Pipeline published an NPRM on March 12, 2008, entitled, "Pipeline Safety: Safety Standards for Increasing the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure for Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines." It appears that an Information Collection was not submitted to OMB at that time. In this NPRM, Pipeline proposes to amend the pipeline safety regulations to prescribe safety requirements for the operation of certain gas transmission pipelines at pressures based on higher operating stress levels. The result is an increase of maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) over that currently allowed in the regulations. This action updates regulatory standards to reflect improvements in pipeline materials, assessment tools, and maintenance practices, which together have significantly reduced the risk of failure in steel pipeline fabricated and installed over the last twenty-five years. The rule allows use of an established industry standard for the calculation of MAOP, but limits application of the standard to pipelines posing a low safety risk based on location, materials, and construction. This rule will generate significant public benefits by boosting the potential capacity and efficiency of pipeline infrastructure, while promoting investment in improved pipe technology and rigorous life-cycle maintenance. Incorporating the special permit standards into PHMSAÂs regulations allows qualified pipelines to operate at higher pressure. The rule eases regulatory burdens, encourages the development of new infrastructure, improves regulatory certainty, and reduces Agency workload associated with granting individual applications.
The information collection associated with this new regulation will promote the US DOTÂs Safety and Environmental Strategic Goals. Notification requirements ensure operators will assess pipeline new installations and upgrades to better protect both human and environmental resources. Pipeline operators will contact PHMSA before implementing an alternative MAOP. Senior executive officers must sign the certification and send it to PHMSA at least 30 days before implementation. PHMSA will review the certification request to ensure that the new or uprated (replacement) pipelines are specified to accommodate the higher operating pressure.
Recordkeeping and reporting requirements are developed from pipeline industry standards and internal procedures previously used by pipeline operators to monitor, evaluate, control, and record functions relating to the operation and maintenance of their pipeline system. Without the information collection, PHMSA would not be guaranteed timely notification of alternative MAOP pipeline installation and would lack a method to proactively identify trends and avoid potential safety issues.
US Code:
49 USC 60102 et seq
Name of Law: Pipeline Inspection Protection Enforcement and Safety (Pipes) Act of 2006
US Code: 49 USC 60102 et seq Name of Law: Pipeline Safety Acts
Pipeline operators will contact PHMSA before implementing an alternative maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP). Senior executive officers must sign the certification and send it to PHMSA at least 30 days before implementation. PHMSA will review the certification request to ensure that the new or uprated (replacement) pipelines are specified to accommodate the higher operating pressure.
Recordkeeping and reporting requirements are developed from pipeline industry standards and internal procedures previously used by pipeline operators to monitor, evaluate, control, and record functions relating to the operation and maintenance of their pipeline system. Without the information collection, PHMSA would not be guaranteed timely notification of alternative MAOP pipeline installation and would lack a method to proactively identify trends and avoid potential safety issues.
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.
MAOP PRA Supporting Statement.doc
Pipeline Safety: Safety Standards for Increasing the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure for Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines