[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 122 (Friday, June 24, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36961-36976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-14567]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 122 / Friday, June 24, 2011 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 36961]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Parts 1728 and 1755


Standards and Specifications for Timber Products Acceptable for 
Use by Rural Utilities Service Electric and Telecommunications 
Borrowers

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending its regulations 
on Electric and Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for 
Materials, Equipment and Construction, by codifying specifications for 
wood poles, stubs and anchor logs, wood crossarms (solid and 
laminated), transmission timbers and pole keys, and for quality control 
and inspection of timber products. RUS is updating these specifications 
to conform with revisions to the American Wood Preservers' Association 
(AWPA) standards and follow agency policy on insurance requirements.

DATES: Effective Date: This final rule will become effective July 25, 
2011.
    Incorporation by Reference: The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of July 25, 2011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. H. Robert Lash, Transmission 
Branch, Electric Staff Division, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Room 1246, STOP 1569, 1400 Independence 
Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-1569; telephone: (202) 720-0486, or, e-
mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Executive Order 12866

    This final 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. A notice of final rule entitled 
``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order 
12372'' (50 FR 47034) exempted the Rural Utilities Service loans and 
loan guarantees from coverage under this order.

Executive Order 12988

    This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. The Rural Utilities Service has determined that 
this 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 final rule will be preempted. No 
retroactive effect will be given to this final rule and in accordance 
with section 212(e) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act 
of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6912(e)) administrative appeal procedures, if any, 
must be exhausted before an action against the Department or its 
agencies may be initiated.

Executive Order 13132

    This final rule will not have substantial direct effects on the 
States, on the relationship between the national government and the 
States, or on distribution of power and responsibilities among the 
various levels of government. Under Executive Order 13132, this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to require 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

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

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

    This information collection and recordkeeping requirements 
contained in this final rule are cleared under OMB control number 0572-
0076 pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 
35, as amended).

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.

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 
titled ``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive 
Order 12372'' (50 FR 47034), advising that the Rural Utilities Service 
loans and loan guarantees are excluded from the scope of Executive 
Order 12372.

Unfunded Mandates

    This final rule contains no Federal Mandates (under the regulatory 
provision of title II 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 of 1995.

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

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

General Discussion

    A proposed rule entitled ``Standards and Specifications for Timber 
Products Acceptable for Use by Rural Development Utilities Programs'

[[Page 36962]]

Electric and Telecommunications Borrowers'' was published in the 
Federal Register on September 29, 2008 at 73 FR 56513, and the public 
was invited to submit comments on or before November 28, 2008. Comments 
were received and are addressed in the Summary of Comment section of 
this rule.
    The Rural Utilities Service maintains bulletins that contain 
construction standards and specifications for materials and equipment. 
These standards and specifications apply to systems constructed by 
electric and telecommunications borrowers in accordance with the loan 
contract, and contain standard construction units, materials, and 
equipment units used on electric and telecommunications borrowers' 
systems. Bulletins 1728F-700, ``Specification for Wood Poles, Stubs and 
Anchor Logs''; 1728H-701, ``Specification for Wood Crossarms (Solid and 
Laminated), Transmission Timbers and Pole Keys''; and 1728H-702, 
``Specification for Quality Control and Inspection of Timber 
Products'', establish standards for the manufacture and inspection of 
wood utility poles, crossarms and poles keys. The summary of the major 
changes to these three bulletins are as follows:
    1. All references cited in these bulletins are updated to the 
latest edition.
    2. The definition ``pole broker'' was added to the list of 
definitions to include as many organizations as possible to provide 
borrowers a source from which they might purchase wood products.
    3. Allow borrowers six months to notify treating plants about poles 
not meeting the required preservative retention.
    4. In accordance with RUS policy on insurance requirements for 
contractors working for borrowers, the specification was revised to 
require manufacturers and inspection agencies to maintain certain 
limits of liability and errors and omission insurance.
    5. All poles are required to be sterilized during the conditioning 
or treating cycle. This sterilization should further reduce the number 
of poles with pre-treatment decay.
    6. Required to brand independent inspection agency's identification 
on the face of the pole.
    7. RUS revised the qualifications for inspectors and quality 
control personnel and will return to the qualifications from the 1987 
edition of the specifications.
    8. Provisions are added to further clarify that wood products, 
producers and inspection agencies maintain the greatest degree of 
separation and eliminate any appearance of conflict of interest.

Summary of Comments

    The Agency received comments and recommendations in response to the 
proposed rule from the following organizations: North American Wood 
Pole Council (NAWPC), McFarland Cascade, Cox Industrial Group, Wood 
Quality Control (WQC), Cox Industrial Group, Lee Inspection and 
Consulting Services, A.W. Williams Inspection Co. (AWW), Texas Electric 
Cooperatives (TEC), Timber Products Inspection and Dis-Tran Wood 
Products. No comments from any other sources were received. These 
comments and recommendations and the Agency's responses are summarized 
as follows:
    Comment: Lee Inspection, NAWPC, TEC, and AWW questioned the need 
for liability insurance and errors and emission insurance and the 
amount of coverage.
    Agency Response: RUS has required outside contractors doing work 
for borrowers to have high levels of liability insurance for many 
years. The insurance requirement was added to stay in line with present 
agency practices. The proposed insurance was reviewed and the errors 
and omission insurance requirement was eliminated for pole and crossarm 
producers. Since inspection agencies are performing a service, their 
liability and errors and omissions insurance requirement remains.
    Comment: NAWPC and Timber Products Inspection questioned the need 
to treat kiln dried poles within 30 days after drying.
    Agency Response: Paragraph 4.2.1 of Bulletin 1728F-700 dated 
September 1993 requires that ``kiln dried poles shall be treated within 
1 month from the time they are removed from the kiln.'' This has been 
an RUS requirement for nearly twenty years and RUS believes that this 
requirement is needed.
    Comment: NAWPC and Timber Products Inspection questioned why there 
is an inconsistency in paragraph 8.1 of Bulletin 1728F-700 concerning 
sterilization of Douglas fir poles.
    Agency Response: The sterilization time for Douglas-fir is revised 
to be in line with other species.
    Comment: McFarland, NAWPC and Timber Products Inspection suggested 
the inclusion of the modified full cell process to help control 
overtreatment.
    Agency Response: The modified full cell process was added as 
suggested.
    Comment: Timber Products Inspection pointed out that the maximum 
temperature for treatment in Western Red Cedar in the table in 
paragraph 8.2 of Bulletin 1728F-700 is not in agreement with American 
Wood Protection Association Standards.
    Agency Response: Bulletin 1728F-700 was revised to meet the AWPA 
standard.
    Comment: NMWPC, Timber Products Inspection and TEC mentioned that 
the wording in paragraph 9.6.2 of Bulletin 1728F-700 be revised from 
``supplemental groundline type preservative'' to ``a preservative 
approved for use in ground line contact by the AWPA.''
    Agency Response: Wording was revised to use ``a preservative 
approved for use by AWPA.''
    Comment: Lee Inspection, NMWPC, Timber Products Inspection and AWW 
felt to certify inspectors and quality control personnel on the use of 
XRF equipment was unreasonable.
    Agency Response: RUS agrees that this requirement may be difficult 
to achieve because there is no organization set up to perform this 
service. This provision was eliminated.
    Comment: McFarland and TEC raised questions about the addition of 
the inspection agency's designation on the face brand and the use of 
tags.
    Agency Response: This requirement does not add an extra line to the 
face brand. It replaces the Quality Assurance mark currently required 
on the second line of the brand. Treaters will be given 6 months from 
the publication date of this notice to revise their face brands. For 
treaters using metal tags, if the existing tag cannot be altered to 
show the independent inspection agency designation a separate tag 
showing this information shall be added. Metal tag users have three 
months to start revising their current tags or ordering an additional 
tags to show the agency information.
    Comment: Lee Inspection disagrees with the RUS's proposal to not 
allow one independent inspection agency to subcontract their contracted 
inspection to another party.
    Agency Response: When an Electric Borrower designates an inspection 
agency to act as their agent and inspect pole on their behalf the RUS 
believes they actually want that company to do the work. RUS believes 
that this requirement is reasonable.
    Comment: Lee Inspection disagrees with the RUS's stand on not 
allowing independent inspection agencies to offer product warranties on 
inspected material.
    Agency Response: RUS wants, as a secured lender, to eliminate any 
appearance of a conflict of interest between independent inspectors and

[[Page 36963]]

treaters. A product warranty put out by an inspection agency for a pole 
or crossarm produced by another company is unacceptable. RUS is not 
changing this provision.
    Comment: Lee Inspection and AWW are concerned with the wording 
``Failure of a selected third-party inspection agency to properly 
perform their required overview responsibilities may subject said 
agency to subsequent liability claims for unsatisfactory or inadequate 
product performance.''
    Agency Response: This specific language will be from the final 
rule, however, the potential liability incurred by the inspection 
agency for any improper performance will be left up to the borrower.
    Comment: Lee Inspection and AWW felt the frequency of the precision 
check by independent inspectors for the x-ray fluorescence instrument 
at treating plant weekly was too onerous.
    Agency Response: In some cases this requirement could be too 
burdensome. In response, the frequency was changed to monthly for 
analysis of preservative and treated wood at the inspector's agency 
laboratory.
    Comment: Cox Industrial Group and Dis-Tran wanted to require 
borrowers to store crossarms under cover to be eligible for the one 
year warranty.
    Agency Response: The conformance period of one year from date of 
delivery should not be affected if arms are stored indoors, outdoors or 
installed on poles. As a result, RUS will not change the proposal.
    Comment: Timber Products Inspection noted that the radial drilling 
depths were left off Table 10 in Bulletin 1728F-700.
    Agency Response: This information was added back into the bulletin.
    Comment: McFarland Cascade questioned the limiting of butt treated 
poles to arid regions.
    Agency Response: Since butt treated poles have shown to have good 
durability in areas other than arid regions the final rule is revised 
to limit their use to low to moderate decay zones.
    Comment: McFarland Cascade and Timber Products questioned allowing 
through boring for poles were raised.
    Agency Response: In response to this, a section on allowing through 
boring was added.
    Comment: WQC suggested that the Insured Warranty program be removed 
since it has not been used in many years.
    Agency Response: This plan for supplying poles has continued to be 
included to keep several options open for suppliers. There have been a 
few instances where suppliers have tried to start using this program 
again.
    Comment: WQC suggested that RUS limit the percentage of defects of 
a ``lot'' of poles from 15% to 5%, which is the AWPA limit, before the 
entire lot is rejected.
    Agency Response: In response, RUS will revise their reject 
percentage to stay in line with AWPA Standards.

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 1728

    Electric power, Incorporation by reference, Loan programs--energy, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas.

7 CFR Part 1755

    Incorporation by reference, Loan programs--communications, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas, Telephone.

    For reasons set forth in the preamble, chapter XVII of title 7 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations is amended 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.; 1921 et seq., 6941 et seq.


0
2. Revise Sec.  1728.97 to read as follows:


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

    The materials listed below are incorporated by reference in the 
corresponding sections noted. The Director of the Federal Register 
approves the incorporations by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. A notice of any change in these materials 
will be published in the Federal Register. Standards and specifications 
materials are available for purchase at the addresses in the 
corresponding sections noted below. The materials incorporated by 
reference may also be inspected at the Rural Utilities Service's 
Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Stop 1520, Room 5820-S, 
Washington, DC 20250-1522, call (202) 720-8674. Bulletins are also 
available for inspection at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of these 
materials at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.htm.
    (a) The following RUS bulletins are available from the Rural 
Utilities Service, Room 1246-S, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250. For information on the availability of this 
material, call (202) 720-1900. The bulletins containing construction 
standards (50-4 and 1728F-803 to 1728F-811) may be obtained from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) for 
Washington, DC 20402, Phone: 1-866-512-1800 (toll-free) 202-512-1800 
(DC Area) or go to the GPO Web site at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/about/index.html.
    (1) Bulletin 50-4 (D-801), Specification and Drawings for 34.5/19.9 
kV Distribution Line Construction (11-86), incorporation approved for 
Sec.  1728.98.
    (2) Bulletin 50-15 (DT-3), RUS Specifications for Pole Top Pins 
with 1\3/8\' Diameter Lead Thread (1-51), incorporation approved for 
Sec.  1728.98.
    (3) Bulletin 50-16 (DT-4), RUS Specifications for Angle Suspension 
Brackets (3-52), incorporation approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (4) Bulletin 50-19 (DT-7), RUS Specifications for Clevis Bolts (8-
53), incorporation approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (5) Bulletin 50-23 (DT-18), RUS Specifications for 60'' Wood 
Crossarm Braces (2-71), incorporation approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (6) Bulletin 50-31 (D-3), RUS Specifications for Pole Top Pins with 
1'' Diameter Lead Threads (2-79), incorporation approved for Sec.  
1728.98.
    (7) Bulletin 50-32 (D-4), RUS Specifications for Steel Crossarm 
Mounted Pins with 1'' Diameter Lead Threads (10-50), incorporation 
approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (8) Bulletin 50-33 (D-5), RUS Specifications for Single and Double 
Upset Spool Bolts (2-51), incorporation approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (9) Bulletin 50-34 (D-6), RUS Specifications for Secondary Swinging 
Clevises (12-70), incorporation approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (10) Bulletin 50-35 (D-7), RUS Specifications for Service Swinging 
Clevises (9-52), incorporation approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (11) Bulletin 50-36 (D-8), RUS Specifications for Service Deadend 
Clevises (9-52), incorporation approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (12) Bulletin 50-40 (D-14), RUS Specifications for Pole Top 
Brackets for Channel Type Pins (9-51), incorporation approved for Sec.  
1728.98.
    (13) Bulletin 50-41 (D-15), RUS Specifications for Service 
Wireholders

[[Page 36964]]

(11-51), incorporation approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (14) Bulletin 50-55 (T-2), RUS Specifications for Overhead Ground 
Wire Support Brackets (5-53), incorporation approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (15) Bulletin 50-56 (T-3), RUS Specifications for Steel Plate 
Anchors for Transmission Lines (12-53), incorporation approved for 
Sec.  1728.98.
    (16) Bulletin 50-60 (T-9), RUS Specification--Single Pole Steel 
Structures, Complete with Arms (12-71), incorporation approved for 
Sec.  1728.98.
    (17) Bulletin 50-72 (U-4), RUS Specification for Electrical 
Equipment Enclosures (5-35 kV) (10-79), incorporation approved for 
Sec.  1728.98.
    (18) Bulletin 50-73 (U-5), RUS Specifications for Pad-Mounted 
Transformers (Single and Three-Phase) (1-77), incorporation approved 
for Sec.  1728.98.
    (19) Bulletin 50-74 (U-6), RUS Specification for Secondary 
Pedestals (600 Volts and Below) (10-79), incorporation approved for 
Sec.  1728.98.
    (20) Bulletin 50-91 (S-3), RUS Specifications for Step-Down 
Distribution Substation Transformers (34.4-138 kV) (1-78), 
incorporation approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (21) Bulletin 1728F-700, RUS Specification for Wood Poles, Stubs 
and Anchor Logs (3-2011), incorporation approved for Sec. Sec.  
1728.98, 1728.202.
    (22) Bulletin 1728F-803, Specifications and Drawings for 24.9/14.4 
kV Line Construction (10-98), incorporation approved for Sec.  1728.98.
    (23) Bulletin 1728F-804 (D-804), Specification and Drawings for 
12.47/7.2 kV Line Construction, October 2005, incorporation approved 
for Sec.  1728.98.
    (24) Bulletin 1728F-806 (D-806), Specifications and Drawings for 
Underground Electric Distribution, June 2000, incorporation approved 
for Sec.  1728.98.
    (25) Bulletin 1728F-810, Electric Transmission Specifications and 
Drawings, 34.5 kV to 69 kV (3-98), incorporation approved for 
Sec. Sec.  1728.98 and 1728.201.
    (26) Bulletin 1728F-811, Electric Transmission Specifications and 
Drawings, 115 kV to 230 kV (3-98), incorporation approved for 
Sec. Sec.  1728.98 and 1728.201.
    (b) The following material is available for purchase from American 
Institute of Timber Construction (AITC), 7012 S. Revere Park Way, 
Englewood, Colorado 80112, telephone (303) 792-9559, web address: 
https://www.aitc-glulam.org/index.asp.
    (1) AITC 200-2004, Manufacturing Quality Control Systems Manual For 
Structural Glued Laminated Timber, copyright 2004, (incorporation by 
reference approved for Sec. Sec.  1728.201 and 1728.202.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) The following standards are available for purchase from the 
American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 West 43rd Street, New 
York, New York 10036, telephone (212) 642-4900, Web address: http://www.ansi.org/.
    (1) ANSI O5.2-2006, American National Standard for Wood Products, 
Structural Glued Laminated Timber for Utility Structures, approved 
December 5, 2006, incorporation by reference approved for Sec. Sec.  , 
1728.201, 1728.202.
    (2) ANSI O5.3.2008, American National Standard for Wood Poles and 
Wood Products, Solid Sawn-Wood Crossarms & Braces--Specifications & 
Dimensions, approved July 15, 2008, incorporation by reference approved 
for Sec.  1728.201.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) The following standards from the American Wood Protection 
Association (AWPA), Book of Standards, 2008 edition, are available for 
purchase from AWPA, P.O. Box 361784, Birmingham, AL 35236-1784, 
telephone 205-733-4077, http://www.awpa.com/.
    (1) AWPA A1-06, Standard Methods for Analysis of Creosote and Oil-
Type Preservatives, amended in 2006, incorporation by reference 
approved for Sec. Sec.  1728.201 and 1728.202.
    (2) AWPA A2-08, Standard Methods for Analysis of Waterborne 
Preservatives and Fire-Retardant Formulations, 2008, incorporation by 
reference approved for Sec. Sec.  1728.201 and 1728.202.
    (3) AWPA A3-08, Standard Methods for Determining Penetration of 
Preservatives and Fire Retardants, revised in 2008, incorporation by 
reference approved for Sec. Sec.  1728.201and 1728.202.
    (4) AWPA A5-05, Standard Methods for Analysis of Oil-Borne 
Preservatives, 2008, incorporation by reference approved for Sec. Sec.  
1728.201 and 1728.202.
    (5) AWPA A6-01, Method for the Determination of Oil-Type 
Preservatives and Water in Wood, amended in 2001, incorporation by 
reference approved for Sec.  1728.202.
    (6) AWPA A7-04, Standard for Wet Ashing Procedures for Preparing 
Wood for Chemical Analysis, amended in 2004, incorporation by reference 
approved for Sec.  1728.202.
    (7) AWPA A9-01, Standard Method for Analysis of Treated Wood and 
Treating Solutions By X-Ray Spectroscopy, amended in 2001, 
incorporation by reference approved for Sec. Sec.  1728.201 and 
1728.202.
    (8) AWPA M2-07, Standard for Inspection of Wood Products Treated 
with Preservatives, reaffirmed in 2007, incorporation by reference 
approved for Sec.  1728.202.
    (9) AWPA M3-05, Standard Quality Control Procedures for Wood 
Preserving Plants, amended in 2005, incorporation by reference approved 
for Sec.  1728.202.
    (10) AWPA P1/P13-06, Standard for Creosote Preservative, reaffirmed 
in 2006, incorporation by reference approved for Sec. Sec.  1728.201 
and 1728.202.
    (11) AWPA P5-08, Standard for Waterborne Preservatives, revised in 
2008, incorporation by reference approved for Sec. Sec.  1728.201and 
1728.202.
    (12) AWPA P8-08, Standard for Oil-Borne Preservatives, revised in 
2008, incorporation by reference approved for Sec. Sec.  1728.201and 
1728.202.
    (13) AWPA P9-06, Standards for Solvents and Formulations for 
Organic Preservative Systems, copyright 2008, incorporation by 
reference approved for Sec. Sec.  1728.201 and 1728.202.
    (f) The following material is available from Southern Pine 
Inspection Bureau Standards, 4709 Scenic Highway, Pensacola, Florida 
32504-9094, telephone (850) 434-2611. The web address for the Southern 
Pine Inspection Bureau is http://www.spib.org/.
    (1) Special Product Rules for Structural, Industrial, and Railroad-
Freight Car Lumber, effective October 15, 1991, incorporation by 
reference approved for Sec.  1728.201.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (g) The following material is available for purchase from West 
Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau, P.O. Box 23145, Portland, Oregon 97281, 
telephone (503) 639-0651, fax (503) 684-8928. The web address for is 
http://www.wclib.org/.
    (1) Standard No. 17, Grading Rules for West Coast Lumber, Revised 
January 1, 2004, incorporation by reference approved for Sec.  
1728.201.
    (2) [Reserved]


0
3. Add new Sec.  1728.98 to read as follows:


Sec.  1728.98  Electric standards and specifications.

    (a) To comply with this part, you must follow the requirements 
contained in the following REA/RUS bulletins. These bulletins are 
incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97 of this part.
    (1) Bulletin 50-4 (D-801), Specification and Drawings for 34.5/19.9 
kV Distribution Line Construction (11-86).
    (2) Bulletin 50-15 (DT-3), RUS Specifications for Pole Top Pins 
with 1\3/8\' Diameter Lead Thread (1-51).

[[Page 36965]]

    (3) Bulletin 50-16 (DT-4), RUS Specifications for Angle Suspension 
Brackets (3-52).
    (4) Bulletin 50-19 (DT-7), RUS Specifications for Clevis Bolts (8-
53).
    (5) Bulletin 50-23 (DT-18), RUS Specifications for 60'' Wood 
Crossarm Braces (2-71).
    (6) Bulletin 50-31 (D-3), RUS Specifications for Pole Top Pins with 
1'' Diameter Lead Threads (2-79).
    (7) Bulletin 50-32 (D-4), RUS Specifications for Steel Crossarm 
Mounted Pins with 1'' Diameter Lead Threads (10-50).
    (8) Bulletin 50-33 (D-5), RUS Specifications for Single and Double 
Upset Spool Bolts (2-51).
    (9) Bulletin 50-34 (D-6), RUS Specifications for Secondary Swinging 
Clevises (12-70).
    (10) Bulletin 50-35 (D-7), RUS Specifications for Service Swinging 
Clevises (9-52).
    (11) Bulletin 50-36 (D-8), RUS Specifications for Service Deadend 
Clevises (9-52).
    (12) Bulletin 50-40 (D-14), RUS Specifications for Pole Top 
Brackets for Channel Type Pins (9-51).
    (13) Bulletin 50-41 (D-15), RUS Specifications for Service 
Wireholders (11-51).
    (14) Bulletin 50-55 (T-2), RUS Specifications for Overhead Ground 
Wire Support Brackets (5-53).
    (15) Bulletin 50-56 (T-3), RUS Specifications for Steel Plate 
Anchors for Transmission Lines (12-53).
    (16) Bulletin 50-60 (T-9), RUS Specification--Single Pole Steel 
Structures, Complete with Arms (12-71).
    (17) Bulletin 50-72 (U-4), RUS Specification for Electrical 
Equipment Enclosures (5-35 kV) (10-79).
    (18) Bulletin 50-73 (U-5), RUS Specifications for Pad-Mounted 
Transformers (Single and Three-Phase) (1-77).
    (19) Bulletin 50-74 (U-6), RUS Specification for Secondary 
Pedestals (600 Volts and Below) (10-79).
    (20) Bulletin 50-91 (S-3), RUS Specifications for Step-Down 
Distribution Substation Transformers (34.4-138 kV) (1-78).
    (21) Bulletin 1728F-700, RUS Specification for Wood Poles, Stubs 
and Anchor Logs (3-2011).
    (22) Bulletin 1728F-803, Specifications and Drawings for 24.9/14.4 
kV Line Construction (10-98).
    (23) Bulletin 1728F-804 (D-804), Specification and Drawings for 
12.47/7.2 kV Line Construction, October 2005.
    (24) Bulletin 1728F-806 (D-806), Specifications and Drawings for 
Underground Electric Distribution, June 2000.
    (25) Bulletin 1728F-810, Electric Transmission Specifications and 
Drawings, 34.5 kV to 69 kV (3-98).
    (26) Bulletin 1728F-811, Electric Transmission Specifications and 
Drawings, 115 kV to 230 kV (3-98).
    (b) The terms ``RUS form'', ``RUS standard form'', ``RUS 
specification'', and ``RUS bulletin'' have the same meanings as the 
terms ``REA form'', ``REA standard form'', ``REA specification'', and 
``REA bulletin'', respectively unless otherwise indicated.

0
4. Sections 1728.201 and 1728.202 are revised to read as follows:


Sec.  1728.201  Bulletin 1728H-701, Specification for Wood Crossarms 
(Solid and Laminated), Transmission Timbers and Pole Keys.

    (a) General Provisions. (1) This section implements contractual 
provisions between Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and borrowers 
receiving financial assistance. The contractual agreement between RUS 
and its borrowers requires the borrower's system to be constructed in 
accordance with agency accepted plans and specifications. Each electric 
borrower must purchase only wood crossarms produced in accordance with 
the specification in this section.
    (2) Each electric borrower shall require each contractor to agree 
in writing to furnish only materials produced in accordance with the 
specifications in this section.
    (3) This specification describes the minimum acceptable quality of 
wood distribution crossarms and transmission crossarms (hereinafter 
called crossarms) that are purchased by or for borrowers. Where there 
is conflict between this specification and any other specification 
referred to in this section, this specification shall govern.
    (4) Various requirements relating to quality control and inspection 
are contained in Sec.  1728.202 of this part, Specification for Quality 
Control and Inspection of Timber Products. Section 1728.201 of this 
part, ANSI O5.2, (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97), and ANSI 
O5.3, (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97) shall be followed 
exactly and shall not be interpreted or subjected to judgment by the 
quality control person or an independent inspector.
    (5) The purchaser shall purchase from producers only material that 
meets the requirements of this specification. Each purchaser shall use 
a written purchase order to purchase material for use in financed 
systems in order to ensure compliance with the standards and 
specifications of this part. The written purchase order shall contain a 
provision that specifically requires the producer to comply with the 
provisions of this part. The purchase order shall contain a provision 
that specifically requires the producer to make the treating plant and 
storage areas available, during normal business hours, in order for 
representatives of either the purchaser or this agency to inspect such 
to determine compliance with the standards and specifications of this 
part.
    (6) The producer shall provide the inspectors with full information 
(drawings, etc.) relating to the requirements contained in the purchase 
order which is supplementary to this specification.
    (7) The producer shall maintain, or have access to, adequate 
laboratory facilities at or very near the treating plant, and all 
chemical tests, assays or analyses associated with the treatment shall 
be independently performed in this laboratory by both the quality 
control designee and the borrower's inspector. The producer may use a 
central laboratory as accepted on a case-by-case basis.
    (8) Inspection and treatment of all timber products produced under 
this specification shall be performed after receipt of the order from 
the purchaser, except as provided for reserve treated stock.
    (9) The testing and inspection of the lamination process shall be 
in accordance with AITC 200 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  
1728.97).
    (10) With the exception of reserve treated stock, if requested by 
the borrower invoices for treated timber products shall be accompanied, 
in duplicate, by a copy of the producer's Certificate of Compliance and 
a copy of either the Independent Inspection Report or a Quality 
Assurance Plan Certificate. For reserve treated stock, inspection 
reports shall be available from the inspection agency. When shipped 
from reserve stock, the invoice shall bear an endorsement and a further 
certification by the producer that the material meets the requirements 
of this specification and any supplementary requirements cited in the 
purchase order under which it is purchased.
    (11) Crossarms shall be warranted to conform to this specification. 
If any crossarm is determined to be defective or does not conform to 
this specification within 1 year after delivery to the borrower, it 
shall be replaced as promptly as possible by the producer. In the event 
of failure to do so, the purchaser may make such replacement and the 
cost of the crossarm, at destination, shall be recoverable from the 
producer.

[[Page 36966]]

    (12) Crossarm producers shall take out and maintain liability 
insurance for not less than $1 million. Upon request, evidence of 
compliance shall be provided. The evidence shall be in the form of a 
certificate of insurance signed by a representative of the insurance 
company and include a provision that no changes in, or cancellation of, 
will be made without the prior written notice to the Director, Electric 
Staff Division, Rural Utilities Service.
    (b) Definitions.
    Agency refers to Rural Utilities Service (RUS), United States 
Department of Agriculture.
    Arm refers to structural wood member used to support electrical 
conductors and equipment. Arm is used interchangeably with crossarm.
    Certificate of compliance is a written certification by an 
authorized employee of the producer that the material shipped meets the 
requirements of this specification and any supplementary requirements 
specified in a purchase order from a borrower or the borrower's 
contractor.
    Crossarm refers to a structural wood member used to support 
electrical conductors and equipment and is a term used interchangeably 
with arm.
    Independent inspection relates to examination of material by an 
independent inspector employed by a commercial inspection agency.
    Inspection means an examination of material in sufficient detail to 
ensure conformity to all phases of the specification under which it was 
purchased.
    Lot is a quantity of crossarms of like size, conditioning, and 
fabrication, usually making up one treating charge.
    Producer is used to describe the party who manufactures and/or 
treats crossarms.
    Purchaser refers to either the borrower or contractors acting as 
the borrower's agent, except where a part of the specification 
specifically refers to only the borrower or the contractor.
    Quality control designee refers to an individual designated by the 
producer to oversee proper operation of the manufacturer's internal 
quality control system.
    Reserve treated stock consists of timber products treated in 
accordance with this specification, prior to and in anticipation of the 
receipt of specific orders, and held in storage ready for immediate 
shipment.
    Supplier is a term used interchangeably with producer, or in some 
cases, may be the distributor selling crossarms to the borrower.
    Treating plant is the organization that applies the preservative 
treatment to the crossarms.
    (c) Independent Inspection Plan. This plan or a Quality Assurance 
Plan, as described in paragraph (e) of this section, is acceptable for 
supplying crossarms. All crossarms purchased under the Independent 
Inspection Plan, for use on an agency financed system shall be 
inspected by a qualified independent inspector in accordance with Sec.  
1728.202 of this part.
    (1) The borrower has the prerogative to contract directly with the 
inspection agency for service. The borrower should, where practical, 
select the inspection agency so that continual employment is dependent 
only on performance acceptable to the borrower and in accordance with 
this specification. The selected inspection agency shall not be allowed 
to subcontract the service to any other inspection agency.
    (2) The producer shall not be permitted to be a party to the 
selection of the inspection agency by the borrower and shall not 
interfere with the work of the inspector, except to provide 
notification of the readiness of material for inspection. To obtain 
inspection services for reserve stock, the producer may deal directly 
with the inspection agency. The producer shall not be permitted to 
treat material before it has been properly inspected and hammered with 
the appropriate inspection/quality assurance mark.
    (3) The methods of inspection described in this section and in 
Sec.  1728.202 of this part shall be used no matter which plan 
crossarms are produced under, i.e., Independent Inspection Plan, or 
Quality Assurance Plans, as described in this section
    (d) Quality Assurance Plans. The producer shall furnish crossarms 
conforming to this specification as monitored by an acceptable Quality 
Assurance Plan. Borrower groups or agents for borrower groups 
endeavoring to operate Quality Assurance Plans shall submit their plan 
for assuring quality control to the Chairman, Technical Standards 
Committee ``A'', Electric Staff Division, Rural Utilities Service, Stop 
1569, Washington, DC 20250-1569.
    (e) Material Requirements. (1) Material and Grade. All crossarms 
furnished under this specification shall be free of brashy wood, decay, 
and insect holes larger than 3/32 of an inch and shall meet additional 
requirements as shown on specific drawings. Crossarms shall be made of 
one of the following:
    (i) Douglas-fir which conforms to the applicable crossarm 
provisions of paragraphs 170 and 170a, or the applicable transmission 
arm provisions of paragraphs 169 and 169a of the Standard No. 17 
Grading Rules for West Coast Lumber (incorporated by reference in Sec.  
1728.97). Only coastal origin Douglas-fir shall be used for Douglas-fir 
crossarms manufactured under this specification;
    (ii) Southern Yellow Pine which conforms to the provisions of Dense 
Industrial Crossarm 65, as described in paragraph 31.2 in the 2001 
Southern Pine Inspection Bureau's Special Product Rules for Structural, 
Industrial, and Railroad-Freight Car Lumber, (incorporated by reference 
at Sec.  1728.97); or
    (iii) Laminated wood crossarms shall conform to ANSI O5.2 
(incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97) and have at least the same 
load carrying capacity as the solid sawn arm it replaces. The load 
carrying capacity of the laminated arms shall be determined by one of 
the procedures outlined in ANSI O5.2.
    (2) Borrowers may use alternative crossarms that are listed in 
Informational Publication 202-1, List of Materials Acceptable for Use 
on Systems of USDA Rural Utilities Service Borrowers. For information 
on the availability of this material, call RUS at (202) 720-1900, or go 
to: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UEP_Engineering_LOM.html.
    (3) Knots. Sound, firm, and tight knots, if well spaced, are 
allowed.
    (i) Slightly decayed knots are permitted, except on the top face, 
provided the decay extends no more than \3/4\ of an inch into the knot 
and provided the cavities will drain water when the arm is installed. 
For knots to be considered well spaced, the sum of the sizes of all 
knots in any 6 inches of length of a piece shall not exceed twice the 
size of the largest knot permitted. More than one knot of maximum 
permissible size shall not be in the same 6 inches of length. Slightly 
decayed, firm, or sound ``pin knots'' (\3/8\ of an inch or less) are 
not considered in size, spacing, or zone considerations.
    (ii) Knots are subject to limits on size and location as detailed 
in Tables I and II.

[[Page 36967]]



                      Table I--Knot Limits for Distribution Arms (See Figure 1, Appendix A)
                                           [All dimensions in inches]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Maximum                        Diameter
                   Class of knot and location                    ----------------      Knot      ---------------
                                                                    Close grain                     Dense grain
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round Knots
    Single Knot: Maximum Diameter Center Section*
        Upper Half..............................................           \3/4\  ..............               1
        Lower Half..............................................               1  ..............          1\1/4\
    Elsewhere...................................................          1\1/4\  ..............          1\1/2\
Sum of Diameters in a 6-Inch Length: Maximum:
    Center Section
        Upper Half..............................................          1\1/2\  ..............               2
        Lower Half..............................................               2  ..............          2\1/2\
    Elsewhere...................................................          2\1/2\  ..............               3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* No knot shall be closer than its diameter to the pole mounting hole.


 Table II--Knot Limits for Transmission Arms (See Figure 2, Appendix A)
                       [All dimensions in inches]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Pole mounting hole zone *        Maximum diameter for Single Knot
------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPPER HALF (inner zone).............  \3/4\.
UPPER HALF (outer zone).............  1 for close grain.
                                      1\1/4\ dense grain.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


 
                                                                                       Wide face (two sides)
                                                                                 -------------------------------
            Other locations transmission arm size **                Narrow face                        Along
                                                                                       Edge         centerline
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4\5/8\ x 5\5/8\ or less.........................................               1          1\1/4\          1\1/4\
5\5/8\ x 7\3/8\.................................................          1\1/4\          1\3/8\          1\7/8\
3\5/8\ x 9\3/8\.................................................           \3/4\          1\3/4\          2\1/4\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* No knot shall be closer than its diameter to the pole mounting hole.
** For cross sections not shown, refer to grading rules.

    (iii) Knot clusters shall be prohibited unless the entire cluster, 
measured on the worst face, is equal to or less than the round knot 
allowed at the specific location.
    (iv) Spike knots shall be prohibited in deadend arms. Any spike 
knot across the top face shall be limited to the equivalent 
displacement of a knot \3/8\ of an inch deep on one face and the 
maximum round knot for its particular location on the worst face, with 
a maximum width of 1 inch measured at the midpoint of the spiked 
section. Elsewhere across the bottom or side faces, spike knots shall 
not exceed \1/2\ the equivalent displacement of a round knot permitted 
at that location, provided that the depth of the knot on the worst face 
shall not exceed the maximum round knot allowed at that location.
    (v) Loose knots and knot holes shall be such that they can drain 
water when the arm is installed in its normal position. In the center 
section, upper half, loose knots shall not be greater than \1/2\ the 
dimensions of round knots. Elsewhere, loose knots shall not be greater 
than the round knot dimension. Loose knots shall be prohibited in 
deadend arms.
    (vi) All knots except those ``spike'' knots intersecting a corner 
shall be measured on the least diameter of the knot.
    (vii) A knot shall be considered to occupy a specific zone or 
section if the center of the knot (i.e., pith of knot) is within the 
zone or on the zone's boundary.
    (viii) If a round or oval knot appears on two faces and is in two 
zones, each face shall be judged independently. When this does not 
occur, average the least dimension showing on both faces. Knots which 
occur on only one face of a free of heart center (FOHC) arm shall be 
permitted to be 25 percent larger than the stated size.
    (ix) Two or more knots opposite each other on any face shall be 
limited by a sum not to exceed the size of a maximum single knot 
permitted for the location. On all four faces, all knots shall be well 
spaced.
    (x) Knots which have a maximum of \5/8\ inch diameter may intersect 
pin holes in the center section. One inch diameter knots may intersect 
insulator pin holes elsewhere.
    (4) Miscellaneous characteristics, features, and requirements. (i) 
The top face of distribution crossarms shall not have more than four 
medium pitch and bark pockets in 8-foot arms, and not more than five 
pitch and bark pockets in 10-foot arms. Elsewhere a maximum of six 
medium pockets in 8-foot arms and eight in 10-foot arms shall be 
permitted. Equivalent smaller pockets shall be permissible. An 
occasional large pocket is permissible.
    (ii) Shakes shall be prohibited.
    (iii) Prior to treatment on properly seasoned arms, single face 
checks shall not exceed an average penetration of \1/4\ the depth from 
any face and shall be limited to 10 inches long on the top face, and 
\1/3\ the arm length on the other faces. Checks shall not be repeated 
in the same line of grain in adjacent pin holes. The sum of the average 
depths of checks occurring in the same plane on opposite faces shall be 
limited to \1/4\ the face depth.
    (iv) Compression wood shall be prohibited on any face. Compression 
wood is permitted if wholly enclosed in

[[Page 36968]]

the arm, more than six annual rings from the surface, and not over \3/
8\ of an inch in width.
    (v) Insect holes \3/32\ of an inch and larger shall be prohibited. 
Insect pin holes (i.e. holes not over \1/16\ of an inch diameter) shall 
be allowed if scattered and not exceeding 10 percent of the arm girth.
    (vi) Wane shall be allowed on one edge, limited to approximately 1 
inch measured across the corner. Outside of the top center section, an 
aggregate length not to exceed 2 feet may have wane up to 1\1/2\ inches 
on an occasional piece on one or both edges. Bark shall be removed.
    (vii) Prior to and after preservative treatment, crook, bow, or 
twist shall not exceed \1/2\ of an inch in 8 foot arms and \5/8\ of an 
inch in 10 foot arms.
    (f) Manufacturing. (1) All dimensions and tolerances shall conform 
to those shown on the drawings in this section or drawings supplied 
with the purchase order. Drawings supplied shall meet or exceed minimum 
dimensions and tolerances shown on the drawings in this section. Cross-
sectional dimensions shall be measured and judged at about \1/4\ the 
arm length, except when the defects of ``skip dressing'' or ``machine 
bite or offset'' are involved.
    (2) Lamination techniques shall comply with ANSI O5.2 (incorporated 
by reference at Sec.  1728.97).
    (3) Pin and bolt holes shall be smoothly bored without undue 
splintering where drill bits break through the surface. The center of 
any hole shall be within \1/8\ of an inch of the center-line locations 
on the face in which it appears. Holes shall be perpendicular to the 
starting and finishing faces.
    (4) Shape. The shape of the arms at any cross section, except for 
permissible wane, shall be as shown on the respective drawings in this 
section or supplied with the order. The two top edges may be either 
chamfered or rounded \3/8\ of an inch radius. The two bottom edges 
shall be slightly eased \1/8\ of an inch radius for the entire length.
    (5) Incising. The lengthwise surfaces of Douglas-fir crossarms 
shall be incised approximately \1/4\ of an inch deep. The incision 
shall be reasonably clean cut with a spacing pattern that ensures 
uniform penetration of preservative.
    (6) Quality of work. All crossarms shall be of the highest quality 
production. Crossarms shall be dressed on four sides, although ``hit 
and miss skips'' may occur on two adjacent faces on occasional pieces.
    (g) Conditioning prior to treatment. (1) All solid sawn crossarms 
shall be made of lumber which has been kiln-dried. Douglas-fir arms 
shall have an average moisture content of 19 percent or less, with a 
maximum not to exceed 22 percent in a single arm. Southern Yellow Pine 
arms shall have an average moisture content of 22 percent or less, with 
a maximum not to exceed 30 percent in a single arm.
    (2) Moisture content levels shall be measured at about \1/4\ the 
length and at a depth of about \1/5\ the crossarm's thickness. 
Additionally, the moisture content gradient between the shell (i.e. \1/
4\ of an inch deep) and the core (i.e. about 1 inch deep) shall not 
exceed 5 percentage points.
    (3) A minimum of at least 20 solid sawn crossarms per treating 
charge shall be measured to verify moisture content and shall be duly 
recorded by the quality control designee.
    (4) The moisture content of lumber used in laminating shall, at the 
time of gluing, be within the range of 8 to 12 percent, inclusive.
    (h) Preservatives. (1) The preservatives shall be:
    (i) Creosote which conforms to the requirements of AWPA P1/13-06 
(incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97), when analyzed in 
accordance with the methods in AWPA A1-06 (incorporated by reference at 
Sec.  1728.97), sections 2, 3, 4, either 5 or 9, and 6;
    (ii) Pentachlorophenol which contains not less than 95 percent 
chlorinated phenols and conforms to AWPA P8-08 (incorporated by 
reference at Sec.  1728.97) when analyzed in accordance with AWPA A5-05 
(incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97) or AWPA A9-01 
(incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97). The hydrocarbon solvents 
for introducing the preservative into the wood shall meet the 
requirements of AWPA P9-06 (incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97) 
Type A;
    (2) Waterborne Preservatives shall be any of the following:
    (i) Ammoniacal Copper Arsenates (ACA) and Ammoniacal Copper Zinc 
Arsenate (ACZA) which shall meet the requirements of AWPA P5-08 
(incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97), when analyzed in 
accordance with methods in AWPA A2-08 (incorporated by reference at 
Sec.  1728.97) or AWPA A9-01 (incorporated by reference at Sec.  
1728.97); and
    (ii) Chromated Copper Arsenates (CCA) which shall meet the 
requirements of one of the formulations given in AWPA P5-08 
(incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97) sections 4, 5 or 6, and 
10. Tests to establish conformity shall be made in accordance with AWPA 
A2-08 (incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97) or A9-01 
(incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97).
    (A) The pH of treating solutions of the waterborne preservatives 
shown in AWPA P5-08 (incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97) 
section 10, shall be determined in accordance with AWPA A2-08, 
(incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97) section 8.
    (B) The oxide formulations of waterborne preservatives shall be 
supplied.
    (C) Douglas-fir crossarms shall not be treated with CCA 
preservatives.
    (D) Materials treated with waterborne preservatives shall be free 
of visible surface deposits.
    (iii) Copper Naphthenate (CuN) concentrate used to prepare wood 
preserving solutions shall contain not less than 6 percent nor more 
than 8 percent copper in the form of CuN and shall conform to AWPA P8-
08 (incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97) when analyzed in 
accordance with AWPA A5-05 (incorporated by reference at Sec.  
1728.97). The hydrocarbon solvents for introducing the preservative 
into the wood shall meet the requirements of AWPA P9-06 (incorporated 
by reference at Sec.  1728.97) Type A.
    (i) Preservative treatment. (1) All timber products treated under 
this specification shall be treated by either a pressure or a thermal 
(non-pressure) process.
    (2) These materials may be further conditioned by steaming, or by 
heating in hot oil (Douglas-fir), within the following limits:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Time hours
                                       (max.)           Temperature
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steam............................               3  220[deg] F
Heating in Preservation..........               3  210[deg] F
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 36969]]

     (3) A final steam or hot oil bath may be used only to meet 
cleanliness requirements of paragraph (k) of this section. Total 
duration of the final steam bath shall not exceed 2 hours and the 
temperature shall not exceed 240 degrees Fahrenheit.
    (j) Results of treatments. (1) The quality control designee shall 
test or supervise the testing of each treated charge for penetration 
and retention.
    (2) Method of sampling. When testing penetration and retention, a 
borer core shall be taken from not less than 20 crossarms in each 
treating charge. The borings shall be taken from any face except the 
top face at a point as close to the end as possible, being at least 3 
inches from the end of the arm and no closer than 3 inches from the 
edge of the holes. The bored holes shall be plugged with preservative-
treated plugs driven into the arm. Borings from laminated arms shall 
not be taken from the same laminate unless there is an end joint 
separation.
    (3) As determined in accordance with AWPA A3-08 (incorporated by 
reference at Sec.  1728.97) all sapwood present in Douglas-fir or 
Southern Yellow Pine crossarms shall be completely penetrated with 
preservative. In the heartwood of Douglas-fir crossarms, the 
penetration shall be not less than 3 inches longitudinally from the 
edge of holes and ends, and at least \3/16\ inch from the surface of 
any face.
    (4) Retention of preservative in the outer \6/10\ of an inch for 
Douglas-fir and one inch for Southern Yellow Pine assay zones at the 
treating plant shall be not less than:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    AWPA analysis method
          Preservation            Retention  (pcf)           **
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creosote.......................               8     A6.
Pentachlorophenol..............             * 0.4   A5.
ACA, ACZA, or CCA..............               0.4   A2, A7, or A9.
Copper Naphthenate.............               0.04  A5, or A9.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The pentachlorophenol retention is for the lime ignition method. The
  copper pyridine method, retention 0.36 pcf is required when timbers
  may have been in contact with salt water, and for all species native
  to the Pacific coast region. It is not required when it specifically
  states on the rough sawn material invoice that this material has not
  been in contact with salt water or is shown by analysis to have no
  additional chlorides present in the wood before treating.
** All the AWPA Analysis Methods are incorporated by reference at Sec.
  1728.97.

    (5) Cleanliness of lengthwise surfaces of all crossarms shall be 
free from tarry, greasy, or sticky material, and from oil exudation and 
pentachlorophenol crystallization (blooming).
    (6) Re-treatment of materials which do not meet the penetration and 
retention requirements of this specification may be done only twice. 
Initial treatment steaming time plus re-treatment steaming time, 
combined, shall not exceed time allowed in paragraph (i) of this 
section.
    (k) Marks and brands. (1) All crossarms shall be legibly branded 
(hot brand) or die-stamped and to a depth of approximately \1/16\ of an 
inch before treatment.
    (2) The letters and figures shall be not less than \1/2\ of an inch 
in height. The top of the brand shall be oriented to the top of the 
arm.
    (3) The brand or die-stamp shall include:
    (i) The manufacturer's identification symbol;
    (ii) Month and year of manufacture;
    (iii) Species of timber such as DF for Douglas-fir and SP for 
Southern Yellow Pine; and
    (iv) The preservative notated with a C for creosote, P for penta, S 
for waterbornes, or N for Copper Naphthenate.
    (4) An example is:
    M-6-06 Manufacturer--Month--Year
    DF-P Douglas-fir--penta treated
    (5) The brand or stamp shall be placed on either of the wide 
surfaces of the arms, oriented with letters right side up towards the 
top of the arm and preferably about 1 foot from the midpoint of the 
arm.
    (6) Each producer should mark each type of arm in approximately the 
same location on the arm.
    (7) Brands, inspection marks, or quality assurance marks shall be 
removed from arms that do not meet these specifications.
    (l) Storage. (1) Producers may treat crossarms for reserve stock 
under any of the agency approved plans.
    (2) Crossarms treated with oil-borne preservatives which have been 
held in storage for more than 1 year before shipment to the borrower, 
shall be re-assayed before shipment and shall be re-treated if found 
nonconforming for retention on orders placed in accordance with this 
section.
    (3) Crossarms shall meet the assay after re-treatment in accordance 
with paragraph (k) of this section.
    (4) Crossarms which are held in storage after final acceptance 
shall be stacked in piles or on skids in such a manner as to assure 
good ventilation. The stacks shall be covered or stored indoors for 
protection from the sun and weather to reduce checking, bending, and 
loss of preservative.
    (m) Drawings. (1) The drawings of Appendix B of this section, 
Crossarm Drilling Guide, have a type number and show in detail the hole 
size, shape, and pattern desired for crossarms ordered under this 
specification.
    (2) Purchase orders shall indicate the type crossarm required.
    (3) Crossarms shall be furnished in accordance with the details of 
these drawings or in accordance with drawings attached to the purchase 
order.
    (4) Appropriate drawings for transmission arms are to be specified 
and included with purchase orders. Technical drawings for transmission 
crossarms are published in Bulletin 1728F-811, ``Electric Transmission 
Specifications and Drawings, 115kV through 230kV'' (incorporated by 
reference at Sec.  1728.97), and Bulletin 1728F-810, ``Electric 
Transmission Specification and Drawings, 34.5kV through 69kV'' 
(incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97).
    (n) Destination inspection. All crossarms shall meet or exceed 
their minimum dimensions for at least 1 year after date of delivery to 
the borrower.
BILLING CODE P

[[Page 36970]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR24JN11.013


[[Page 36971]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR24JN11.014

BILLING CODE C

[[Page 36972]]



        Appendix C to Sec.   1728.201--Metric Conversion Factors
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          To convert from                    To             Multiply by
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foot (ft).........................  Meter (m)...........          0.3048
Inch (in).........................  Centimeter..........            2.54
Pound per cubic foot (pcf) (lb/ft   Kilogram per cubic          16.01846
 \3\).                               meter (kg/m \3\).
Pound per square inch (psi) (lb/in  Kilogram per square         703.0696
 \2\).                               meter (kg/m \2\).
Degrees Fahrenheit ([deg]F).......  Degrees Celsius       5/9(F[deg]-32)
                                     ([deg]C).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  1728.202  Bulletin 1728H-702, Specification for Quality Control 
and Inspection of Timber Products.

    (a) Scope. This specification describes in more detail the 
responsibilities and procedures pertaining to quality control for 
crossarms, as specified in section 1728.201 of this part, and poles, 
covered in Bulletin 1728F-700, ``Specification for Wood Poles, Stubs 
and Anchor Logs,'' incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97 of this 
part and in Sec.  1755.97 of 7 CFR part 1755.
    (b) General stipulations. (1) Conformance of poles and crossarms to 
agency specifications for the most part is the responsibility of the 
producer's management.
    A member of the producer's staff shall be designated quality 
control designee and charged with the responsibility for the exercise 
of proper quality control procedures.
    (2) The requirements of AWPA M3-05 (incorporated by reference at 
Sec.  1728.97), covering records, adequate laboratory, plant gauges, 
and other plant facilities including proper storage, shall be followed.
    (3) The methods of inspection described in this section shall be 
used no matter which plan timber products are purchased under, i.e., 
Insured Warranty Plan, Independent Inspection Plan, or Quality 
Assurance Plans, as described in Sec.  1728.201 of this part or 
Bulletin 1728F-700 (incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97). The 
number of poles and crossarms actually inspected by monitors for 
quality control under a Quality Assurance Plan or the Insured Warranty 
Plan may vary from the number of poles and crossarms inspected under 
the Independent Inspection Plan. Under the Independent Inspection Plan, 
each pole and a sample number of crossarms shall be inspected.
    (4) Under the Independent Inspection Plan, the borrower should 
designate in the purchase order which inspection agency it has 
selected. Unless the borrower contracts for inspection as a separate 
transaction, the treating company shall obtain the services of the 
borrower's designated inspection agency. For reserve treated stock for 
purchase under the Independent Inspection Plan, the treating company 
shall obtain the services of an inspection agency.
    (5) Individual inspectors in the employ of Independent Inspection 
Agencies shall be experienced and competent. The inspector shall 
perform all phases of the inspection personally and in the proper 
sequence. The primary responsibility of the inspector is to determine, 
for the borrower, by careful inspection and verification, that the 
timber products, preservative, and treatment meet the requirements of 
Bulletins 1728F-700 (incorporated by reference at Sec.  1728.97) and 
Sec.  1728.201 of this part (Bulletin 1728H-701) and that the methods, 
storage facilities, and production equipment conform to applicable 
specifications. For details of the inspector's qualifications see 
Appendix A of this section.
    (6) Independent inspection agencies and inspectors shall maintain 
their impartiality. To do so, inspection agencies, inspectors, 
producers and brokers must maintain the greatest degree of separation 
and eliminate even the appearance of a conflict of interest. Inspection 
agencies shall not receive gratuities from or enter into financial 
agreements, other than for inspection services, with suppliers for 
which they perform inspection. Inspection agencies shall not provide 
gratuities or free services to suppliers. Inspection agencies shall not 
offer product warranties on inspected material.
    (7) Failure of an individual inspector to follow proper procedures 
or failure of an inspection agency to properly train and supervise 
inspectors or follow the appropriate RUS specifications constitutes 
grounds for RUS debarment of said company from future inspection of RUS 
financed material
    (8) Inspection agencies shall have and maintain liability insurance 
in the amount of $500,000 and a surety bond or miscellaneous errors and 
omission insurance for consequential damages for not less than 
$250,000. Upon request, evidence of compliance to this requirement 
shall be forwarded to the agency. The evidence shall be in the form of 
a certificate of insurance or a Bond signed by a representative of the 
insurance or Surety Bonding company and include a provision that no 
change in, or cancellation of, will be made without the prior written 
notice to Chairman, Technical Standards Committee ``A'' (Electric).
    (9) Inspection agencies shall maintain their own laboratory that is 
properly equipped, and capable of completely analyzing the respective 
preservatives and retentions, and at a minimum able to run referee 
methods. This laboratory shall be independent from any treating plant 
laboratory. Independent Inspection Agencies may use one central 
laboratory.
    (10) Laminated materials manufactured for use on borrower systems 
shall comply with manufacturing and quality control requirements 
specified in ANSI O5.2 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97). 
The product shall be marked and certified.
    (i) Laminated material shall be inspected in accordance with ANSI 
O5.2, (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97).
    (ii) Quality control of material shall be performed to determine 
conformance with Sec.  1728.201 of this part and AITC 200, 
(incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97).
    (c) Quality control and inspection procedures for product 
acceptance. It is the responsibility of the plant quality control 
designee to perform the following procedures to ensure that a 
particular lot of material conforms to the requirements of the 
applicable Agency specification prior to treatment. After the plant 
quality control designee has performed these procedures, a particular 
lot of material shall be released to the inspector for verification of 
conformance.
    (1) Poles can be purchased under any of the three purchase plans. 
These plans are Insured Warranty Plan, Independent Inspection Plan, or 
a Quality Assurance Plan. Under all of these plans, all poles in a lot 
shall be inspected by the plant quality control designee.
    Under the Insured Warranty Plan and a Quality Assurance Plan, the 
number of poles inspected by a third party inspector may be less than 
every pole, depending on the terms of the plans.
    (i) Ample space and assistance shall be provided by the treating 
plant for

[[Page 36973]]

handling and turning to ensure that the surfaces of all items can be 
adequately inspected.
    (ii) Under the Independent Inspection Plan, all poles shall be 
inspected by the Independent Inspector for conformance to the 
requirements of Bulletin 1728F-700 (incorporated by reference at Sec.  
1728.97). If a pole is rejected and the cause of rejection is 
corrected, the rejected pole may be offered again for inspection as new 
material.
    (iii) Dimensions, length, and circumference shall be measured by a 
standard steel tape to determine that they are in agreement with the 
details for class and length in the brand and butt stamp. If it is 
obvious by visual comparison with a measured pole that the brand 
information is correct, individual poles need not be measured. Pole 
circumference dimensions made prior to treatment shall govern 
acceptance. Reduction in dimension due to treatment and shipping shall 
be not more than 2 percent below the minimum for the pole class.
    (iv) If 5 percent of the poles in a lot offered for inspection are 
defective, the inspector shall terminate the inspection. Re-examination 
of an entire lot by plant quality control shall be required when the 
number of rejected poles equals or exceeds 5 percent of the lot 
inspected. All defective or nonconforming poles either shall be removed 
from the lot or have their brands marked out.
    (v) Poles in a lot shall be inspected for decay and all poles shall 
be of the same seasoning condition. If the plant quality control 
designee suspects that decay is present, a slice from both ends shall 
be cut for closer examination. If 3 percent of the inspected poles in a 
lot show evidence of decay, the entire lot shall be unconditionally 
rejected without further sorting.
    (vi) Moisture content, when limited by the purchaser, as stated on 
the purchaser's purchase order, shall be measured by calibrated 
electronic moisture meter. Calibration of the meter shall include not 
only the zero settings for the X and Y readings, but also two 
resistance standards for 12 and 22 percent moisture content.
    (vii) Material failing to conform for moisture content may be 
retested upon request after a recalibration of the instrument. The 
results of the second test shall govern disposition of the lot.
    (viii) Re-examination for any mechanical damage or deterioration 
and for original acceptance shall be conducted on timber products not 
treated within 10 days after original inspection.
    (2) Crossarms can be purchased only under either of two purchase 
plans. These plans are the Independent Inspection Plan or Quality 
Assurance Plans. Under the Independent Inspection Plan, crossarms are 
to be inspected prior to manufacture, during manufacture, and after 
treatment. Under a Quality Assurance Plan, crossarms are inspected 
according to the terms of the quality assurance program acceptable to 
Rural Utilities Service.
    (i) Inspection prior to treatment shall include:
    (A) Surface inspection of all ends of all arms. This is usually 
done on the stacks of arms prior to manufacture. Particular attention 
shall be paid to defects commonly found in the ends, such as 
compression wood, red heart and other forms of decay, shakes, splits, 
through checks, scantiness, honeycomb, and low density, determined by 
rings per inch and percent of summerwood. All non-conforming arms shall 
be rejected. Whenever the number of nonconforming arms is found to 
exceed 0.5 percent of the lot or one arm, whichever is greater, the 
entire lot shall be rejected for excess number of defective ends. After 
the producer has removed or marked out the defective material, the arms 
may be resubmitted for inspection.
    (B) Surface inspection of the lengthwise sides performed on a 
random representative sample. The sample size shall equal 20 percent of 
a lot size or 200 arms, whichever is smaller. The inspector shall 
examine side surfaces as they are slowly rotated. When necessary, the 
rotation may be stopped for closer inspection. All non-conforming arms 
shall be rejected. Whenever the number of nonconforming arms is found 
to exceed 2 percent of the sample size, the entire lot shall be 
rejected. After the producer has removed or marked out the defective 
material, the arms may be resubmitted for inspection.
    (C) Check of moisture content of the random sample by a calibrated 
moisture meter.
    (D) Check of crossarm dimensions of the random sample measured 
after surfacing.
    (ii) Inspection during manufacture shall consist of:
    (A) Checking bolt and insulator pin holes for squareness and 
excessive splintering;
    (B) Checking brands for completeness, location, and legibility; and
    (C) Checking arms for conformance.
    (iii) Under the Independent Inspection Plan, there shall be a final 
inspection after treatment for preservative retention and penetration 
and for damage.
    (3) Structural glued laminated timber shall be tested and inspected 
in accordance with AITC 200 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  
1728.97). Grade of lumber shall be inspected by a qualified grader for 
specified quality, so marked. Adhesives used for all structural arms 
shall meet requirements of ANSI O5.2 (incorporated by reference at 
Sec.  1728.97) paragraph 5.2. Melamine urea adhesives shall not be 
used. End joint spacing and limitations shall be in accordance with 
ANSI O5.2.
    (d) Preservatives. (1) Creosote shall conform to the requirements 
of AWPA P1/P13-06 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97) when 
analyzed by AWPA A-06, (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97) 
sections 2, 3, 4, either 5 or 9, and 6, as follows:
    (i) Each occasional charge; and
    (ii) The first charge and one of every five charges randomly 
selected in consecutive charges shall be analyzed.
    (2) Solutions of waterborne preservatives shall be analyzed for 
components in accordance with AWPA A2-08 (incorporated by reference in 
Sec.  1728.97)) or AWPA A9-01 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  
1728.97) and shall meet the requirements of AWPA P5-08 (incorporated by 
reference in Sec.  1728.97) for composition. AWPA A2-08 shall be used 
as a referee method.
    (3) Pentachlorophenol shall contain not less than 95 percent 
chlorinated phenols and should conform to AWPA P8-08 (incorporated by 
reference in Sec.  1728.297), in hydrocarbon solvent AWPA P9-06, Type A 
(incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97).
    (4) Copper Naphthenate in hydrocarbon solvent AWPA P9-06 Type A 
(incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97), shall contain not less 
than 6 percent nor more than 8 percent copper in the form of Copper 
Naphthenate and shall conform to AWPA P8-08 (incorporated by reference 
in Sec.  1728.97), when analyzed in accordance with AWPA A5-05 
(incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97).
    (e) Plant facilities and inspection during treatment. (1) 
Manufacturing and treating plant facilities shall conform to paragraph 
3, AWPA M3-05 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97), Pressure 
plants shall be equipped with recording instruments to register time, 
pressure, temperature and vacuum during each cycle of treatment. 
Pressure plants shall also be equipped with indicating thermometers and 
pressure and vacuum gauges to check the accuracy of the recorders. Work 
tanks shall be equipped with a thermometer. Thermal treating vats shall 
be equipped with a time and temperature recorder

[[Page 36974]]

and with an indicating thermometer. Temperature recording devices are 
not mandatory for plants treating exclusively with waterborne 
preservatives.
    (2) Temperature and humidity readings throughout the kiln shall be 
recorded on a recording chart and verified by observation of direct 
reading equipment. Gauges and recording equipment shall be calibrated 
annually.
    (3) Recording instruments shall be checked with calibrated 
indicating gauges and thermometers, per AWPA M3-05 (incorporated by 
reference in Sec.  1728.97). Inaccuracies shall be referred to the 
treating plant for prompt correction. If an inaccuracy which indicates 
error resulting in non-compliance with this specification indicating 
possible damage to the material, the inspector shall reject the charge.
    (f) Results of treatment. (1) Poles shall be tested for retention 
and penetration by means of a calibrated increment borer 0.2 inches 
 0.02 inches in diameter in accordance with procedures in 
AWPA M2-07 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97). Under the 
Independent Inspection Plan, all treating charges shall be tested for 
retention and penetration. Plant quality control and independent 
inspection shall do their analyses separately. Under the Insured 
Warranty Plan and Quality Assurance Plans, the frequency of testing 
retention and penetration may vary according to the agency approved 
plan.
    (i) Unless otherwise specified, borings shall be taken 
approximately 1 foot above the face brand to 1 foot below the face 
brand. For pressure treated Western Red Cedar and all butt treated 
poles, borings shall be taken approximately 1 foot below groundline.
    (ii) Penetration compliance shall be determined in accordance with 
AWPA A3-08 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97). Chrome Azurol 
S and Penta-Check shall be used to determine penetration of copper 
containing preservatives and penta, respectively.
    (2) Retention sampling shall be when there are 20 or more poles in 
the treating charge, the retention sample for creosote shall consist of 
20 assay zones from southern pine and Douglas-fir poles. All poles in 
charges with fewer than 20 poles shall be bored once. Charges with less 
than 15 poles shall be bored once and bored again on a random basis to 
obtain a minimum of 15 assay zones.
    (i) Retention samples shall be taken from 20 poles in charges of 20 
or more poles.
    (ii) Retention samples for Alaska yellow, western red, and northern 
white cedars shall consist of a minimum of 30 assay zones for creosote 
and waterborne preservatives. For penta charges of fewer than 30 poles, 
the sample shall contain the assay zone from each pole in the lot.
    (iii) Retention samples shall consist of borings, representative of 
pole volumes for each class and length in the charge. Further selection 
and marking of poles of mixed seasoning, volume, and location on the 
tram shall be made as illustrated in the following table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Vol. in cu.     % of total       Number of
                 Number of poles                   Class/length         ft.           volume          borings
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27..............................................            7/30             232              15               3
26..............................................            4/35             447              29               6
11..............................................            5/35             163              10               2
55 *............................................            6/35             704              46               9
                                                                 ----------------
    Total.......................................  ..............           1,526  ..............  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* If a portion of these poles were green and some partially seasoned, then the number of borings should reflect
  the approximate percentage of each.

    (iv) When material in a lot consists of fewer pieces than the 
designated minimum number of samples for assay, additional borings 
shall be taken so as to make up at least the minimum sample, and in 
such manner that the sample is representative of the lot of material 
with respect to any variations in size, seasoning condition, or other 
features that might affect the results of treatment.
    (v) Analyses for preservative retention shall be performed as 
follows:
    (A) Creosote retention shall be analyzed by AWPA A6-01 
(incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97);
    (B) Penta retention shall be analyzed by AWPA A5-05 (incorporated 
by reference in Sec.  1728.97) or AWPA A9-01 (incorporated by reference 
at Sec.  1728.97). Copper pyridine method is required when timber may 
have been in contact with salt water and for all species native to the 
Pacific coast region, unless the raw material invoice specifically 
states that the material either has not been in contact with salt water 
or has been shown by analysis to have contained no additional chlorides 
before treating;
    (C) Copper Naphthenate retention shall be analyzed by tests in 
accordance with AWPA A5-05 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97) 
or AWPA A9-01 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97);
    (D) Waterborne preservatives retention shall be analyzed by tests 
in accordance with AWPA A2-08 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  
1728.97), AWPA A7-04 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97); or 
AWPA A9-01 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  1728.97); and,
    (E) Prior to unloading a tram, the inspectors may take their own 
samples and analyze them concurrently with the quality control 
designee, but each shall work independently, and quality control data 
shall be presented before acceptance of the charge.
    (3) The penetration sampling of poles shall conform as follows:
    (i) Group A poles consist of poles with a circumference of 37.5 
inches or less at 6 feet from butt.
    (A) Bore 20 Group A poles or 20 percent of the poles, whichever is 
greater. Accept if 100 percent of the sample conform; otherwise, bore 
all poles.
    (B) Re-treat the charge if more than 5 percent of the borings are 
found to be nonconforming.
    (C) Re-treat all nonconforming poles if 5 percent or fewer fail the 
requirement.
    (ii) Group B poles consist of poles with circumference greater than 
37.5 inches at 6 feet from the butt.
    (A) For Group B poles 45 feet and shorter, bore each pole and re-
treat only those found to be nonconforming, unless more than 5 percent 
fail; in that case, re-treat the entire lot.
    (B) For Group B 50 feet and longer, bore each pole twice at 90 
degrees apart around the pole and accept only those poles conforming to 
the penetration requirement in both borings. All nonconforming poles 
may be re-treated only twice.
    (iii) All bored holes (nominal 0.2 of an inch diam. bit) shall be 
promptly filled with treated, tight-fitting wood plugs.

[[Page 36975]]

    (4) Under the Independent Inspection Plan, all treated charges of 
crossarms shall be tested for retention and penetration. Plant quality 
control inspectors and independent inspectors shall do their analyses 
independently. Under the Quality Assurance Plans, the frequency of 
testing retention and penetration may vary according to the plan.
    (i) The penetration and retention sample shall consist of 20 (48 
for creosote) outer \6/10\ of an inch for Douglas-fir and 1 inch for 
Southern Yellow Pine zones from borings taken from any face except the 
top face at a location as close to the end as possible being at least 3 
inches from the end of the arm and no closer than 3 inches from the 
edge of any holes. For laminated material, borings shall be taken from 
laminates on a random basis.
    (ii) Preservative penetration shall be tested by taking not less 
than 20 borings from 20 crossarms in each charge, determined in 
accordance with AWPA A3-08 (incorporated by reference in Sec.  
1728.97). Chrome Azurol S and Penta-Check shall be used to determine 
penetration of copper containing preservatives and penta, respectively.
    (5) Laminated material shall be checked for any evidence of 
delamination due to treatment and for the identifying quality stamp of 
AITC or American Plywood Association (APA).
    (6) If used for analysis, x-ray fluorescence instruments (XRF) 
shall be accurate and reliable, and they shall generate reproducible 
results. Instruments shall have thorough instructions which should 
include recommendations on drying techniques, equipment, and density 
calculations. These drying recommendations shall be followed when using 
XRF instruments.
    (7) To check the precision and accuracy of the in-plant x-ray 
fluorescence units (XRF) being used by producers, at least once monthly 
the independent inspector shall take a retention sample previously 
analyzed in the producer's laboratory and rerun it in the inspection 
agency's own laboratory. This sample shall be run utilizing either the 
XRF or recognized referee method for the given preservative. If the 
analytical results are within  5% of retention value that 
was previously obtained on the sample using the plant's XRF unit, the 
plant instrument needs no further calibration. All XRF units maintained 
by independent agencies as part of their required laboratories shall be 
calibrated at least quarterly either by the referee method for each 
preservative treatment being analyzed by said agency or by comparison 
with a set of graduated treated wood standards.
    (8) Each independent inspector and plant quality control personnel 
that use XRF instruments, shall be properly trained in the analysis of 
treated wood and preservatives under the supervision of a competent 
instructor. Proof of training shall be kept on file.
    (g) Product acceptance. Under the Independent Inspection Plan, the 
inspector shall signify acceptance by marking each piece of accepted 
material with a clear, legible hammer stamp in one end prior to 
treatment and in the other end after treatment. The inspector shall 
personally mark each piece, and shall not delegate this responsibility 
to another person.
    (1) Charge Inspection Reports.
    (2) Inspection Reports shall include the following:
    (i) Total pieces offered by the producer, number of pieces rejected 
and cause of rejection;
    (ii) Conditioning details of the material prior to treatment;
    (iii) Copy of preservative analysis by preservative supplier;
    (iv) The details of treatment; and
    (v) The results of treatment. Results shall include the following:
    (A) The depth of penetration for each sample and a summary of all 
poles rejected for insufficient penetration;
    (B) Separate worksheets for retention analyses, prepared by quality 
control designee and independent inspector.
    (3) On each inspection report the independent inspector and the 
plant quality control designee shall certify, in writing, that the 
material listed on the report has been inspected before and after 
treatment, and that the preservative used was analyzed in accordance 
with the requirements of this section.
    (4) Each inspector or inspection agency shall permanently retain 
for a period of 1 year a copy or transcript of each report of 
inspection, together with laboratory worksheets covering retention by 
assay and preservative analyses for the purchaser, and on request shall 
furnish a copy or transcript of any of these reports to the Chairman, 
Technical Standards Committee ``A'', Electric Staff Division, Rural 
Utilities Service, Washington, DC 20250-1569.
    (h) Charge numbers on re-treat poles. (1) The letter ``R'' shall be 
added to the original charge number in the butts of all poles that are 
re-treated for insufficient penetration or retention of preservative.
    (2) All poles that fail to meet treatment requirements after two 
re-treatments shall be permanently rejected.
    (i) Safety provisions. Poles intended for agency borrowers shall 
not be inspected when, in the opinion of the inspector, unsafe 
conditions are present.

APPENDIX A TO Sec.  1728.202--INSPECTOR'S QUALIFICATIONS

    Inspection agencies should see that inspectors assigned to the 
inspection of timber products and treatment for borrowers are 
competent and experienced. In general, any of the following examples 
are considered as minimum qualifying experience before a new 
inspector may be permitted to inspect timber products for borrowers:
    (a) Three years' experience as an inspector of timber and the 
preservative treatment of timber; or
    (b) Three years' experience in timber treating plant quality 
control work; or
    (c) Under the direct, on site, supervision of an experience, 
well-qualified inspector, the prospective inspector shall have 
performed the following:
    (1) Inspected at least 10,000 poles and/or crossarms ``in the 
white.''
    (2) Checked preservative penetration results on at least 10,000 
poles and crossarms;
    (3) Made at least 100 wood assays for preservative retention;
    (4) Made at lease 25 analyses of each type preservative used on 
material the person is assigned to inspect; and
    (d) In both (a) and (b) of this Appendix A, the experience 
should be not less than that required in (c).
    (e) Inspectors experienced in the inspections of one product, 
such as poles, should not be qualified to inspect another product, 
such as crossarms, until the above experience is gained for each 
respective product.
    (f) The inspector should be especially well informed in wood 
preservation and the operation of a timber treating plant, and be 
competent in preservative analysis and other laboratory work.
    (g) In all cases, an inspector should be thoroughly instructed 
in the application of the specifications and the standards 
pertaining thereto before being permitted to independently inspect 
timber products and the treatments applied to them. Knowledge of 
these specifications and standards, as well as the inspector's 
proficiency, may be checked routinely by members of the agency 
staff.

PART 1755--TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR 
MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION

0
4. The authority citation for part 1755 continues to read as follows:

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


0
5. Revise Sec.  1755.97 to read as follows:


Sec.  1755.97  Telephone standards and specifications.

    (a) To comply with the provisions of this part, you must follow the 
requirements set out in the following RUS telecommunications bulletins. 
These bulletins are approved for

[[Page 36976]]

incorporation by reference by the Director of the Office of the Federal 
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. These 
bulletins contain construction standards and specifications for 
materials and equipment and may be obtained from the Rural Utilities 
Service, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, 1400 Independence 
Ave., SW., Stop 1522, Room 4028 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-
1522, phone (202) 720-8674. The bulletins are available for inspection 
at RUS, at the address above, and at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. 
These materials are incorporated as they exist on the date of the 
approval and notice of any change in these materials will be published 
in the Federal Register. The terms ``RUS form'', ``RUS standard form'', 
``RUS specification'', and ``RUS bulletin'' have the same meaning as 
the terms ``REA form'', ``REA standards form'', ``REA specification'', 
and ``REA bulletin'', respectively, unless otherwise indicated. For 
information on other standards incorporated by reference into this part 
see Sec.  1755.901.
    (b) The following RUS bulletins are available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) for 
Washington, DC 20402, Phone: 1-866-512-1800 (toll-free) 202-512-1800 
(DC Area) or go to the GPO Web site at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/about/index.html.
    (1) Bulletin 345-39, RUS specification for telephone station 
protectors, August 19, 1985.
    (2) Bulletin 345-50 PE-60, RUS specification for trunk carrier 
systems, September 1979.
    (3) Bulletin 345-54 PE-52, RUS specification for telephone cable 
splicing connectors, December 1971.
    (4) Bulletin 345-55 PE-61, RUS specification for central office 
loop extenders and loop extender voice frequency repeater combinations, 
December 1973.
    (5) Bulletin 345-65, PE-65, Specification for shield bonding 
connectors, March 22, 1985.
    (6) Bulletin 345-66 PE-64, RUS specification for subscriber carrier 
systems, September 1979.
    (7) Bulletin 345-69 PE-29, RUS specification for two-wire voice 
frequency repeater equipment, January 1978.
    (8) Bulletin 345-72 PE-74, RUS specification for filled splice 
closures, October 1985.
    (9) Bulletin 345-78 PE-78, RUS specification for carbon arrester 
assemblies for use in protectors, February 1980.
    (10) Bulletin 345-180 Form 397a, RUS specifications for voice 
frequency repeaters and voice frequency repeatered trunks, January 
1963.
    (11) Bulletin 345-183 Form 397d, RUS design specifications for 
point-to-point microwave radio systems June 1970.
    (12) Bulletin 345-184 Form 397e, RUS design specifications for 
mobile and fixed dial radio telephone equipment May 1971.
    (13) Bulletin 1728F-700, RUS Specification for Wood Poles, Stubs 
and Anchor Logs, (3-2011).
    (14) Bulletin 1753F-150 Form 515a, Specifications and Drawings for 
Construction of Direct Buried Plant, September 30, 2010.
    (15) Bulletin 1753F-151 Form 515b, Specifications and Drawings for 
Construction of Underground Plan, September 12, 2001.
    (16) Bulletin 1753F-152 Form 515c, Specifications and Drawings for 
Construction of Aerial Plant, September 17, 2001.
    (17) Bulletin 1753F-153 Form 515d, Specifications and Drawings for 
Service Installation at Customer Access Locations, September 17, 2001.

    Dated: May 31, 2011.
Jonathan Adelstein,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-14567 Filed 6-23-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P