[Federal Register: August 7, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 152)] [Notices] [Page 42478-42479] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr07au98-166] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Research and Special Programs Administration Potential Computer Problems Related to the Year 2000 (Y2K) AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT. ACTION: Notice; issuance of advisory bulletin. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- RSPA is issuing an advisory bulletin to owners and operators of Hazardous Liquid and Natural Gas Pipelines. The bulletin advises the industry about the potential for Year 2000 (Y2K) computer-related problems. ADDRESSES: This document can be viewed on the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) home page at: http://ops.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger Little, (202) 366-4569. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Office of Pipeline Safety regulations do not require operators to automate their safety-related functions; however, many pipeline operators rely on computers for these needs. Some computer systems may fail in the Year 2000 because the programs, hardware, and data files may misread the digits ``00'' as 1900 rather than 2000. Until recently, the computer industry was not focused on the change in the millennium and the two extra digits required to show the change to the year 2000. The date fields for most computer programs were designed with six digits: two each for the year, month, and day; ``19'' was implied. In the Year 2000, some computers will record the year ``00'' and will interpret it as the year ``1900.'' Some hardware may also contain components that do not recognize the new millennium. These date calculations may be embedded in controllers that operate pipeline equipment. There is the possibility that a Year 2000 (Y2K) problem could cause this equipment to malfunction. In most cases, operators must evaluate their system-by-system operations to determine if there is a Y2K problem in their hardware or software. Most pipeline operators are aware of the potential for Y2K computer-related problems and have already taken steps to address the issue. II. Advisory Bulletin (ADB-98-01 ) To: Owners and Operators of Hazardous Liquid and Natural Gas Pipelines Subject: Potential Failure of Computer Systems Controlling Pipeline Operations. Purpose: Inform system owners and operators of the need to evaluate their computer hardware and software for potential problems relating to Year 2000 (Y2K). Advisory: Recent information has identified a computer problem that may affect pipeline operations. Computers may interpret the date ``2000'' as 1900, which could result in the shutdown or interruption of any computer operated system. The Office of Pipeline Safety urges all pipeline owners and operators who have not already done so to address this issue because of the risk that it may interfere with their operations. The Office Of Pipeline Safety is working with the Oil and Gas Sector Workgroup of the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion to help assess Y2K readiness among the oil and gas industries and offer assistance by coordinating outreach activities, identifying points of contact within trade associations, and developing a forum for sharing information. Pipeline operators who have not implemented a plan for assessing their Y2K readiness should do so as soon as possible. Pipeline industry trade associations can offer assistance on this issue. The American Petroleum Institute (API), the Natural Gas Council (NGC), and the Gas Industry Standards Board (GISB) have agreed to serve as umbrella organizations for the oil and gas sector; they will coordinate Y2K information for the industry and workgroup use. The President's Council on Y2K has a web page at http://www.y2k.gov that provides an update on the Council's activities and other useful information. The industry is encouraged to seek advice from and share information and practical solutions with the three umbrella organizations and the industry trade association representatives on the Oil and Gas Y2K Workgroup (listed below). Contact Roger Little with the Office of Pipeline Safety at (202)-366-4569 or your state pipeline safety organization if you have questions regarding this advisory. Umbrella Organizations American Petroleum Institute, Kendra Martin, Phone: (202) 682-8517, Fax: (202) 962-4730, E-mail: MARTINK@API.ORG. Natural Gas Council, Skip Horvath, Phone: (202) 216-5920, Fax: (202) [[Page 42479]] 216-0874, E-mail: SKIP.HORVATH@INGAA.ORG Gas Industry Standards Board, Rae McQuade, Phone: (713) 757-4175, Fax: (713) 757-2491, E-mail: GISB@AOL.COM. Industry Trade Associations Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, Terry Boss, (202) 216- 5930 American Gas Association, Gary Gardner, (703) 841-8515 American Public Gas Association, Bob Cave, (703) 352-3890 Gas Processors Association, Johnny Dreyer, 918-493-7047 Association of Oil Pipe Lines, Michele Joy, Phone: (202) 408-7970 American Petroleum Institute, Kendra Martin, Phone: (202) 682-8517 State Pipeline Safety Organizations National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (Call Roger Little at (202) 366-4569 if you need the number of your state pipeline safety representative) National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), Sally Allbright, (202) 898-2200 Issued in Washington, D.C., on August 3, 1998. Richard B. Felder, Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. 98-21178 Filed 8-6-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P