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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 248 (Friday, December 27, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 105684-105687]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30990]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Docket No: PHMSA-2024-0137]

Pipeline Safety: Information Collection Activities

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces that the eight information collection requests 
abstracted below are being forwarded to the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) for review and comment. A Federal Register notice with a 
60-day comment period soliciting comments on the information 
collections was published on October 10, 2024.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
January 27, 2025.

ADDRESSES: The public is invited to submit comments regarding these 
information collection requests, including suggestions for reducing the 
burden, to Office of Management and

[[Page 105685]]

Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for the Office of the Secretary 
of Transportation, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503. Comments 
can also be submitted electronically at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Angela Hill by telephone at 202-680-
2034 or by email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations section 1320.8(d), requires 
the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to 
provide interested members of the public and affected agencies the 
opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping 
requests before they are submitted to OMB for approval. In accordance 
with this regulation, on October 10, 2024, PHMSA published a Federal 
Register notice (89 FR 82294) with a 60-day comment period soliciting 
comments on its intent to request OMB's renewed approval of several 
information collection requests that are due to expire in 2025.
    During the 60-day comment period, PHMSA received one comment from 
an anonymous source on a matter not pertaining to the proposed renewal 
of the impacted information collections.

II. Summary of Impacted Collections

    Section 1320.8(d), title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, requires 
PHMSA to provide interested members of the public and affected entities 
an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping 
requests. PHMSA will request a three-year term of approval for each of 
the following information collection activities.
    The following information is provided for each information 
collection: (1) Title of the information collection; (2) OMB control 
number; (3) Current expiration date; (4) Type of request; (5) Abstract 
of the information collection activity; (6) Description of affected 
public; (7) Estimate of total annual reporting and recordkeeping 
burden; and (8) Frequency of collection.
    PHMSA requests comments on the following:
    1. Title: OPID Assignment Request and Registry Notifications.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0627.
    Current Expiration Date: 3/31/2025.
    Type of Request: Renewal with no change of a currently approved 
collection.
    Abstract: The National Registry of Pipeline and LNG Operators 
serves as the storehouse for the reporting requirements for an operator 
regulated or subject to reporting requirements under 49 CFR parts 192, 
193, or 195. This mandatory information collection would require 
jurisdictional pipeline operators to submit the required data to 
register with the National Registry of Pipeline and LNG Operators and 
notify PHMSA when they experience significant asset changes, including 
new construction, that affect PHMSA's ability to accurately monitor and 
assess pipeline safety performance. Certain types of changes to, or 
within, an operator's facilities or pipeline network represent 
potential safety-altering activities for which PHMSA may need to 
inspect, investigate, or otherwise oversee to ensure that any public 
safety concerns are adequately and proactively addressed. The forms for 
assigning and maintaining Operator Identification (OPID) information 
are the Operator Assignment Request Form (PHMSA F 1000.1) and Operator 
Registry Notification Form (PHMSA F 1000.2). The purpose of this 
information collection is to maintain an accurate assessment of the 
nation's pipeline infrastructure and to be kept abreast of conditions 
that could potentially compromise the safety and economic viability of 
the U.S. pipeline system. Due to the provisions contained within the 
Safety of Gas Gathering Pipelines: Extension of Reporting Requirements, 
Regulation of Large, High-Pressure Lines, and Other Related Amendments 
final rule, gas gathering pipeline operators must now request OPIDs due 
to the repeal of the reporting exception for gathering pipelines other 
than regulated gathering lines as determined in Sec.  192.8. PHMSA 
plans to adjust the burden for this information collection to account 
for this addition to the reporting community.
    Affected Public: Operators of natural gas and hazardous liquid 
pipeline systems and operators of liquefied natural gas facilities.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Estimated number of responses: 744.
    Estimated annual burden hours: 744.
    Frequency of collection: On occasion
    2. Title: Qualification of Pipeline Safety Training.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0600.
    Current Expiration Date: 04/30/2025.
    Type of Request: Renewal with no change of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: 49 CFR part 192 subpart N and part 195 subpart G require 
all individuals who operate and maintain pipeline facilities to be 
qualified and keep records of qualification. The purpose of this 
mandatory information collection request is to ensure compliance with 
the record keeping requirements prescribed in the federal pipeline 
safety regulations. Pipeline operators must make and maintain the 
records as described and have those records available for compliance 
inspection by PHMSA staff upon request. Examples of such records 
include the identification of qualified individuals; identification of 
covered tasks; dates of current qualification; and qualification 
methods. Records supporting an individual's current qualification shall 
be maintained while the individual is performing the covered task. 
Records of prior qualification and records of individuals no longer 
performing covered tasks shall be retained for a period of five years.
    Affected Public: Operators of PHMSA-regulated pipelines.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Total Annual Responses: 29,172.
    Total Annual Burden Hours: 7,293.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
    3. Title: Hazardous Liquid Integrity Management.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0605.
    Current Expiration Date: 04/30/2025.
    Type of Request: Renewal with no change of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: Operators of Hazardous Liquid Pipelines are required to 
document the continual assessment and evaluation of their pipelines' 
integrity through inspection or testing, as well as remedial 
preventive, and mitigative actions. In cases where a determination 
about pipeline threats has not been obtained within 180 days following 
the date of inspection, pipeline operators must notify PHMSA in writing 
and provide an expected date when adequate information will become 
available. Operators must also notify PHMSA if they are unable to 
assess their pipeline via an in-line inspection. Operators who choose 
to use an alternate assessment method must demonstrate that their 
pipeline is not capable of accommodating an in-line inspection tool and 
that the use of an alternative assessment method will provide a 
substantially equivalent understanding of the condition of the 
pipeline. This mandatory record keeping requirement supports the U.S. 
Department of Transportation's ``SAFETY STRATEGIC GOAL'' which targets 
three main strategic initiatives: managing risk and integrity, sharing 
responsibility, and providing effective stewardship. This goal enhances 
public health and safety by working toward the elimination of 
transportation-related deaths and injuries. This information is used by 
PHMSA to determine

[[Page 105686]]

compliance with federal pipeline safety regulations and is also used by 
Agency and State Officials to assist federal and state pipeline safety 
inspectors who audit this information when they conduct compliance 
inspections and to provide background for failure investigations.
    Affected Public: Operators of hazardous liquid pipeline systems.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Estimated number of responses: 10,515.
    Estimated annual burden hours: 344,807.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
    4. Title: Public Awareness Program.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0622.
    Current Expiration Date: 04/30/2025.
    Type of Request: Renewal with no change of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: 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 information 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.
    Affected Public: Operators of natural gas and hazardous liquid 
pipelines.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Estimated number of responses: 45,004.
    Estimated annual burden hours: 517,546.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
    5. Title: Gas and Liquid Pipeline Safety Program Certification.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0584.
    Current Expiration Date: 05/31/2025.
    Type of Request: Renewal with no change of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: Section 60105 of 49 U.S.C. sets forth specific 
requirements a state must meet to qualify for certification status to 
assume regulatory and enforcement responsibility for intrastate 
pipelines, i.e., state adoption of minimum federal safety standards, 
state inspection of pipeline operators to determine compliance with the 
standards, and state provision for enforcement sanctions substantially 
the same as those authorized by chapter 601, 49 U.S.C. A state must 
submit an annual certification to assume responsibility for regulating 
intrastate pipelines, and states who receive Federal grant funding must 
have adequate damage prevention plans and associated records in place. 
PHMSA uses this information to evaluate a state's eligibility for 
Federal grants and to enforce regulatory compliance. This information 
collection request requires a participating state to annually submit a 
Gas Pipeline Safety Program Certification and/or a Hazardous Liquid 
Pipeline Safety Program Certification to PHMSA's Office of Pipeline 
Safety (OPS) signifying compliance with the terms of the certification 
and to maintain records detailing a damage prevention plan for PHMSA 
inspectors whenever requested. The purpose of the collection is to 
exercise oversight of the grant program and to ensure that states are 
compliant with federal pipeline safety regulations.
    Affected Public: Operators of pipeline facilities.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Estimated number of responses: 117.
    Estimated annual burden hours: 4,473.
    Frequency of collection: On occasion
    6. Title: Response Plans for Onshore Oil Pipelines.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0589.
    Current Expiration Date: 09/30/2025.
    Type of Request: Renewal with no change of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: Title 49 CFR part 194 requires an operator of an onshore 
oil pipeline facility to prepare and submit an oil spill response plan 
to PHMSA for review and approval. This mandatory recordkeeping 
requirement details operators' plans to prepare for emergency 
situations involving oil spills. This mandatory information collection 
is used by PHMSA to determine if an operator is compliant with the 
requirements in part 194. Plans are submitted and/or updated annually. 
This information collection covers operators' submission of facility 
response plans for onshore hazardous liquid pipeline facilities.
    Affected Public: Operators of onshore oil pipeline facilities.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Estimated number of responses: 540.
    Estimated annual burden hours: 73,980.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
    7. Title: Gas Transmission Integrity Management in High Consequence 
Areas.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0610.
    Current Expiration Date: 09/30/2025.
    Type of Request: Renewal with no change of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: This mandatory information collection request pertains to 
gas transmission operators jurisdictional to 49 CFR part 192 subpart O 
Gas Transmission Integrity Management Program. The information 
collection requires gas transmission operators in high consequence 
areas to maintain a written integrity management program and keep 
records that demonstrate compliance with 49 CFR part 192 subpart O. 
Operators must maintain their integrity management records for the life 
of the pipeline, and PHMSA or State regulators may review it as a part 
of inspections. Gas transmission operators are also required to report 
to PHMSA certain actions related to their integrity management program. 
This information collection supports the DOT strategic goal of safety 
by reducing the number of incidents in natural gas transmission 
pipelines.
    Affected Public: Operators of gas transmission pipeline systems.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Estimated number of responses: 733.
    Estimated annual burden hours: 1,018,807.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
    8. Title: Control Room Management/Human Factors.
    OMB Control Number: 2137-0624.
    Current Expiration Date: 09/30/2025.
    Type of Request: Renewal with no change of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: Operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines must 
develop, implement, and submit human factors management plans designed 
to reduce risk associated with human factors in each control room. This 
mandatory record keeping requirement supports the U.S. Department of 
Transportation's ``SAFETY STRATEGIC GOAL'' which targets three main 
strategic initiatives: managing risk and integrity, sharing 
responsibility, and providing effective stewardship. This goal enhances 
public health and safety by working toward the elimination of 
transportation-related deaths and injuries. The information is used by 
PHMSA to determine compliance with federal pipeline safety regulations 
and is

[[Page 105687]]

also used by Agency and State Officials to assist federal and state 
pipeline safety inspectors who audit this information when they conduct 
compliance inspections and to provide background for failure 
investigations.
    Affected Public: Operators of natural gas and hazardous liquid 
pipeline systems.
    Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden:
    Estimated number of responses: 11,656.
    Estimated annual burden hours: 127,328.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
    Comments are invited on:
    (a) The need for this information collections for the proper 
performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the 
information will have practical utility;
    (b) The accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
    (d) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques.
    Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. Chapter 
35, as amended, and 49 CFR 1.48.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 20, 2024, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
John A. Gale,
Director, Standards and Rulemaking Division.
[FR Doc. 2024-30990 Filed 12-26-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P
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