Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2009/04/14/E9-8376/pipeline-safety-incorporation-by-reference-update-american-petroleum-institute-api-standards-5l-and
Timestamp: 2017-08-24 07:14:25
Document Index: 221670606

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 192', 'art 192', '§\u2009192', '§\u2009192', '§\u2009192', '§\u2009195', '§\u2009195', '§\u2009195', 'art 1']

A Rule by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on 04/14/2009
17099-17102 (4 pages)
Docket No. PHMSA-2008-0334.
Statutory/Legal Authority for Rulemaking
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/E9-8376 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/E9-8376
This direct final rule incorporates by reference the most recent editions of API Specification 5L “Specification for Line Pipe” and API 1104 “Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities.” The purpose of this update is to enable pipeline operators to utilize current technology, materials, and practices to help maintain a high level of safety relative to their pipeline operations. PHMSA is not eliminating the use of the current referenced standards but simply allowing the additional use of these new standards. PHMSA may in the future propose to eliminate the incorporation of the existing referenced standards.
Effective Date: This rule is effective April 14, 2009 without further action, unless adverse comment is received by June 15, 2009. If adverse comment is received, PHMSA will publish a timely withdrawal of the rule in the Federal Register.
Incorporation by Reference Date: The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 14, 2009.
Comments should reference DOT Docket ID Number PHMSA-2008-0334 and may be submitted by any of the following methods:
E-Gov Web: http://www.regulations.gov. This web site allows the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any agency. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Docket Management System: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery or Courier: DOT Docket Management System, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Instructions: Identify the docket ID, PHMSA 2008-0334, at the beginning of your comments. If you submit your comments by mail, submit two copies. If you wish to receive confirmation that PHMSA received your comments, include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Internet users may submit comments at http://www.regulations.gov.
For information about the technical standards contact Mike Israni, (202) 366-4571, or by e-mail at mike.israni@dot.gov. For all other information contact John Gale by phone at (202) 366-4046 or by e-mail at john.gale@dot.gov.
This direct final rule adopts the most recent editions of two consensus technical standards, the American Petroleum Institute (API) 5L (44th edition) and API 1104 (20th edition). Through use of these consensus standards, pipeline operators will be able to use current technology, materials, and practices. The incorporation of the most recent Start Printed Page 17100editions of these standards improves clarity, consistency, and accuracy, reduces unnecessary burdens on the regulated community and will provide, at minimum, an equivalent level of safety. PHMSA is not eliminating the use of the current referenced standards but simply allowing the additional use of these new standards. PHMSA may in the future propose to eliminate the incorporation of the existing referenced standards.
The following new editions of currently referenced standards are being incorporated by reference (IBR) in part 192 and 195. These new editions refine and clarify existing material in the standard and generally do not introduce new topics.
ANSI/API Spec 5L/ISO 3183 “Specification for Line Pipe” (44th edition, 2007) Referenced by 49 CFR 192.55(e); 192.112; 192.113; Item I, Appendix B to part 192; 195.106(b)(1)(i); 195.106(e)
1. High default toughness criteria for PSL 2 pipe previously not specified, ensuring a higher toughness baseline for most critical product in the field.
API 1104 “Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities” (20th edition, errata, 2008) Referenced in 49 CFR 192.227(a); 192.229(c)(1); and 192.241(c); Item II, Appendix B; 195.222; 195.228(b) and 195.214(a)
The 20th edition of API 1104 includes a new Appendix A. Appendix A describes the method to determine the maximum height and length of a weld imperfection that can remain in a girth weld and not be a threat to the integrity of a pipeline. Appendix A in the 19th edition is an old standard that was developed in the 1970s and at that time X 60 material was the strongest pipe available. Now X 80 is common place.
This direct final rule is issued under the procedures set forth in 49 CFR 190.339. That provision allows for incorporation by reference of industry standards by direct final rule. If an adverse comment or notice of intent to file an adverse comment is received, a timely document will be published in the Federal Register withdrawing this direct final rule in whole or in part. Interested parties should refer to 49 CFR 190.339(c) for discussion of what constitutes an adverse comment.
This final rule is published under the authority of 49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq. Section 60102(a) of 49 U.S.C. authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations related to pipeline safety.
This direct final rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735) and, therefore, was not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget. This direct final rule is not significant under the Regulatory Policies and Procedures of the Department of Transportation (44 FR 11034).
In this final rule we are updating references to standards that are incorporated in the pipeline safety regulations. These updates will enhance safety while reducing the compliance burden on the regulated industry. We invite public comment on any impacts of these amendments.
PHMSA has analyzed the direct final rule according to Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). The direct final rule does not have a substantial direct effect on the States, the relationship between the national government and the States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. The direct final rule does not impose substantial direct compliance costs on State and local Start Printed Page 17101governments. This direct final rule does not preempt state law for intrastate pipelines. Therefore, the consultation and funding requirements of Executive Order 13132 does not apply.
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), PHMSA must consider whether rulemaking actions would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This direct final rule ensures that operators are able to use the most current editions of technical standards incorporated by reference. PHMSA concludes this rule does not have a significant negative economic impact on any small entity. Based on the facts available about the expected impact of this rulemaking, I certify, under Section 605 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605) that this rulemaking will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
PHMSA has analyzed this direct final rule according to Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments.” Because the direct final rule does not significantly or uniquely affect the communities of the Indian tribal governments or impose substantial direct compliance costs, the funding and consultation requirements of Executive Order 13175 do not apply.
This direct final rule does not impose any new information collection requirements.
This direct final rule does not impose unfunded mandates under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. It does not result in costs of $100 million or more to either State, local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector, and is least burdensome alternative that achieves the objective of the rulemaking.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347), requires Federal agencies to consider the consequences of major federal actions and prepare a detailed statement on any action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. Since these new standards provide, at minimum, an equivalent level of protection to the currently referenced standards, it is unlikely that the adoption of these standards will have any significant impacts on the environment. We welcome comment on this conclusion.
Transporting gas impacts the nation's available energy supply. However, this direct final rule is not a “significant energy action” under Executive Order 13211. It also is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. Further, the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs is not likely to identify this direct final rule as a significant energy action.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. and 5103, 60102, 60104, 60108, 60109, 60110, 60113, 60116, and 60118; and 49 CFR 1.53.
2. In § 192.7 paragraph (c)(2) the documents incorporated by reference under B. American Petroleum Institute (API) entries (1) and (5) are revised to read as follows:
(1) ANSI/API Specification 5L/ISO 3183 “Specification for Line Pipe” (43rd edition and errata, 2004, and 44th edition, 2007) §§ 192.55(e); 192.112; 192.113; Item I of Appendix B.
(5) API 1104 “Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities” (19th edition 1999, including errata October 31, 2001; and 20th edition 2007, including errata 2008) §§ 192.227(a); 192.229(c)(1); 192.241(c); Item II, and Appendix B.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. and 5103, 60102, 60104, 60108, 60109, 60118; and 49 CFR 1.53.
4. In § 195.3 paragraph (c) the documents incorporated by reference under B. American Petroleum Institute (API) entries (1) and (10) are revised to read as follows:
B. American Petroleum Institute (API): (1) ANSI/API Specification 5L/ISO 3183 “Specification for Line Pipe” (43rd edition and errata, 2004; and 44th edition, 2007) §§ 195.106(b)(1)(i); 195.106(e).
(10) API 1104 “Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities” (19th edition 1999, including errata October 31, 2001; and 20th edition 2007, including errata 2008) §§ 195.222; 195.228(b); 195.214(a).
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 6, 2009 under the authority delegated in part 1.
[FR Doc. E9-8376 Filed 4-13-09; 8:45 am]