[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 16 (Monday, January 26, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 3653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1747]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

49 CFR Part 195

[Docket No. PS-121; Notice-3]
RIN 2137-AD 05


Pressure Testing Older Hazardous Liquid and Carbon Dioxide 
Pipelines

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.

ACTION: Confirmation of effective date of Direct Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document confirms the effective date of the amendments of 
the direct final rule which extends the time for compliance with the 
requirements for pressure testing of older hazardous liquid and carbon 
dioxide pipelines.

EFFECTIVE DATES: This document confirms January 20, 1998 as the 
effective date of the direct final rule, published on October 21, 1997, 
at 62 FR 54591.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Israni, (202) 366-4571, e-mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4e2327252b60273d3c2f20270e3c3d3e2f602a213a60292138">m<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6d04060843041e1f0c03042d1f1e1d0c43090219430a021b">[email protected]</span></a>, regarding the subject matter of this 
document, or the Dockets Unit (202) 366-4453, for copies of this 
document or other information in the docket.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On October 21, 1997, RSPA published a direct final rule (62 FR 
54591) titled ``Pressure Testing Older Hazardous Liquid and Carbon 
Dioxide Pipelines.'' In that rule, RSPA stated that if no adverse 
comments were received by December 22, 1997, it would publish a 
confirmation notice in the Federal Register by January 5, 1998, and if 
an adverse comment was received, RSPA would issue a notice to confirm 
that fact and would withdraw the direct final rule in whole or in part. 
The rule also stated that RSPA might then incorporate the adverse 
comment(s) into a subsequent direct final rule or might publish a 
notice of proposed rulemaking.
    The Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee 
(THLPSSC) met on November 18, 1997, in Houston, TX, to consider the 
extension of the time for compliance discussed in the October direct 
final rule. (The THLPSSC was established by statute to evaluate the 
technical feasibility, reasonableness, and practicability of proposed 
regulations.) The consensus of the THLPSSC was to support the direct 
final rule.
    RSPA received one industry comment supporting RSPA's action on 
extension of time for compliance. Therefore, this document confirms new 
compliance dates for pressure testing older hazardous liquid and carbon 
dioxide pipelines as amended in the direct final rule effective January 
20, 1998.
    The new compliance dates are as follows:

--Before December 7, 1998, plan and schedule testing; or establish the 
pipeline's maximum operating pressure under Sec. 195.406 (a)(5).
--Before December 7, 2000, pressure test each pipeline containing more 
than 50 percent by mileage of electric resistance welded pipe 
manufactured before 1970; and at least 50 percent of the mileage of all 
other pipelines; and
--Before December 7, 2003, pressure test the remainder of the pipeline 
mileage.

    Issued in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 1998.
Richard B. Felder,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 98-1747 Filed 1-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P


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