8 September 2004 Source: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/fr-cont.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [Federal Register: September 8, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 173)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 54248-54249] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr08se04-13] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Research and Special Programs Administration 49 CFR Part 192 [Docket No. RSPA-02-13208] RIN 2137-AD01 Pipeline Safety: Pressure Limiting and Regulating Stations AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT. ACTION: Confirmation of effective date of direct final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In the May 17, 2004, issue of the Federal Register, the Research and Special Programs Administration's Office of Pipeline Safety (RSPA/OPS) published a direct final rule that removed an unintended impact of regulations on pressure limiting and regulating stations. The direct final rule modified pressure limits that could have required a reduction in the operating pressure of certain pipelines and been impracticable for other pipelines to [[Page 54249]] meet. The present document confirms the effective date of that direct final rule. EFFECTIVE DATES: The direct final rule published May 17, 2004 (69 FR 27861), goes into effect October 8, 2004. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: L.M. Furrow by phone at 202-366-4559, by fax at 202-366-4566, by mail at U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, or by e-mail at buck.furrow@rspa.dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 17, 2004, RSPA/OPS published a direct final rule titled ``Pipeline Safety: Pressure Limiting and Regulating Stations'' (69 FR 27861). In the direct final rule, RSPA/OPS stated that if it did not receive an adverse comment, as defined in 49 CFR 190.339(c),\1\ or notice of intent to file an adverse comment by July 16, 2004, it would publish a confirmation document to announce that the direct final rule would go into effect on September 14, 2004, or at least 30 days after the confirmation document is published, whichever is later. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ An adverse comment is one which explains why the rule would be inappropriate, including a challenge to the rule's underlying premise or approach, or would be ineffective or unacceptable without a change. Comments that are frivolous or insubstantial will not be considered adverse under this procedure. A comment recommending a rule change in addition to the rule will not be considered an adverse comment, unless the commenter states why the rule would be ineffective without the additional change. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of July 16, 2004, only one person, Barb Sachau, submitted a comment on the direct final rule. Ms. Sachau exhorted RSPA/OPS to ensure pipelines are truly safe by adopting additional standards and hiring experts. Because Ms. Sachau addressed pipeline safety in general and did not speak specifically about the direct final rule, we do not consider her comment to be an adverse comment under 49 CFR 190.339(c). Therefore, by this document, we are confirming that the direct final rule will go into effect on October 8, 2004. Issued in Washington, DC, on August 30, 2004. Stacey L. Gerard, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 04-20262 Filed 9-7-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Federal Register: September 8, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 173)] [Notices] [Page 54345-54346] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr08se04-108] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Research and Special Programs Administration [Docket No. RSPA-04-18757] Pipeline Safety: Petition for Waiver; Columbia Gas Transmission AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT. ACTION: Notice; petition for waiver to install fiberglass reinforced polyethylene pipe. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Columbia Gas Transmission (Columbia) has petitioned the Research and Special Programs Administration's Office of Pipeline Safety (RSPA/OPS) for a waiver of the pipeline safety regulations to install fiberglass reinforced polyethylene pipe in its high pressure natural gas storage field operations. DATE: Persons interested in submitting written comments on the waiver proposed in this notice must do so by October 8, 2004. Late-filed comments will be considered so far as practicable. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by mailing or delivering an original and two copies to the Dockets Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. The Dockets Facility is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays when the facility is closed. Alternatively, you may submit written comments to the docket electronically at the following Web address: http://dms.dot.gov. All written comments should identify the docket and notice numbers stated in the heading of this notice. Anyone who wants confirmation of mailed comments must include a self-addressed stamped postcard. To file written comments electronically, after logging on to http:// dms.dot.gov, click on ``Comment/Submissions.'' You can also read comments and other material in the docket at http://dms.dot.gov. General information about our pipeline safety program is available at http://ops.dot.gov. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Reynolds by phone at (202) 366- 2786, by fax at (202) 366-4566, by mail at DOT, RSPA, OPS, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, or by e-mail at james.reynolds@rspa.dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Columbia has petitioned RSPA/OPS for a waiver from compliance with 49 CFR 192.53(c), 192.121, 192.123, and 192.619(a) to allow for installation and operation of fiberglass reinforced polyethylene pipe in its high pressure natural gas storage field operations. Columbia believes that fiberglass reinforced polyethylene pipe represents both a technological and economical alternative to conventional steel pipe currently used in high pressure gas storage fields. Columbia's petition and supporting materials are available in the docket. Columbia seeks to demonstrate the viability of spooled composite products in regulated, high--pressure gas service and proposes to install approximately 4,200 feet of 4-inch Fiberspar[reg] spooled, non-metallic composite line pipe in its Dundee Storage Field. Columbia seeks approval to use the following design formula from API 15HR: Pr = Ss x Sfx (R02--Ri2)/ (R02 + Ri2) Where: Pr = Design Pressure Rating, psig Ss = 95 percent Lower Confidence Limit (LCL) of the Long- Term Hydrostatic Strength (LTHS) @ 20 years per ASTM D 2992, Procedure B, psig Sf = 0.67 service (design) factor per API 15 HR. R0 = radius of the pipe at the outside of the minimum reinforced wall thickness, inches Ri = radius of the pipe at the inside of the minimum reinforced wall thickness, inches Columbia's Dundee Storage Field is located in Schulyer County, New York. The storage field covers approximately 15,130 acres and includes 135 wells and 26.8 miles of 4-inch through 16-inch diameter pipeline operating at a maximum allowable operating (MAOP) pressure of 825 psig. Within the storage field, Columbia has identified a group of five storage wells and six pipelines to serve as installation sites for the fiberglass reinforced polyethylene pipe. Because the five wells have a history of producing low levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), Columbia is proposing to replace the existing steel pipelines with Fiberspar[reg] spooled line pipe. The current location of the Dundee Storage Field is predominately abandoned hay fields with no dwellings or High Consequence Areas (HCA) [[Page 54346]] within the defined class location. Future construction near the storage field includes a proposed road crossing and two stream crossings. The storage facility impacts four parcels of land and two individual landowners. The new pipe installation will also include a location for cleaning ball launchers and receivers, alcohol injection points, blow offs valves, fittings, and line valves. Within the Dundee Storage Field, Columbia is proposing to identify five locations for installation of Fiberspar[reg] pipe and inspection. The inspections will include non-destructive and destructive testing. Non-destructive testing will focus on material composition and degradation of the fiberglass matrix, while destructive testing will be a hydrotest to burst. The burst pressure will be compared to the manufacturer's burst test and to 95 percent of the LCL of the LTHS. The five inspections will be scheduled for 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 years post installation of the fiberglass reinforced polyethylene pipe. Each inspection will involve, at a minimum, the removal of a ten foot segment. The segment will be replaced using mechanical couplings and fiberglass reinforced polyethylene line pipe. Columbia will select the exact locations of the inspections based on previous sampling data, including elevation, leak history, and H2S concentration. Based on the results of the five inspections, Columbia intends to schedule future inspections beyond the ten year inspection period. Specifically, Columbia intends to seek validation of the product life cycle and LTHS basis beyond the 20 year rating per ASTM D 2992 procedure. Fiberspar[reg] will offer training and certification to Columbia's Dundee field operations staff, training center staff, engineers, and technical staff on the qualification of joining methods unique to that application and installation of Fiberspar[reg] spooled fiberglass pipe. Fiberspar[reg] will also develop a written installation procedure for Columbia's staff and oversee staff members performing covered tasks during the initial installations. Columbia is requesting a waiver from Sec. Sec. 192.53(c), 192.121, 192.123, and 192.619(a) for its high pressure natural gas pipeline because it believes that fiberglass reinforced polyethylene pipe is: well suited for storage well line applications; non-metallic to eliminate internal corrosion; and impervious to acid gas corrosion caused by H2S. Columbia also contends that fiberglass reinforced polyethylene pipe will: Eliminate the need for cathodic protection equipment such as rectifiers, ground beds, insulation joints, test stations, and anodes; eliminate coating repairs; and reduce the need for pipe joining. Columbia believes fiberglass reinforced polyethylene pipe is both a technological and economical alternative to conventional steel well lines and deserves a closer examination for use within the pipeline industry. RSPA/OPS is publishing this notice in the Federal Register to provide an opportunity for public comment. At the conclusion of the comment period, RSPA/OPS will make a determination on the proposed waiver and publish its decision in the Federal Register. Authority: 49 App. U.S.C. 60118(c) and 2015; and 49 CFR 1.53 Issued in Washington, DC on September 1, 2004. William H. Gute, Acting Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 04-20331 Filed 9-7-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P ---------------------------------------------------------------------