PHMSA is amending 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 rule are 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 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 agencys 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
This rulemaking is in the final
rule stage. The only other information collection affected by the
rulemaking is 2137-0522. The burden hours are for the new
requirements for certain operators of distribution systems to
comply with the new requirements for implementing an integrity
management plan.
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.