This information collection request
would require pipeline operators to develop and implement public
awareness programs. The public awareness programs should establish
communications and provide information necessary to enhance public
understanding of how pipelines function and the public's role in
promoting pipeline safety. This mandatory, annual reporting and
record keeping collection requires operators to submit their
completed programs to PHMSA or, in the case of an intrastate
pipeline facility operator, the appropriate State agency. The
operator's program documentation and evaluation results must also
be available for periodic review by appropriate regulatory
agencies. This information will be used by PHMSA to evaluate
compliance with pipeline safety regulations. The purpose of the
collection is to prevent the risks caused by unintentional pipeline
releases and their impact on the public and the
environment.
US Code:
49
USC 60102 Name of Law: Pipeline Safety
The Pipeline Safety: Unusually
Sensitive Areas for the Great Lakes, Coastal Beaches, and Certain
Coastal Waters IFR amended the pipeline safety regulations to
explicitly state that certain coastal waters, the Great Lakes, and
coastal beaches are classified as unusually sensitive areas (USAs)
for the purpose of compliance with pipeline safety regulations.
PHMSA estimates that the new USA definitions in the IFR will
require 2 operators of rural gathering pipelines that are now
regulated under Part 195.11 to establish recordkeeping programs to
comply with public awareness program requirements. With each
operator taking approximately 23 hours to develop and maintain the
required records, this addition will result in an annual burden
increase of 4 responses and 46 hours for this information
collection.
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.