[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 9 (Friday, January 13, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2126-2127]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-618]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
[Docket No. PHMSA-2012-0001]
Pipeline Safety: Implementation of the National Registry of
Pipeline and Liquefied Natural Gas Operators
AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA),
DOT.
ACTION: Notice; Issuance of Advisory Bulletin.
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SUMMARY: This notice advises owners and operators of pipeline
facilities of PHMSA's plan regarding the implementation of the national
registry of pipeline and liquefied natural gas operators.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jamerson Pender, Information Resources
Manager, (202) 366-0218 or by email at [email protected].
[[Page 2127]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
PHMSA published a final rule in the Federal Register on November
26, 2010, (75 FR 72878), titled: ``Pipeline Safety: Updates to Pipeline
and Liquefied Natural Gas Reporting Requirements.'' The final rule
added two new sections, 49 CFR 191.22 and 195.64, to the pipeline
safety regulations for the establishment of a national pipeline
operator registry. The national pipeline operator registry is primarily
applicable to operators that file electronic reports. The registry will
be used by pipeline operators to obtain an Operator Identification
(OPID) Number and notify PHMSA of certain actions. Operators will use
the OPID number for electronic submissions such as incident and annual
reports. The national pipeline operator registry will also be used to
provide PHMSA with operator notifications related to actions such as
company name changes, certain construction activities, and project
planning.
The national pipeline operator registry became effective on January
1, 2012. In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act requirements,
PHMSA issued a 60-day Federal Register notice on December 13, 2010, (75
FR 77694) and a 30-day Federal Register notice on November 10, 2011,
(76 FR 70217) to gather and respond to comments on the actual forms
used to collect information for the national pipeline operator
registry.
PHMSA has issued this advisory bulletin to clarify the
implementation of the national pipeline operator registry.
Advisory Bulletin (ADB-2012-01)
To: Owners and Operators of Pipeline Facilities.
Subject: Implementation of the Operator Identification Registry.
Advisory: This notice advises owners and operators of pipeline
facilities of the implementation of the national pipeline operator
registry.
Implementation of OPID Registry (Program Effective Date: January 1,
2012)
This table identifies the expected submission dates for the various
submissions that are related to the national pipeline operator
registry.
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Action Submission expected
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OPID Assignment Requests: Sec. Sec. Begins February 1, 2012
191.22(a) and 195.64(a). (Operators in need of an OPID
prior to February 1, 2012,
should contact the operator
hotline at (202) 366-8075).
OPID Validation: Sec. Sec. 191.22(b) As specified in Sec. Sec.
and 195.64(b). 191.22(b) and 195.64(b),
respectively (June 30, 2012).
Notification Submissions: Sec. Sec. ...............................
191.22(c) and 195.64(c)
--60-day ``before'' notifications January 31, 2012.
for events occurring between
January 1, 2012, and March 30,
2012.
--60-day ``before'' notifications As specified in Sec. Sec.
for events occurring after March 191.22(c)(1) and 195.64(c)(1),
30, 2012. respectively.
--60-day ``after'' notifications As specified in Sec. Sec.
for events occurring on and after 191.22(c)(2) and 195.64(c)(2),
January 1, 2012. respectively.
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Here are a few clarifying questions and responses regarding the
national pipeline operator registry.
Question 1: Sections 191.22(c)(1) and 195.64(c)(1), require the
submission of a notification 60 days prior to ``Construction or any
planned * * * that costs $10 million or more * * *.'' Some operators
have multiple projects that are consolidated into a program. For
example, an operator upgrades 10 meter sites over various systems
within one OPID and each upgrade is documented as an individual
project, but consolidated into one program to minimize costs,
contractors, material, etc. Further, each meter site upgrade is
expected to cost $1 million for a grand total of $10 million for the
program. For reporting purposes, should the operator consider the 10
individual projects at $1 million each or as a program of $10 million?
Answer 1: The $10 million threshold applies to each project.
Therefore, the consolidated projects specified in the example would not
hit the $10 million threshold since each project is less than $10
million.
Question 2: Section 195.64(c)(1)(iii) requires operators to notify
PHMSA of the construction of a new pipeline facility no later than 60
days before the construction occurs. PHMSA has received questions
regarding the use of the term ``pipeline facility'' and whether it
includes line pipe.
Answer 2: By definition (Sec. 195.2) a pipeline facility includes
``new and existing pipe, right-of-ways, and any equipment, facility, or
building used in the transportation of hazardous liquids or carbon
dioxide.'' However, for notification purposes of Sec. 195.2(c)(iii),
pipe is not included. This clarification also applies to Sec.
195.2(c)(v), which requires notifications for the acquisition and
divestitures of existing pipeline facilities.
Further details on how to file submissions are detailed at the
following URL: http://opsweb.phmsa.dot.gov. Any questions regarding the
filing of national pipeline operator registry submissions can be
directed to the Office of Pipeline Safety operator helpline at (202)
366-8075.
Issued in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2012.
Jeffrey D. Wiese,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 2012-618 Filed 1-12-12; 8:45 am]
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