96-13770. Regulatory Reinvention Initiative: Pipeline Safety Program Procedures; Reporting Requirements; Gas Pipeline Standards; and Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities Standards  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 107 (Monday, June 3, 1996)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 27789-27793]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-13770]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Research and Special Programs Administration
    
    49 CFR Parts 190, 191, 192 and 193
    
    [Docket PS-125; Notice 2]
    RIN 2137-AC28
    
    
    Regulatory Reinvention Initiative: Pipeline Safety Program 
    Procedures; Reporting Requirements; Gas Pipeline Standards; and 
    Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities Standards
    
    AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This final rule changes various administrative practices in 
    the pipeline safety program and makes minor modifications to 
    requirements for gas detection, protective enclosures, and pipeline 
    testing temperatures. These changes will eliminate unnecessary or 
    overly burdensome requirements, and reduce costs in the pipeline 
    industries without compromising safety.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: The effective date of this final rule is July 3, 1996. 
    However, affected parties will not have to comply with the information 
    collection requirements in 49 CFR 193. 2819(f) and 193.2907 (a) and (b) 
    until the DOT publishes in the Federal Register the Control Numbers 
    assigned by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to these 
    collection of information requirements. Publication of the Control 
    Numbers notifies the public that OMB has approved these requirements 
    under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: L.E. Herrick, (202) 366-5523 or online 
    at herrickl@rspa.dot.gov regarding the subject matter of this final 
    rule, or the Dockets Unit, (202) 366-5046, regarding copies of this 
    final rule or other information in the docket.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        In a memorandum dated March 4, 1995, the President provided 
    direction to the heads of Departments and agencies on carrying out his 
    Regulatory Reform Initiative for reinventing the government. As part of 
    this initiative, RSPA established a program to review existing pipeline 
    safety regulations in order to identify those that were outdated or in 
    need of reform.
        On April 5, 1995, RSPA published a notice in the Federal Register 
    soliciting comments from the pipeline industry as well as other 
    interested parties (60 FR 17295, April 5, 1995). RSPA also conducted 
    three outreach meetings in 1995 in Dallas, TX, Lakewood CO, and 
    Houston, TX. Many comments were received both at the outreach meetings 
    and in response to the Federal Register notice.
        As a result of these comments, RSPA revisited this rulemaking which 
    began in 1992. On November 6, 1992, RSPA published a notice of proposed 
    rulemaking (NPRM) (57 FR 53085, November 6, 1992) proposing changes to 
    parts 190, 191, 192 and 193. The comment period closed on December 7, 
    1992. RSPA received comments from 22 regulated pipeline companies, 
    three pipeline trade associations, one consultant, one technical 
    committee, and two state agencies (29 total comments received).
        RSPA also requested a review of the proposal affecting natural gas 
    facilities by mail balloting from the Technical Pipeline Safety 
    Standards Committee (TPSSC). This 15-member committee was established 
    by statute to consider the feasibility, reasonableness, and 
    practicability of all proposed pipeline safety regulations.
        After initial balloting, each TPSSC member reviewed the ballots and 
    comments of each of the other members, and had the option to change his 
    or her initial vote or comment if desired. Although some TPSSC members 
    did not vote on every proposed change, a majority of TPSSC members 
    found all the changes adopted by this rule to be technically feasible, 
    reasonable, and practicable.
    
    Changes to Part 190 Requirements
    
    Section 190.203  Inspections
    
        Section 190.203(c) currently requires that, after an Office of 
    Pipeline Safety (OPS) inspection, an operator must respond to a 
    ``Request for Specific Information within 30 days.'' RSPA proposed 
    amending this section to increase the time to 45 days. The increase 
    would enable the operator to provide RSPA with more complete 
    information to use in evaluating inspection results.
        RSPA received 19 comments from operators, State regulatory agencies 
    and trade groups in response to this proposal. All commenters agreed 
    that the time period should be extended. In addition, one commenter 
    suggested that a further extension be granted to cases involving 
    detailed ``specific information'' that may require longer than 45 days 
    to gather.
    
    RSPA Response
    
        RSPA believes that 45 days will usually be adequate. In situations 
    where more time is required the Regional Director has the authority to 
    extend the time allowed for a response. Therefore, the revision is 
    adopted as proposed.
    
    Section 190.209  Response Options
    
        RSPA proposed deleting section 190.209(c). Section 190.209(c) 
    currently allows a respondent to offer a compromise to a Notice of 
    Probable Violation and Proposed Civil Penalty by submitting a check or 
    money order for the amount offered to the Regional Director who 
    forwards the offer to the Associate Administrator, OPS for action. If 
    the Associate Administrator, OPS, accepts the offer in compromise, the 
    respondent is notified in writing that the acceptance is in full 
    settlement of the civil penalty action. If an offer in compromise is 
    rejected, it is returned to the respondent with written notification.
        RSPA received 19 comments from operators, State regulatory agencies 
    and trade groups on the proposed deletion of Sec. 190.209(c). Most 
    commenters agreed with the proposed deletion. Two commenters disagree 
    with the proposed deletion, preferring to retain the option and stating 
    that Sec. 190.209(c) does not place an undue regulatory burden upon 
    industry.
        All commenters observed that the deletion also affects 
    Sec. 190.209(a)(2) and Secs. 190.227 (a), (b), and (d) and that these 
    sections should also be revised for consistency.
    
    RSPA Response
    
        Under current Federal policy, assessment of a penalty is not 
    contemplated until after a finding of violation. As a result, RSPA has 
    not routinely resolved cases without such findings. The submission of a 
    check prior to establishing a finding of violation unnecessarily 
    restricts a company's cash flow during the pendency of the enforcement 
    case. Therefore, RSPA is adopting this provision as proposed. In 
    addition, RSPA is adopting the commenters' suggestions concerning 
    Secs. 190.209(a)(2); 190.227(a); 190.227(b); and 190.227(d).
    
    Section 190.211(b)
    
        Section 190.211(b) currently provides that in circumstances deemed
    
    [[Page 27790]]
    
    appropriate by the Regional Director, and only if the respondent 
    concurs, a telephone conference may be held in lieu of a hearing. RSPA 
    proposed to require a telephone hearing for all probable violations 
    involving penalty amounts under $10,000 in which a hearing is 
    requested.
        Five commenters responded to this proposal stating that they 
    believe the respondent should have the option of dealing with any 
    probable violation in person. These commenters argue that the dollar 
    amount of the assessment for an alleged violation may not be indicative 
    of the complexity of the case.
    
    RSPA Response
    
        RSPA beleives that the current practice of conducting telephone 
    hearings where the amount is less than $10,000 is cost effective. 
    However, based upon the comments received, RSPA will allow respondents 
    to request in-person hearings. Therefore, the section is amended to 
    establish telephone hearings as the preferred rather than required 
    method for amounts less than $10,000.
    
    Section 190.211(c)
    
        Section 190.211(c) currently states that a hearing may, under 
    limited circumstances, be conducted by a representative of the OPS 
    region in which the facility is located. RSPA proposed in the NPRM that 
    all hearings be conducted by an attorney from the Office of the Chief 
    Counsel of RSPA. All commenters agree with this proposal.
    
    RSPA Response
    
        The section is amended as proposed.
    
    Section 190.211(e)
    
        Section 190.211(e) currently states that at the outset of a hearing 
    in response to a Notice of Probable Violation, the material in the case 
    file pertinent to the issues to be determined is presented by the 
    presiding official of the hearing. The respondent may examine and 
    respond to or rebut this material. RSPA proposed to revise this 
    regulation to provide the respondent the opportunity to review material 
    in the case file pertinent to the issues prior to any hearing.
        RSPA received 20 comments in response to the proposed amendments to 
    Sec. 190.211. The comments were provided by an array of trade 
    organizations, state regulatory agencies and operators. All commenters 
    agree with the proposed language. However, two commenters recommend 
    that the case file be automatically provided to all respondents at 
    least 30 days before the hearing. They conclude that any respondent 
    requesting a hearing will want to review all material in the case file 
    and that automatically providing the material would eliminate 
    unnecessary correspondence between the respondent and the agency.
    
    RSPA Response
    
        RSPA agrees that a copy of the case file should be provided to a 
    respondent prior to a hearing. However, this practice should not 
    include automatic mailing of a case file when a request for a hearing 
    is submitted to the agency. The respondent may wish to address only 
    some of the issues in the Notice of Probable Violation in the hearing; 
    thus mailing the entire file may in some instances result in 
    unnecessary expense. Therefore, Sec. 190.211 is amended as proposed in 
    the NPRM. Section 190.211(f) is also amended to clarify that the 
    respondent will continue to have the opportunity to offer any relevant 
    information during the hearing.
    
    Section 190.215  Petitions for Reconsideration
    
        Section 190.215(d) currently states that the filing of a petition 
    for reconsideration does not stay the effectiveness of the final order. 
    The proposed revision would automatically stay payment of any civil 
    penalty assessed if a petition for reconsideration is filed. This will 
    result in cost savings to the pipeline operator by delaying civil 
    penalty payments until a decision is made on the petition for 
    reconsideration.
        RSPA received 20 comments on the proposed rule from operators, 
    State regulatory agencies and trade groups. All commenters support the 
    proposed amendment. Two commenters suggested that all requirements or 
    actions contained in a final order be stayed because the final order 
    may require the respondent to make significant facility or operational 
    modifications that may exceed the cost of any civil penalty and these 
    expenses should be delayed, until final resolution of the case, unless 
    a clear public safety risk exists.
    
    RSPA Response
    
        RSPA agrees that final orders requiring significant facility or 
    operational modifications should sometimes be delayed until final 
    resolution of the case. However, because an automatic stay could delay 
    corrective actions related to safety without an evaluation of any 
    potential impact of the delay, the rule does not provide for an 
    automatic stay in the case of orders requiring action other than the 
    payment of money. Stays in cases involving corrective action will be 
    considered on a case-by-case basis.
    
    Section 190.227  Payment of Penalty
    
        Section 190.227(a) currently states that payment of a civil penalty 
    must be made by certified check or money order payable to the 
    ``Department of Transportation.'' RSPA proposed to continue to allow 
    this method for a civil penalty of less than $10,000. Under new 
    Sec. 190.227(b), RSPA proposed to require that payments of $10,000 or 
    more be made by wire transfer through the Federal Reserve 
    Communications System to the account of the U.S. Treasury.
        In response to the proposed amendment of Sec. 190.227, RSPA 
    received 20 comments from operators, State regulatory agencies, and 
    trade groups. Most commenters agree with the proposed amendment. One 
    commenter recommends that the proposed language in Sec. 190.227(b) be 
    modified to read ``twenty business days or thirty calendar days.'' 
    This, he suggests, would aid smaller companies.
        Four commenters disagree with the proposed changes to the 
    regulation. They question RSPA's need to require wire transfers of 
    civil penalties of $10,000 or more. They argue that this restriction 
    serves no purpose and unnecessarily limits the options of payees.
    
    RSPA Response
    
        RSPA is required by Departmental regulations (49 CFR 89.21(b)(3)) 
    to collect amounts over $10,000 through wire transfer. Therefore, the 
    proposed amendment to Sec. 190.227 will be adopted.
    
    Changes to Part 191 Requirements
    
        The following discussion explains the changes in part 191:
    
    Section 191.1  Scope
    
        Currently Sec. 191.1(b)(1) contains the phrase ``on the Outer 
    Continental Shelf (OCS)''. RSPA proposed to delete this phrase because 
    the regulation does not clearly specify where the applicability of part 
    191 begins on offshore gathering lines in state waters. An operator 
    recommended a similar change in comments responding to an NPRM 
    proposing to clarify the definition of gathering lines (56 FR 48505; 
    September 25, 1991; Docket PS-122).
        RSPA's revision will clarify that part 191 does not apply to field 
    production lines; i.e., flow lines in state offshore waters, similar to 
    the present exception on the OCS. No substantive comments were received 
    in response to this proposal.
    
    [[Page 27791]]
    
    RSPA Response
    
        Therefore, RSPA is amending Sec. 191.1 as proposed.
    
    Changes to Part 192 Requirements
    
        The following discussion explains the change to part 192:
    
    Section 192.513  Test Requirements for Plastic Pipelines
    
        This regulation prescribes minimum test requirements for plastic 
    pipelines to ensure discovery of all potentially hazardous leaks. RSPA 
    proposed to amend paragraph (c) of the rule to clarify that, at 
    elevated temperatures, the test pressure is limited by the reduced 
    hydrostatic strength of the thermoplastic material. RSPA also proposed 
    to amend paragraph (d) of the rule which would benefit pipeline 
    operators who during hot summer days are unable to pressure test newly 
    constructed pipelines because the temperature of the thermoplastic 
    material exceeds 38  deg.C (100N F). The proposal would permit field 
    pressure testing up to the same temperature used to determine 
    hydrostatic design strength as defined by the design pressure formula 
    in Sec. 192.121.
        In response to the proposal, RSPA received 21 comments from 
    operators, State regulatory agencies, and trade groups. Most commenters 
    supported the intent of the proposed rule. However, a few commenters 
    said that the wording of the proposed rule would undermine the intent. 
    They were concerned that although the proposed rule would raise the 
    temperature limit for testing of some pipelines (those with a long-term 
    hydrostatic strength based on a temperature above 38  deg.C (100 
    deg.F)), it would lower the currently allowable temperature limit for 
    other pipelines (those whose long-term hydrostatic strength is based on 
    a design temperature of less than 38  deg.C (100  deg.F).
        One commenter stated that many operators base their pressure 
    ratings for plastic pipe on a standard temperature of 23NC (73N F). For 
    many parts of the United States, this design standard is adequate 
    because it exceeds the operating temperature of buried plastic piping 
    in those geographical regions. However, temperatures above ground often 
    exceed 23NC (73N F). The proposed rule would prohibit operators for 
    whom this applies from conducting pressure tests on hotter days until 
    temperatures fall below 23NC (73N F). The commenters suggested a better 
    approach would be to limit test temperatures to the temperature at 
    which the long-term hydrostatic design basis was determined only if the 
    temperatures of the plastic piping material exceed 38  deg.C (100N F).
    
    RSPA Response
    
        RSPA recognizes the difficulties associated with the language of 
    the proposed rule. To better express the intent of this rule, the 
    maximum temperature limit for testing of plastic pipelines will be set 
    at either 38  deg.C (100N F) or the temperature at which the long-term 
    hydrostatic test was determined, whichever is greater.
        In the discussion of the NPRM, it was stated that the Gas Piping 
    Technology Committee (GPTC) proposed modified language in Secs. 192.513 
    (c) and (d). The GPTC has notified RSPA that although the GPTC Plastic 
    Task Group is considering a similar proposal, the GPTC has not proposed 
    any modified language.
    
    Changes to Part 193 Requirements
    
        The following discussion explains the changes to part 193: 
    Sec. 193.2819 Gas detection. Operators at LNG plants must continuously 
    monitor all enclosed buildings for hazardous concentrations of 
    flammable gases and vapors, using permanent detection systems that 
    provide visible or audible alarms (Sec. 193.2819(f)). All enclosed 
    buildings must be monitored, even if the building is not connected to a 
    source of flammable fluid. For example, a tool shed that does not house 
    a flammable fluid and is not connected to a source of flammable fluid 
    must have a fixed gas detection and alarm system. Because RSPA's review 
    concluded that the risk of flammable gas or vapor accumulating inside 
    such buildings is negligible, we proposed to apply Sec. 193.2819(f) 
    only to buildings ``that house a flammable fluid or are connected by 
    piping or conduit to a source of flammable fluid.''
        Twelve TPSSC members supported the proposal completely, one member 
    supported it but recommended deletion of ``or conduit,'' and two 
    members abstained. The reason given for deleting ``or conduit'' was 
    that the National Electrical Code (NEC), referenced in part 193, 
    requires conduits between hazardous and non-hazardous areas to be 
    sealed to prevent accidental migration of flammable gas or vapor.
        RSPA received comments on the proposed rule from 15 operators, two 
    pipeline-related associations, and one consultant. None of these 
    commenters objected to the proposal. However, two commenters suggested 
    we delete ``or conduit'' because of the NEC safeguard mentioned above, 
    while two others suggested that ``conduit'' be modified by 
    ``uninterrupted.''
        Two commenters recommended that RSPA expand the proposed exception 
    to include buildings whose only source of flammable fluid is fuel for 
    heating or cooking. When these sources were low pressure and odorized, 
    it was concluded that they posed minimal risk.
    
    RSPA Response
    
        Deleting the words ``or conduit'' would not be appropriate because 
    all existing conduits may not have been installed under current NEC 
    standards and thus may not be sealed against possible intrusion of gas. 
    However, in the final rule, RSPA has added the word ``uninterrupted'' 
    between ``or'' and ``conduit''. This will relieve an operator from the 
    need to protect a building which is sealed pursuant to the NEC against 
    accidental migration of gas or vapor. We did not adopt the comment to 
    expand the proposed exception to buildings whose only source of 
    flammable fluid is fuel. The risk is not minimal in the context of an 
    LNG plant.
    When LNG is piped into a building for heating or cooking, there is an 
    opportunity for gas to escape undetected inside the building and 
    ignite. However slight this opportunity, the potential consequences of 
    any building fire or explosion are magnified by the LNG plant setting. 
    Thus, we do not believe the existing rule should be relaxed further to 
    exclude buildings whose only source of flammable fluid is gas for 
    heating or cooking.
    
    Section 193.2907  Protective Enclosure Construction
    
        Paragraphs (b) (1) through (3) and (c) of this rule dictate 
    specific material and design features of protective enclosures (i.e., 
    fences and walls) that surround certain LNG facilities. For example, 
    fences must be chainlink of at least No. 11 American wire gauge. RSPA's 
    review concluded that such prescriptive requirements are unnecessary 
    and overly burdensome in view of the performance standard under 
    Sec. 193.2907(a) governing the design and construction of protective 
    enclosures. That standard provides that each protective enclosure must 
    have sufficient strength and configuration to obstruct unauthorized 
    access to the facilities enclosed. RSPA, therefore, proposed to repeal 
    the prescriptive requirements and rely solely on the performance 
    standard.
        Twelve TPSSC members fully supported the proposal, one member 
    supported it but recommended an editorial change, and two members 
    abstained. The editorial change was not explained and has not been 
    adopted.
    
    [[Page 27792]]
    
        RSPA received comments on the proposed rule from 12 operators and 
    one pipeline-related association. Each of these commenters supported 
    the proposal.
    
    RSPA Response
    
        Therefore, Sec. 193.2907 is amended as proposed.
    Rulemaking Analyses:
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        Documentation for the information collection requirements for parts 
    191 and 193 was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
    during the original rulemaking processes. Currently, regulations in 
    part 191 are covered by OMB Control Numbers 2137-0522 and 2137-0578. 
    The Control Numbers for regulations in part 193 have expired and are 
    currently in the process of renewal through review by OMB. Under the 
    Paperwork Reduction Act, no persons are required to respond to a 
    collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control 
    number. Therefore the information collection requirements of part 193 
    will not be effective until the renewal process is complete and is 
    announced in a subsequent Federal Register notice. The applicable 
    Control Number will remain 2137-0048. Part 190 imposes no paperwork 
    requirements on the pipeline industry. Regulations in part 192 are 
    covered by OMB Control Numbers 2137-0049 and 2137-0583. The notice 
    proposed no additional information collection requirements. 
    Accordingly, there is no need to repeat those submissions in this final 
    rule.
    
    E. O. 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
    
        This final rule is not considered a significant regulatory action 
    under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and therefore was not 
    subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget. The rule is 
    not significant under the Regulatory Policies and Procedures of the DOT 
    (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). A Regulatory Evaluation has been 
    prepared and is available in the Docket. RSPA estimates the changes to 
    existing rules will result in an estimated savings of $1,200,000 for 
    the pipeline industry, without associated costs and with no adverse 
    affect on safety. As discussed above, these savings will come largely 
    from the elimination of unnecessary requirements.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        Few of the companies subject to this rulemaking meet the criteria 
    for small companies. However, RSPA sought such impact information in 
    response to this rulemaking. Accordingly, based on the facts available 
    concerning the impact of the proposal and the response received, I 
    certify under Section 605 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this 
    final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
    number of small entities.
    
    E. O. 12612
    
        RSPA has analyzed the rule changes under the criteria of Executive 
    Order 12612 (52 FR 41685; October 30,1987). We find it does not warrant 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    
    List of Subjects
    
    49 CFR Part 190
    
        Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, and Pipeline 
    safety.
    
    49 CFR Part 191
    
        Pipeline safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
    49 CFR Part 192
    
        Natural gas, Pipeline safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements.
    
    49 CFR Part 193
    
        Fire prevention, Pipeline safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements, and Security measures.
    
        In consideration of the foregoing, RSPA is amending 49 CFR parts 
    190, 191, 192, and 193 as follows:
    
    PART 190--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for part 190 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5123, 60108, 60112, 60117, 60118, 60120, 
    60122, and 60123; and 49 CFR 1.53.
    
        2. Section 190.203 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 190.203  Inspections.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) If, after an inspection, the Associate Administrator, OPS 
    believes that further information is needed to determine appropriate 
    action, the Associate Administrator, OPS may send the owner or operator 
    a ``Request for Specific Information'' to be answered within 45 days 
    after receipt of the letter.
    * * * * *
        3. Section 190.209 is amended by removing paragraph (a)(2); by 
    redesignating paragraph (a)(3) as paragraph(a)(2); by redesignating 
    paragraph (a)(4) as (a)(3); and by removing paragraph (c) and 
    redesignating paragraph (d) as paragraph (c).
        4. Section 190.211 is amended by revising paragraphs (b), (c), (e), 
    and (f) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 190.211  Hearing.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) A telephone hearing will be held if the amount of the proposed 
    civil penalty or the cost of the proposed corrective action is less 
    than $10,000,unless the respondent submits a written request for an in-
    person hearing. Hearings are held in a location agreed upon by the 
    presiding official, OPS and the respondent.
        (c) An attorney from the Office of the Chief Counsel, Research and 
    Special Programs Administration, serves as the presiding official at 
    the hearing.
    * * * * *
        (e) Upon request by respondent, and whenever practicable, the 
    material in the case file pertinent to the issues to be determined is 
    provided to the respondent 30 days before the hearing. The respondent 
    may respond to or rebut this material at the hearing.
        (f) During the hearing, the respondent may offer any facts, 
    statements, explanations, documents, testimony or other items which are 
    relevant to the issues under consideration.
    * * * * *
        5. Section 190.215 is amended by revising paragraph (d) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 190.215  Petitions for reconsideration.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) The filing of a petition under this section stays the payment 
    of any civil penalty assessed. However, unless the Associate 
    Administrator, OPS otherwise provides, the order, including any 
    required corrective action, is not stayed.
    * * * * *
        6. Section 190.227 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 190.227  Payment of penalty.
    
        (a) Except for payments exceeding $10,000, payment of a civil 
    penalty proposed or assessed under this subpart may be made by 
    certified check or money order (containing the CPF Number for this 
    case) payable to ``U.S. Department of Transportation'' to the Federal 
    Aviation Administration, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Financial 
    Operations Division (AMZ-320), P.O. Box 25770, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, 
    or by wire transfer through the Federal Reserve Communications System 
    (Fedwire) to the account of the U.S. Treasury. Payments exceeding 
    $10,000 must be made by wire transfer. Payments, or in the case of wire 
    transfers, notices of payment, must be sent to the Chief, General 
    Accounting
    
    [[Page 27793]]
    
    Branch (M-86.2), Accounting Operations Division, Office of the 
    Secretary, room 2228, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, 
    SW, Washington, DC 20590.
        (b) Payment of a civil penalty assessed in a final order issued 
    under Sec. 190.213 or affirmed in a decision on a petition for 
    reconsideration must be made within 20 days after receipt of the final 
    order or decision. Failure to do so will result in the initiation of 
    collection action, including the accrual of interest and penalties, in 
    accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3717 and 49 CFR part 89.
    
    PART 191--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for Part 191 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5121, 60102, 60103, 60104, 60108, 60117, 
    60118, and 60124; and 49 CFR 1.53.
    
        2. Section 191.1 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 191.1  Scope.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (1) Offshore gathering of gas upstream from the outlet flange of 
    each facility where hydrocarbons are produced or where produced 
    hydrocarbons are first separated, dehydrated, or otherwise processed, 
    whichever facility is farther downstream; or
    * * * * *
    
    PART 192--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for Part 192 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5103, 60102, 60104, 60108, 60109, 60110, 
    60113, and 60118; and 49 CFR 1.53.
    
        2. Section 192.513 is amended by revising paragraphs (c) and (d) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 192.513  Test requirements for plastic pipelines.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) The test pressure must be at least 150 percent of the maximum 
    operating pressure or 50 psig, whichever is greater. However, the 
    maximum test pressure may not be more than three times the pressure 
    determined under Sec. 192.121, at a temperature not less than the pipe 
    temperature during the test.
        (d) During the test, the temperature of thermoplastic material may 
    not be more than 38  deg.C (100N F), or the temperature at which the 
    material's long-term hydrostatic strength has been determined under the 
    listed specification, whichever is greater.
    
    PART 193--[AMENDED]
    
        1. The authority citation for part 193 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5103, 60102, 60103, 60104, 60108, 60109, 
    60110, and 60113; 60118; and 49 CFR 1.53.
    
        2. Section 193.2819 is amended by revising paragraph (f) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 193.2819  Gas detection.
    
    * * * * *
        (f) All enclosed buildings that house a flammable fluid or are 
    connected by piping or uninterrupted conduit to a source of flammable 
    fluid must be continuously monitored for the presence of flammable 
    gases and vapors with a fixed flammable gas detection system that 
    provides a visible or audible alarm outside the enclosed building. The 
    systems must be provided and maintained according to the applicable 
    requirements of ANSI/NFPA 59A.
        3. Section 193.2907 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) 
    to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 193.2907  Protective enclosure construction.
    
        (a) Each protective enclosure must have sufficient strength and 
    configuration to obstruct unauthorized access to the facilities 
    enclosed.
        (b) Openings in or under protective enclosures must be secured by 
    grates, doors or covers of construction and fastening of sufficient 
    strength such that the integrity of the protective enclosure is not 
    reduced by any opening.
    * * * * *
        Issued in Washington DC, on May 23, 1996.
    Kelley S. Coyner,
    Acting Deputy Administrator, Research and Special Programs 
    Administration.
    [FR Doc. 96-13770 Filed 5-31-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-60-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
7/3/1996
Published:
06/03/1996
Department:
Research and Special Programs Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
96-13770
Dates:
The effective date of this final rule is July 3, 1996. However, affected parties will not have to comply with the information collection requirements in 49 CFR 193. 2819(f) and 193.2907 (a) and (b) until the DOT publishes in the Federal Register the Control Numbers assigned by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to these collection of information requirements. Publication of the Control Numbers notifies the public that OMB has approved these requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act ...
Pages:
27789-27793 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket PS-125, Notice 2
RINs:
2137-AC28: Regulatory Review: Administrative Practices, Reporting Pipeline Incidents, Gas Pipeline Standards, and Liquefied Natural Gas Facility Standards
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2137-AC28/regulatory-review-administrative-practices-reporting-pipeline-incidents-gas-pipeline-standards-and-l
PDF File:
96-13770.pdf
CFR: (8)
49 CFR 190.203
49 CFR 190.211
49 CFR 190.215
49 CFR 190.227
49 CFR 191.1
More ...