RSPA will hold a public meeting on November 18, 1999 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November 19, 1999 from 9 a.m. to Noon, at the Hyatt Dulles Hotel, 23 Dulles Corner Boulevard, Herdon, VA. This meeting will consider the need for additional safety and environmental regulations for gas transmission lines and hazardous liquid pipelines in high-density population areas, waters where a substantial likelihood of commercial navigation exists, and areas unusually sensitive to environmental damage.

The Office of Pipeline Safety intends to incorporate a process into its regulations to validate pipe integrity in these high consequence areas. The purpose of the meeting is to determine the extent to which operators now have integrity management programs, to explore effective ways to promote their development and implementation by all operators, and to discuss mechanisms by which OPS could confirm the existence and adequacy of such operator-developed programs. The meeting will discuss a practical definition of high consequence areas, as well as the need, if any, for increased inspection, enhanced damage prevention, improved emergency response, and other measures to prevent and mitigate pipeline leaks and ruptures in the area.

Anyone wishing to make an oral presentation at the meeting should notify Jenny Donohue no later than November 12, 1999 by phone (202-366-4046) or by email (donohuej@rspa.dot.gov). Written comments may be submitted to the Dockets Facility by December 20, 1999.