Pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.11(c), OMB files this comment on this information collection request (ICR). In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, OMB is withholding approval at this time. The agency shall examine public comment in response to the NPRM and will include in the supporting statement of the next ICR--to be submitted to OMB at the final rule stage--a description of how the agency has responded to any public comments on the ICR, including comments on maximizing the practical utility of the collection and minimizing the burden.
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PHMSA proposes to amend the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations to require operators of gas distribution pipelines to develop and implement integrity management (IM) programs. The purpose of these programs is to enhance safety by identifying and reducing pipeline integrity risks. The IM programs required by the proposed rule would be similar to those currently required for gas transmission pipelines, but tailored to reflect the differences in and among distribution systems. In accordance with Federal law, the proposed rule would require operators to install excess flow valves on certain new and replaced residential service lines, subject to feasibility criteria outlined in the rule. Based on the required risk assessments and enhanced controls, the proposed rule also would establish procedures and standards permitting risk-based adjustment of prescribed intervals for leak detection surveys and other fixed-interval requirements in the agencyÂs existing regulations for gas distribution pipelines. To further minimize regulatory burdens, the proposed rule would establish simpler requirements for master meter and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operators, reflecting the relatively lower risk of these small pipeline systems.
US Code:
49 USC 60102
Name of Law: Federal Pipeline Safety Laws
DIMP will impact an estimated 201 large distribution system operators (i.e., operators with greater than 12,000 services, 1,090 small distribution operators (i.e., operators with 12,000 or fewer services), and 8,000 master meter and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems. The paperwork activities expected are: (1) prepare and update the DIMP plan, and (2) submit required periodic reports.
Each of the 201 large operators will need an estimated 960 hours to complete all paperwork tasks associated with the DIMP plan. Documenting the plan will take an estimated 800 hours for each large operator. Periodic plan updates for each large operator is estimated at 288 hours in the second year and beyond.
Each of the 1,090 small operators will need an estimated 83 hours to prepare the DIMP plan. Documenting the plan will take an estimated 40 hours for each small operator. Periodic plan updates for each small operator is estimated at 24 hours in the second year and beyond.
Each of estimated 8,000 master meter and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) systems operators will need an estimated 20 hours to prepare the DIMP plan. Documenting the plan will take an estimated 4 hours for each master meter and LPG systems operator. Periodic updates for each master meter and LPG operator not expected to require an information collection burden.
It is assumed that the time required to submit this information will be nominal or at most 10 minutes. Large operators are expected to have 33.5 burden hours attributable to reporting (= 201 operators x 1/6 hour); small operators will have an estimated 181.5 hours (= 1,090 operators x 1/6 hour); and master meter and LPG systems are exempt from proposed reporting requirements. The total annual burden hours for reporting will be 215 hours.
The total information collection burden hours, for the first year is estimated 680,045 hours. For the second and subsequent years the information collection is estimated to be 84,263 burden hours.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
DIMP Supporting Statement.doc
Integrity Management Program for Gas Distribution Pipelines