[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 250 (Thursday, December 31, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69286-69287]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-31078]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 192

[Docket No. PHMSA-RSPA-2004-19854; Amdt. 192-113]
RIN 2137-AE15


Pipeline Safety: Integrity Management Program for Gas 
Distribution Pipelines

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: PHMSA is extending for 30 days, until February 4, 2010, the 
period for filing comments to the requirement adopted in the final 
rule, ``Pipeline Safety: Integrity Management Program for Gas 
Distribution Pipelines'' to require the reporting of failures of 
compression couplings used in metal pipe. PHMSA had invited public 
comment on the extension of this requirement to include reporting of 
failure of compression couplings used in metal pipe until January 4, 
2010. The American Gas Association (AGA) requested that PHMSA extend 
the comment period for thirty days.

DATES: Comment Date: Interested persons are invited to submit comments 
on the provisions for reporting failures of compression couplings by 
February 4,

[[Page 69287]]

2010. At the end of the comment period, we will publish a document 
modifying these provisions or a document stating that the provisions 
will remain unchanged.

ADDRESSES: Comments limited to the provisions on reporting failures of 
mechanical couplings should reference Docket No. PHMSA-RSPA-2004-19854 
and may be submitted in the following ways:
     E-Gov Web Site: http://www.regulations.gov. This site 
allows the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice 
issued by any agency.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Mail: DOT Docket Operations Facility (M-30), U.S. 
Department of Transportation, West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, 
SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: DOT Docket Operations Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, West Building, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Instructions: In the E-Gov Web site: http://www.regulations.gov, 
under ``Search Documents'' select ``Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration.'' Next, select ``Notices,'' and then click 
``Submit.'' Select this rulemaking by clicking on the docket number 
listed above. Submit your comment by clicking the yellow bubble in the 
right column then following the instructions.
    Identify docket number PHMSA-RSPA-2004-19854 at the beginning of 
your comments. For comments by mail, please provide two copies. To 
receive PHMSA's confirmation receipt, include a self-addressed stamped 
postcard. Internet users may access all comments at http://www.regulations.gov, by following the steps above.

    Note: PHMSA will post all comments without changes or edits to 
http://www.regulations.gov including any personal information 
provided.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Israni by phone at (202) 366-4571 
or by e-mail at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 4, 2009, PHMSA published a final 
rule (74 FR 63905) under Docket No. PHMSA-RSPA-2004-19854 amending the 
Pipeline Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 190-199) to require operators 
of gas distribution pipelines to develop and implement integrity 
management programs. In that final rule, PHMSA adopted a requirement 
that operators report failures of all compression couplings, both 
plastic and metallic. PHMSA also invited public comment on the 
requirement to report failure of compression couplings used in metal 
pipe. Public comments were due by January 4, 2010.
    On December 18, 2009, AGA petitioned PHMSA to extend the comment 
period by thirty days. AGA stated that it is in the public interest to 
extend the comment period so that gas utilities have the opportunity to 
thoroughly review the regulation and draft annual report. AGA went on 
to say that extending the comment period is the only way to provide 
PHMSA with the necessary information to establish clear and consistent 
data. PHMSA agrees that additional time should be allowed and is 
extending the comment period from January 4, 2010 to February 4, 2010.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 28, 2009.
Jeffrey D. Wiese,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. E9-31078 Filed 12-30-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P