[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 249 (Tuesday, December 30, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67932-67936]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-33863]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT
[Docket No. RSPA-97-3224; Notice 10]


Pipeline Safety: Intent To Approve Shell Pipe Line Corporation 
for the Pipeline Risk Management Demonstration Program

AGENCY: Office of Pipeline Safety, DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Research and Special Programs Administration's (RSPA) 
Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) plans to approve Shell Pipe Line 
Corporation (SPLC) as a participant in the Pipeline Risk Management 
Demonstration Program. OPS believes the SPLC demonstration project will 
provide superior safety by applying numerous risk control measures 
which exceed regulatory requirements, including increased right-of-way 
surveillance; smart pig inspections; close interval cathodic protection 
surveys; enhanced communications with One-Call, excavators, and the 
public; additional overpressure protection; and selected depth-of-cover 
surveys. This notice explains OPS's rationale for approving this 
project, and summarizes the demonstration project provisions (including 
affected locations, risk control and monitoring activities, and 
regulatory exemptions) that would go into effect once OPS issues an 
order approving SPLC as a Demonstration Program participant. OPS seeks 
public comment on the proposed demonstration project so that it may 
consider and address these comments before approving the project. The 
SPLC demonstration project is the first of several projects OPS plans 
to approve and monitor in assessing risk management as a component of 
the Federal pipeline safety regulatory program.

ADDRESSES: OPS requests that comments to this notice be submitted on or 
before February 4, 1998, so they can be considered before project 
approval. However, comments on this or any other demonstration project 
will be accepted in the Docket throughout the 4-year demonstration 
period. Comments should be sent to the Dockets Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Plaza 401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001, or you can E-Mail your comments to 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a7c8d7d489c4c8cacac2c9d3d4e7d5d4d7c689c3c8d389c0c8d1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3d524d4e135e5250505853494e7d4f4e4d5c13595249135a524b">[email protected]</span></a>. Comments should identify the docket number 
RSPA-97-3224. Persons should submit the original comment document and 
one (1) copy. Persons wishing to receive confirmation of receipt of 
their comments must include a self-addressed stamped postcard. The 
Dockets Facility is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building 
in Room 401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC. The Dockets 
Facility is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except on Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Callsen, OPS, (202) 366-
4572, regarding the subject matter of this notice. Contact the Dockets 
Unit, (202) 366-5046, for docket material.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

    The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) is the federal regulatory body 
overseeing pipeline safety. As a critical component of its mandate, OPS 
administers and enforces a broad range of regulations governing safety 
of pipelines and environmental protection. These regulations have 
contributed to a good pipeline industry safety record by ensuring that 
risks associated with pipeline design, construction, operations, and 
maintenance are understood, managed, and reduced.
    Preserving and improving this safety record is OPS's top priority. 
On the basis of extensive research, and the experience of both 
government and industry, OPS believes that a risk management approach, 
properly implemented and monitored through a formal risk management 
regulatory framework, offers opportunities to achieve:
    (1) Superior safety and environmental protection;
    (2) Increased efficiency and service reliability of pipeline 
operations; and
    (3) Improved communication and dialogue among industry, the 
government, and other stakeholders.
    A key benefit of this approach is the opportunity for greater 
levels of public participation.
    As authorized by Congress, OPS is conducting a structured 
Demonstration Program to evaluate the use of a comprehensive risk 
management approach in the operations and regulation of interstate 
pipeline facilities. This evaluation will be performed under strictly 
controlled conditions through a set of demonstration projects to be 
conducted

[[Page 67933]]

with interstate pipeline operators. While OPS may exempt a 
participating operator from particular regulations if the operator 
needs such flexibility in implementing a comprehensive risk management 
project, regulatory exemption is neither a goal nor requirement of the 
Demonstration Program.

2. OPS Evaluation of SPLC Demonstration Project Proposal

    Using the consultative process described in Appendix A of the 
Requests for Application for the Pipeline Risk Management Demonstration 
Program (62 FR 14719), published on March 27, 1997, OPS is prepared to 
finalize the agreement with Shell Pipe Line Corporation (SPLC) on the 
provisions for a demonstration project SPLC will conduct on two 
pipeline segments it operates. The consultative review process ensures 
that OPS considers and addresses comments on the SPLC proposal from all 
stakeholders and interested parties.
    Several means have been used to provide information on the proposed 
project and solicit questions and concerns. These include: (1) Previous 
notices in the Federal Register (62 FR 40136 (July 25, 1997) and 62 FR 
53052 (October 10, 1997)); (2) an Internet Information System (PRIMIS) 
available via the OPS Home Page; (3) broadcasts via the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Emergency Education Network 
(EENET) (OPS received over 2,000 ``hits'' on the website broadcast 
featuring SPLC); (4) a prospectus and map that OPS and SPLC produced 
and mailed to over 400 people, including representatives from Local 
Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) along affected pipeline routes; 
and (5) a November 19, 1997, public meeting OPS hosted in Houston, TX.
    OPS has also solicited comment on the SPLC proposal from other 
federal agencies (including the Department of Justice and, via the 
Regional Response Teams, the Environmental Protection Agency), state 
and local government officials, public interest groups, and industry 
and community representatives.
    This notice is the last public comment opportunity prior to 
approval of SPLC's demonstration project. OPS will address and resolve 
any issues and concerns raised through the consultative process with 
SPLC.

Company History and Record

    SPLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell Oil Products Company, 
employing over 700 people, and operating approximately 8,000 miles of 
pipelines in 18 states. Originally incorporated in 1919 (as the Ozark 
Pipe Line Corporation), SPLC today transports approximately 4.0 million 
barrels of crude oil, refined products, petrochemicals, carbon dioxide, 
and natural gas daily.
    SPLC is headquartered in Houston, Texas. SPLC's parent corporation, 
Shell Oil Products Company, is currently seeking government approval to 
merge its refining, transportation, and marketing operations with 
Texaco and Saudi Refining Inc. The merger will affect SPLC, although 
the details are not yet known. In its Order approving SPLC's 
demonstration project, OPS would require that the merged company 
demonstrate that it will continue to commit to the objectives of the 
Demonstration Program, and to comply with the requirements of the 
Order.
    Before entering into consultations with SPLC, OPS determined that 
SPLC was a favorable candidate for the Program, based on an examination 
of the company's safety and environmental compliance record, its 
accident history, and its commitment to working with OPS to develop a 
project meeting the Demonstration Program goals. Neither of the two 
pipeline segments SPLC is proposing for its demonstration project has 
experienced a release due to unsafe operation (Section 4 of this 
document describes the demonstration sites and the releases in the 
demonstration segments).
    However, in December, 1988, another pipeline operated by SPLC 
spilled 20,554 barrels of crude oil into the Gasconade River near 
Vienna, Missouri. The cause of the spill was a manufacturing defect; 
the consequences were aggravated by SPLC's failure to quickly stop the 
pipeline flow. The subsequent OPS investigation of the spill found no 
violations by SPLC of the pipeline safety regulations. Following this 
spill, SPLC undertook a company-wide risk assessment and risk reduction 
effort resulting in improved employee training, new or more aggressive 
approaches to in-line inspection (smart pigging), hydrotesting, 
hydraulic surge and spill volume analysis, and installation of 
additional mainline block valves. Lessons learned from the December 
1988, release and the subsequent company-wide assessments form the 
foundation for SPLC's proposed risk management demonstration project.
    With regard to employee safety, from among some fifteen other 
candidates, SPLC was selected as the American Petroleum Institute (API) 
``Safest Major Pipeline Operator'' in 1990, 1993, 1994, and 1995, and 
was in second place in 1992 and 1996.

Consultative Evaluation

    During the consultations, representatives from OPS headquarters and 
Southwest Region, pipeline safety officials from Texas, Louisiana, and 
Colorado, and risk management experts, met with SPLC to discuss SPLC's 
risk assessment, supporting analyses, proposed risk control activities, 
performance measures, and means of administering risk management within 
the company. The discussions addressed technical validation of all 
proposed activities, demographics and terrain along affected pipelines, 
communications with outside stakeholders, and monitoring and auditing 
of results once the demonstration project is underway. The 
demonstration project provisions described in this notice evolved from 
these consultations, as well as from any public comments received to 
date. Once OPS and SPLC consider and address comments received on this 
notice, OPS plans to issue an Order approving the SPLC demonstration 
project.

3. Statement of Project Goals

    OPS and SPLC believe SPLC's demonstration project will improve 
safety through the application of numerous risk control measures that 
exceed regulatory requirements on both pipeline segments, particularly 
in the area of third party damage prevention. Increased right-of-way 
surveillance; smart pig inspections; close interval cathodic protection 
surveys; enhanced communications with One-Call, excavators, and the 
public; additional overpressure protection; and selected depth-of-cover 
surveys are some of the more significant activities that will be added 
to existing measures to improve safety.
    SPLC is proposing that segments of two pipeline systems (the Texas-
Louisiana System and the Cortez System) comprise its demonstration 
project. SPLC conducted a thorough and systematic risk assessment to 
identify hazards and risks associated with operating both of the 
pipeline segments. SPLC then identified various activities that are 
intended to result in reduced risk and superior safety and reliability 
on both pipeline segments.
    SPLC's risk assessment process relies heavily on the expertise of 
people familiar with the operation, maintenance, construction, and 
history of the pipeline. With an average length of service of over 25 
years, several of the people who participated in SPLC's risk 
assessments have worked on the

[[Page 67934]]

proposed demonstration segments since the segments were constructed. 
The risk assessments confirmed expectations, outlined previously in 
SPLC's Letter of Intent, that third-party damage (i.e., contractors, 
landowners, or others who accidentally strike pipelines during 
excavation and/or other activities) is the most significant risk posed 
to either pipeline segment. Therefore, SPLC's highest priority for its 
risk management demonstration project is to prevent this type of 
damage.
    For the Texas-Louisiana System, SPLC will supplement the required 
activities it now performs with numerous new and additional risk 
control activities based on SPLC's comprehensive risk assessment. SPLC 
seeks no regulatory exemption on the Texas-Louisiana system. SPLC makes 
a strong case that the risk of a release on this system will be 
reduced, and superior safety will result. Releases from the Texas-
Louisiana System pose little, if any, risk to the environment due to 
the volatile nature of the commodity transported (ethylene).
    For the Cortez System, SPLC has also identified new and additional 
risk control activities and has performed several technical validations 
supporting a pressure increase beyond present regulatory limits at an 
existing pump station in Cortez, CO. SPLC's assessment shows that a 
combination of risk control activities, coupled with installation of 
redundant overpressure protection systems, will offset any increase in 
risk from the pressure increase that the company is requesting for the 
Cortez segment. With the flexibility to raise pressure above regulatory 
limits, SPLC can increase throughput (the amount of commodity 
transported) without having to construct an intermediate pump station 
in Blanco, NM. The Cortez System transports carbon dioxide 
(CO<INF>2</INF>), which is a naturally occurring component of the air 
and presents no environmental hazard. The regulatory exemption would 
apply to a 25-mile segment of the pipeline located in a rural and 
sparsely populated area in Colorado.
    For both pipeline segments, SPLC will improve emergency 
preparedness through increased discussions with and the sharing of the 
results of dispersion modeling with local emergency responders.

4. Demonstration Project Pipeline Segments

The Texas-Louisiana System

    SPLC's 250-mile Texas-Louisiana Ethylene Pipeline System (the 
Texas-Louisiana System) transports chemical-grade ethylene between 
Shell Oil Product's Deer Park, TX, manufacturing complex and its 
Napoleonville, LA, transfer facility. SPLC's customers use ethylene for 
manufacturing plastics, detergents, antifreeze, and other consumer 
products. Ethylene is a flammable, highly volatile liquid that becomes 
a slightly lighter-than-air gas when released to the atmosphere. Under 
certain conditions, it could form an explosive vapor cloud until 
diluted or dispersed. SPLC proposes to include 205 miles of this 
system--from its Mont Belvieu, TX, compressor station to a block valve 
at the western edge of the Atchafalaya Basin east of New Iberia, LA--in 
its risk management demonstration project. Although routed mostly 
through rural areas, the line passes near five large industrial and 
developing residential areas, and includes more than 40 road crossings 
and 12 water crossings. Due to its volatile nature, ethylene is not 
considered a water pollutant.
    The Texas-Louisiana line has experienced 2 reportable releases 
since it was commissioned in 1979, both the result of third party 
damage. These two releases resulted in no fatalities or injuries, 
although a fire and explosion did occur during the latter of these 
releases (1981). There was no fire or explosion associated with the 
first release (1979). The total volume of ethylene released to the 
atmosphere in these two events was the equivalent of approximately 
14,000 barrels of liquid. Neither event affected the environment. There 
have been six minor, unreportable releases totalling the equivalent of 
approximately 220 barrels of liquid, caused by miscellaneous mechanical 
failures. Four additional ``near miss'' events of third party damage to 
the pipeline system (one in the past few months) have also occurred, 
none of which resulted in a release.

The Cortez System

    The 502-mile Cortez carbon dioxide (CO<INF>2</INF>) Pipeline System 
(the Cortez System) carries naturally-occurring commercial-grade CO2 
from Cortez, CO, across New Mexico to Denver City, TX. CO<INF>2</INF> 
is injected into oil wells to aid in the production of crude oil. 
CO<INF>2</INF> is a nonflammable, inert, non-toxic liquid that, when 
released to the atmosphere, becomes a heavier-than-air gas. Although 
CO<INF>2</INF> is a naturally occurring component of air and presents 
no environmental hazard, at high concentrations in confined, low lying 
areas, it can present an asphyxiation hazard until it is dispersed or 
diluted. The operating pressures on this line presently range from 2147 
pounds per square inch gauge (psig) to 2999 psig. These pressures are 
high compared to pipelines in general, but are typical for pipelines 
transporting CO<INF>2.</INF>
    SPLC proposes to include the northwestern half of the Cortez System 
(roughly 260 miles), from the Cortez pump station to the inlet of its 
pressure-reducing station at Edgewood, NM (east of Albuquerque). The 
line traverses rolling hills, mountainous areas, and sandy soils, 
passing near five small communities. The route crosses four major 
rivers and about 15 major roads. The segment of the Cortez line in the 
demonstration project is located mostly in sparsely populated, rural 
areas.
    The Cortez line has experienced no releases since it was 
commissioned in 1984. There have been four ``near miss'' events of 
third-party damage to the pipeline system. OPS databases have no 
records of any releases from CO<INF>2</INF> pipelines that have 
resulted in injury or death.
    Neither demonstration segment is likely to impact the environment.

5. Project Description

    The following risk control and monitoring activities would be 
included in the Order OPS issues formally approving the SPLC 
demonstration project.

Risk Control Activities

    The company proposes using inspection techniques on both 
demonstration pipelines to determine if there has been any past, 
unknown damage while simultaneously applying a combination of risk 
control activities and risk communications to reduce the likelihood and 
the consequences of future third-party damage. In addition, the company 
believes that several of these risk control activities will help 
prevent third party damage on its newly constructed propylene pipeline, 
which runs parallel to parts of the Texas-Louisiana line. The 
activities proposed by SPLC to address damage from outside parties go 
beyond the minimum requirements in the existing Federal Pipeline Safety 
Regulations.
    SPLC has committed to:
    <bullet> Increasing scheduled air patrol of the lines from every 
two weeks to weekly;
    <bullet> Improving air patrol effectiveness through enhanced staff 
training, including techniques for more immediate reporting and 
evaluation of potential instances of third party encroachment to 
responsible SPLC personnel in the vicinity;
    <bullet> Adding traffic barriers to aboveground equipment near 
roadways

[[Page 67935]]

to reduce the likelihood of vehicle accidents impacting the pipeline;
    <bullet> Reviewing locations of and supplementing where appropriate 
existing right-of-way markers that identify the presence of a pipeline, 
including adding Global Positioning System (GPS) locating information 
on markers;
    <bullet> Increasing ground surveillance of the lines in densely 
populated areas;
    <bullet> Enhancing company sponsorship of the local One-Call system 
(the system in which excavators provide notification of their intent to 
dig so that underground utilities like pipelines can be located and 
protected prior to digging);
    <bullet> Significantly upgrading public/neighbor education and 
awareness efforts (including media usage);
    <bullet> Conducting community-based emergency planning, training, 
and drills, so that both the company and local officials will be better 
prepared in the event of an accident;
    <bullet> Using a warning ``mesh'' for backfilling during new 
construction or significant repairs (excavators digging near a line 
would encounter this mesh before hitting the pipe);
    <bullet> Running in-line inspection device(s) on the Texas-
Louisiana demonstration segment to determine if there is any existing 
mechanical damage to the pipeline from prior third party encroachments; 
and
    <bullet> Assessing other risk control measures and staffing 
requirements.
    SPLC will also perform dispersion analyses for the Texas-Louisiana 
ethylene demonstration segment to better understand the potential 
consequences of a release, and thus help improve emergency response 
planning and communications with local responders.

Increased Throughput on the Cortez System

    With implementation of the above activities to control the causes 
of the most significant risks to both of the demonstration segments, 
SPLC believes it can then proceed with a plan to increase the Cortez 
System's throughput (the amount of product transported) while still 
delivering superior safety. This plan calls for increasing the maximum 
operating pressure by up to 11 percent beyond what is allowed by the 
regulations on the 25-miles of pipeline immediately downstream of the 
Cortez pump station. In the Order authorizing SPLC to commence its 
demonstration project, OPS will exempt SPLC from 49 CFR 195.406(a)(1-
3), which addresses the maximum operating pressure for pipelines 
transporting hazardous liquids.
    To support its evaluation of risk associated with increased 
operating pressure on the Cortez line, SPLC conducted several technical 
analyses. These include:
    <bullet> A comprehensive review of the original pipe 
specifications; actual materials' properties; pipemill manufacture, 
inspection, and testing procedures; and field construction and 
inspection techniques that demonstrated the pipe's safety margin 
exceeds regulatory requirements, and thus can safely handle the 
proposed increase in operating pressure;
    <bullet> Steady state transthermal hydraulic analysis and computer 
modeling to determine the actual pressure and corresponding safety 
factors at any point in the pipeline under normal and worst case 
operating conditions;
    <bullet> Surge analyses and modeling to determine the pressure at 
any point in the pipeline under abnormal or unexpected operating 
events; and
    <bullet> Dispersion analyses to better understand the potential 
consequences of a release, and thus help improve emergency response 
planning and communications with local responders.

Additional Risk Control Activities on the Cortez Line

    In addition, prior to any increase in operating pressure on the 
Cortez segment (expected to occur in August-September, 1998), SPLC's 
plan also calls for:
    <bullet> Conducting a Close Interval Survey, which involves 
inspection and electrical testing every two to three feet along the 
pipeline to confirm the ability of protection systems to mitigate 
corrosion, and to help detect if there is any coating damage that might 
indicate the presence of mechanical damage to the pipeline from 
possible prior third party encroachments.
    <bullet> Performing a Depth-of-Cover Survey (from the Cortez 
Station to the 25-mile mark) to ensure adequate protection from 
external mechanical damage and loading.
    <bullet> Developing a Geographic Information System (GIS) Data Base 
(from the Cortez Station to the 25-mile mark) to test its applicability 
and usefulness for pipeline operations, including emergency response.
    <bullet> Installing additional equipment at the Cortez Station 
beyond that currently required by the regulations to provide four 
levels of redundant protection against overpressure situations. This 
will provide additional assurance that the pressures in the pipe will 
not exceed the safe levels determined from the system review noted 
above.
    <bullet> Doubling the inspection frequency from once per year to 
every six months for the overpressure protection devices mentioned 
above.

Monitoring Demonstration Project Effectiveness

    The SPLC Demonstration Project includes a comprehensive approach to 
performance monitoring that assures the superior protection of public 
safety, and achieves other project objectives. A key element of this 
monitoring plan is a set of performance measures that would track the 
growth and institutionalization of risk management within the company, 
measure the effectiveness of SPLC's risk control activities, validate 
analyses supporting current safety activities, and provide a basis for 
future improvement. Examples include: The number of SPLC-operated 
pipeline systems under risk management (should increase if risk 
management is feasible); the number of unmonitored encroachments on the 
pipeline right-of-way (should decrease due to improved communications); 
accuracy of One-Call reports (should improve due to improved pipeline 
markers); employee awareness of risk management process (should improve 
through training and participation in process); quantity/accessibility 
of data to support risk assessment (should improve as performance 
measure data accumulates). SPLC will report performance measure data 
and project progress regularly to OPS throughout the four year 
demonstration period. This information, as well as periodic OPS audits, 
will assure accountability for improved performance.

6. Regulatory Perspective

Why OPS Plans To Approve This Project

    OPS is considering SPLC's proposed project for the Demonstration 
Program because, after extensive review, OPS is satisfied that the 
proposal:
    A. Provides superior safety for both of the demonstration segments. 
For the Cortez line, OPS is satisfied that the safety margin in the 
pipe can accommodate the proposed increase in pressure without adding 
significant additional risk to the public. Furthermore, SPLC has 
adequately demonstrated that the combination of third party damage and 
other risk control activities described earlier more than offset any 
increase in risk associated with the higher operating pressure in the 
first 25-miles of the line. For the Texas-Louisiana ethylene line, all 
of the proposed risk control activities go beyond the current 
regulatory

[[Page 67936]]

requirements and thus provide a higher level of public protection than 
exists today.
    B. Offers a good opportunity to evaluate risk management as a 
component of the Federal pipeline safety regulatory program. OPS 
believes the Demonstration Program could benefit from SPLC's 
participation, given some of the distinguishing features of its 
proposed demonstration project, including:
    <bullet> Comprehensive evaluation of two distinctly different 
pipeline systems transporting different products, in different 
locations with substantially different surroundings, representing 
significantly different risks;
    <bullet> Emphasis on improving damage prevention and emergency 
response coordination;
    <bullet> Concentrated public outreach and risk communications 
efforts;
    <bullet> A good illustration (on the Texas-Louisiana line) of how 
companies can use risk management to improve safety without seeking to 
reduce costs incurred by existing regulations;
    <bullet> Willingness to share information with OPS and state 
pipeline safety agencies on the specific risks associated with the 
demonstration line segments, as well as its risk management program and 
processes (which is far more information than is typically provided in 
the existing compliance process). This additional information allows 
OPS to more effectively ensure safe operation, as well as helps OPS 
understand how risk management might be employed to supplement the 
existing regulatory framework; and
    <bullet> Systematic allocation of resources to potentially higher-
risk operations.

How Will OPS Oversee This Project?

    OPS retains its full authority to administer and enforce all 
regulations governing pipeline safety. Except for the increase in 
maximum operating pressure over the initial 25-mile segment of the 
Cortez line, SPLC is not requesting any regulatory relief or 
exemptions. Both of these lines will be subject to routine OPS 
inspection to ensure compliance with the applicable Federal Pipeline 
Safety Regulations. In addition, subsequent to approval, the 
Demonstration Project will be monitored by a Project Review Team (PRT) 
consisting of OPS headquarters and regional staff and state pipeline 
safety officials. The PRT is designed to be a more comprehensive 
oversight process, which draws maximum technical experience and 
perspective from all affected OPS regional and headquarters offices as 
well as any affected state agencies that would not normally provide 
oversight on interstate transmission projects. One of the primary 
functions of this Team will be to conduct periodic risk management 
audits, which will be performed in addition to the normal OPS 
inspections. These risk management audits will be used to ensure 
company compliance with the specific terms and conditions of the OPS 
Order authorizing this Demonstration Project. OPS is developing a 
detailed audit plan, tailored to the unique requirements of the SPLC 
Demonstration Project. This plan will describe the audit process (e.g., 
types of inspections, methods, and their frequency), as well as the 
specific requirements for reporting information and performance measure 
data to OPS.

Information Provided to the Public

    OPS has previously provided information to the public about the 
SPLC project, and has requested public comment, using many different 
sources. OPS aired two electronic ``town meetings'' (June 5, 1997, and 
September 17, 1997) enabling viewers of the two-way live broadcasts to 
pose questions and voice concerns about candidate companies (including 
SPLC). Two earlier Federal Register notices (62 FR 40135; July 25, 1997 
and 62 FR 53052; October 10, 1997) informed the public that SPLC was 
interested in participating in the Demonstration Program, provided 
general information about technical issues and risk control 
alternatives to be explored, and identified the geographic areas the 
demonstration project would traverse.
    Since August, OPS has used an Internet-accessible data system 
called the Pipeline Risk Management Information System (PRIMIS) at 
http://www.cycla.com/opsdemo to collect, update, and exchange 
information about all demonstration candidates, including SPLC.
    At a November 19, 1997, public meeting OPS hosted in Houston, TX, 
SPLC officials presented a summary of the proposed demonstration 
project and answered questions from meeting attendees. (Portions of 
this meeting were broadcast on December 4, 1997. This broadcast is 
available on demand via our OPS website ops.dot.gov/tmvid.htm.)
    OPS has provided a prospectus, which includes a map of the 
demonstration sites, to State officials and community representatives 
who may be interested in reviewing project information, providing 
input, or monitoring the progress of the project. This notice is the 
last public comment opportunity prior to approval of SPLC's 
demonstration project.

    Issued in Washington, DC on December 23, 1997.
Richard B. Felder,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 97-33863 Filed 12-29-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P


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