designated 
load (capacity) of the guy attachment with a 4-inch washer. RUS has 
(already) multiplied the RUS designated strength of the guy attachments 
by the 0.85 factor to determine the permitted loads shown in the design 
parameters on the drawings of these assemblies. Both sized washers have 
thirteen-sixteenths inch bolt holes and can accommodate either a five-
eights inch or three-fourths inch bolt.
    (30) The suggestion that an additional flat washer or a three-
fourth inch bolt be used with washers with thirteen-sixteenths inch 
holes was not used because RUS has never received reports that five-
eighths inch bolts have slipped through the holes in standard washers.
    (31) The reasons why old pole protection assemblies M2-1 and M2-2 
were discontinued by RUS was added to the ``Specification for Guying 
Assemblies,''
    (32) RUS specifies the installation of anti-split bolts on all non-
tangent, primary pole-top assemblies that have double pole-top pins or 
double post-type insulator brackets. Borrowers may install anti-split 
bolts on other pole top assemblies at their own discretion; however, 
the RUS permitted transverse loading on these assemblies must not be 
increased. Some borrowers have reported to RUS that the installation on 
anti-split bolts on all pole top assemblies to be advantageous, 
especially on cedar poles.

[[Page 20703]]

    (33) Where appropriate, borrowers may replace a cutout (item 
``af'') and an arrester (item ``ae'') with a combination cutout/
arrester (item ``ax'') without additional review and approval by RUS. 
The material for the assembly needs to be changed accordingly.
    (34) Additional information was added to the ``Specifications for 
Pole Top Assemblies'' stating that for NESC Grade B construction, the 
permitted line angles referenced on the pole top assemblies may need to 
be reduced based on the design engineer's calculations.
    (35) Whereas the drawings for pole top assemblies do not show the 
permitted transverse load on the assemblies, the subtitles of the 
tables in Exhibit 1 referenced in the design parameters on the drawings 
specify the permitted transverse loads.
    (36) The alleged errors regarding the ``wild leg'' and the high 
side grounding on guide drawing G3.1G were checked and determined to be 
correct as drawn.
    Electronic (pdf) copies of this final rule and the new bulletin are 
available on the RUS Web site at http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric/regs/index.htm. Electronic and printed copies of the bulletin are also 
available from Publications Office, Program Development and Regulatory 
Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1522.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1728

    Electric power, Incorporation by reference, Loan programs-energy, 
Rural areas.

0
For reasons set out in the preamble, chapter XVII of title 7 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations, is amended to read as follows:

PART 1728--ELECTRIC STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS AND 
CONSTRUCTION

0
1. The authority citation for part 1728 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.; 7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.; 6941 et 
seq.


0
2. Section 1728.97 is amended by:
0
A. Revising the second sentence in paragraph (a), and
0
B. Amending paragraph (b) by removing the entries for Bulletin 50-3 and 
Bulleting 50-6; and adding to the list of bulletins, in numerical 
order, the entry for Bulletin 1728F-804.
    These revisions are to read as follows:


Sec.  1728.97  Incorporation by reference of electric standards and 
specifications.

    (a) * * * The bulletins containing construction standards (50-4 and 
1728F-803 to 1728F-811), may be purchased from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. * * *
* * * * *
    (b) List of Bulletins.
* * * * *
    Bulletin 1728F-804 (D-804), Specification and Drawings for 12.47/
7.2 kV Line Construction October 2005.
* * * * *

    Dated: March 28, 2005.
Curtis M. Anderson,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 05-7920 Filed 4-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-M