Click here to download a PDF Version of the DOT’s Regulatory Summary as of March 9, 2000
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Last month we provided you an update of the entire Rulemaking Current Status of the OPS. This newsletter has been archived on our web site and can be viewed at
http://www.your-rcp.com/newsletters/dotnewsmar2000.htm.
The following are the current changes to that summary.
Further Regulatory Review; Gas Pipeline Safety Standards
No further developments.
Passage of Internal Inspection Devices
The final rule in response to the petitions, public comments, and recommendations from the advisory committee is now being prepared for publication by May 2000, rather than April as reported last month.
Response Plans for Onshore Oil Pipeline
Final action is likely in April 2000.
Docket No. RSPA-99-6157
Emergency Flow Restricting Devices (EFRD)
No further developments.
Increased Inspection Requirements
No further developments.
Pipeline Safety: Underwater Abandoned Pipeline Facilities
(Docket No. RSPA-97-2094)
The final rule that was expected for publication in March, 2000 is now being prepared for April.
Pipeline Safety: Recommendations to Change Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards (Docket No. RSPA-97-2717)
No further developments.
Pipeline Safety: Corrosion Control on Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
(Docket No. RSPA-97-2762)
No further developments.
Pipeline Safety: Rapid Isolation of Ruptured Sections of Gas Transmission Pipelines
(Docket No. RSPA-97-2879)
No further developments.
Pipeline Safety: Periodic Underwater Inspections (Docket No. RSPA-97-3001)
The NPRM that was expected for early 2000, will now be published in mid-2000.
Pipeline Safety: Adoption of Industry Standards for Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities
(Docket No. RSPA-97-3002)
No further developments.
Pipeline Safety: Enforcement Procedures
(Docket No. RSPA-98-4284)
No further developments.
Pipeline Safety: Pressure Testing Older Pipelines in Terminals
(Docket No. RSPA-98-4316)
No further developments.
Pipeline Safety: Gas Gathering Line Definition
(Docket No. RSPA-98-4868)
Comments received from the electronic public meeting are now being considered in drafting a NPRM for publication by June 2000.
Areas Unusually Sensitive to Environmental Damage (USAs)
(Docket No. RSP-99-5455)
No further developments.
Pipeline Safety: periodic Updates to Pipeline Safety Regulations (1999)
(Docket No. RSPA-99-6106)
On March 22, 2000, the Office of Pipeline Safety issued a proposed rule to revise and update the pipeline safety regulations to improve clarity, ensure consistency, and remove unnecessary requirements on the regulated pipeline community. Revisions include incorporation by reference of the most recent editions of voluntary consensus standards and specifications to enable pipeline operators to utilize current technology, materials, and practices. This document also proposes to increase the pressure limitation for new thermoplastic pipe, to allow plastic pipe on bridges, to clarify welding requirements, to revise the definition of hazardous liquid pipeline accident, and to make numerous minor clarifications. The public may submit or review comments in this docket by accessing the Dockets Management System’s home page at http://dms.dot.gov (reference Docket No. RSPA-99-6106). Comments on the subject of this proposed rule must be received on or before May 22, 2000. The proposed rule is available on the RCP website at
http://www.your-rcp.com/downloads/Misc/65 FR 15290 3-22-00 NPRM on periodic rule updates.pdf.
Pipeline Safety: Producer-operated Outer Continental Shelf Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines that Cross into State Waters
(Docket No. RSPA-99-6132)
No further developments.
Pipeline Safety: Pipeline Integrity Management in High Consequence Areas
(Docket No. RSPA-99-6355)
No further developments.
Periodic Updates to Pipeline Safety Regulations (2000)
(Docket No. RSPA-99-6355)
No further developments.