[Federal Register: November 26, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 227)]
[Notices]
[Page 59045-59046]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26no01-91]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Research and Special Programs Administration
[Docket No. RSPA-01-10867; Notice 1]
Transportation of Natural Gas by Pipeline Petition for Waiver;
Williams Gas Pipelines-West
Williams Gas Pipelines-West (or ``Williams'') has petitioned the
Research and Special Programs Administration
[[Page 59046]]
for a waiver from compliance with the regulation in 49 CFR 192.611(d)
until June 30, 2003. This regulation requires pipeline operators to
confirm or revise the maximum allowable operating pressure of certain
gas transmission lines within 18 months after population growth changes
the classification of the line.
The petition concerns a 1500-foot pipeline segment constructed in
1991 in Utah County, Utah, that changed from Class 2 to Class 3 due to
development of a subdivision. The segment is part of the Kern River
natural gas transmission line, which runs from Wyoming to the San
Joaquin Valley near Bakersfield, California, where the gas is used in
the generation of electricity.
The petition indicates the change in classification comes while
Williams is undertaking an expansion project on its Kern River line,
which it plans to complete in 2003, pending approval by the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission. Rather than replace the 1500-foot segment
with new pipe to satisfy Sec. 192.611(d), the petition indicates
Williams prefers to relocate the segment to a less populated right-of-
way as part of the expansion project. The relocation alternative would
result in a single impact to land owners and the environment during the
construction.
Our Western Region pipeline office has investigated the 1500-foot
pipeline segment. That office reports that Williams is meeting
periodically with the developer of the subdivision to ensure the
developer is aware of the pipeline and its associated risk. The Western
Region office also says that to minimize threats to the segment,
Williams is patrolling the segment weekly, observing all nearby
excavations, and notifying land owners of the existence of the pipeline
and what to do in the case of an emergency. In addition, the Western
Region office has confirmed that the segment has not had any deficient
corrosion control readings, there are no geologically unstable areas
near the segment, and the segment has had no reported leaks or damage.
In sum, based on the petition and the Western Region office's
investigation, we believe Williams is taking all reasonable steps to
maintain the integrity of the segment.
We are authorized to waive compliance with Sec. 192.611(d) if the
waiver is not inconsistent with pipeline safety and we state the
reasons for granting the waiver (49 U.S.C. 60118(c)). In view of the
good safety record and condition of the 1500-foot segment, we think
compliance with the 18-month deadline under Sec. 192.611(d) is
unnecessary for safety. We also support the goals of lower risk and
less environmental disturbance that would result from relocating the
segment as Williams plans. Therefore, we propose to waive compliance
with Sec. 192.611(d) until June 30, 2003.
According to the petition, June 30, 2003, should allow enough time
to complete the expansion project. However, if there is an unforeseen
delay in the project, we may extend the June 30, 2003, deadline up to
an additional 6 months without further opportunity to comment by
publishing a notice of such extension in the Federal Register.
We invite interested persons to comment on the proposed waiver by
submitting such data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 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. Or you may submit
written comments electronically at the following web address: http://
dms.dot.gov. To file written comments electronically, after logging
onto http://dms.dot.gov, click on ``Electronic Submission.'' You can
also read comments and other material in the docket at the same Web
address. 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.
We will consider all comments received by December 26, 2001 before
taking final action on the petition. Late filed comments will be
considered so far as practicable. No public hearing is contemplated,
but one may be held at a time and place set in a notice in the Federal
Register if requested by an interested person desiring to comment at a
public hearing and raising a genuine issue.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60118(c); and 49 CFR 1.53.
Issued in Washington, DC on November 16, 2001.
Stacey L. Gerard,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 01-29259 Filed 11-23-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P