Web Policies
Thank you for visiting the Department of Transportation's (DOT's) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) website. This page summarizes the policies and responsibilities for the PHMSA website for external audiences.
This public website is a means to successfully convey information and services to the public and to conduct business electronically. PHMSA works hard to ensure that the delivery of information is done in a secure manner while focusing on the quality and integrity of the information.
Attention: We have been alerted of a potential phishing web site not associated with PHMSA collecting data for Fireworks (EX) Number Applications. It is highly advised that you do not submit application data on any other web site not sanctioned by PHMSA.
Access for People with Disabilities
PHMSA is committed to making the electronic technologies we deploy accessible to individuals with disabilities. We incorporate Section 508 compliance testing in the design, development, and maintenance of our website. The Agencies work on accessible design is continuous, and we welcome feedback on improving the accessibility features of our site.
For disability-related information available from the Federal Government, visit the interagency Web portal for people with disabilities.
No Fear Act
On May 15, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Notification and Federal Employee Anti-Discrimination and Retaliation (No Fear) Act, which increases federal agency accountability for acts of discrimination or reprisal against employees.
Linking to Other Websites
For your convenience, PHMSA provides hypertext links to information created and maintained by other Federal, public, or private organizations. PHMSA cannot control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of the information provided by another site.
All non-Federal external links generate an exit page with a dialogue informing you that you are leaving the PHMSA site and subject to the privacy and security policies of that particular site. Federal sites are considered to have the same level of privacy and security and do not use an exit page. However, most sites have differing policies, so you should always verify privacy and security information as a best practice.
This site does not link to any site that exhibits hate, bias, or discrimination. PHMSA reserves the right to deny or remove links that contain false information, unproven claims, or is determined to be in conflict with the mission or policies of PHMSA.
Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act, commonly known as the FOIA, (5 U.S.C. § 552), was enacted by Congress in 1966 to give the American public greater access to the Federal Government's records. Congress has since expanded the scope of the FOIA to encompass electronic records. However, you do not have to file a FOIA request to obtain information which is routinely available for public inspection, including records from docketed cases, broadcast applications and related files, petitions for rulemakings, various legal and technical publications, legislative history compilations, etc. See 47 C.F.R. §§ 0.453 and 0.455.
Cookies
A "cookie" is a small text file that is stored on your computer and makes it easy for you to move around a website without having to continually re-enter your name, password, preferences, etc. PHMSA does not use cookies on it's public website. Please refer to the PHMSA Privacy Policy for more information.
Privacy Policy
PHMSA respects your right to privacy and will protect it when you visit our website. PHMSA collects no personal information about you when you visit our website unless you specifically and knowingly choose to provide such information to us. If you choose to provide information to us, we use it only to fulfill your request for information or services.
PHMSA Website Inventory, Priorities, and Schedules
PHMSA maintains an inventory of our website content and associated online publication schedules and priorities, as required by Section 207(f)(2) of the E-Government Act of 2002.
We strive to make the PHMSA's network and online systems highly reliable and available. To this end, we must periodically bring down systems for service, software updates, repairs, routine maintenance, and performance tuning. Accordingly, we have established a network maintenance window when some or all systems might be brought down for maintenance work. While this work is essential, we also recognize that it presents an inconvenience. Whenever it is necessary to bring down all systems, appropriate notification is posted on the home page.
Disclaimer Statement
You are accessing a U.S. Government information system. This information system, including all related equipment, networks, and network devices, is provided for U.S. Government-authorized use only. Unauthorized or improper use of this system is prohibited, and may result in civil and criminal penalties, or administrative disciplinary action. The communications and data stored or transiting this system may be, for any lawful Government purpose, monitored, recorded, and subject to audit or investigation. By using this system, you understand and consent to such terms.
Paperwork Reduction Act & Information Collection
PHMSA collects limited kinds of information from the public. The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Part 35) requires the Agency, as well as other federal agencies, to get Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval before collecting most kinds of information. Once OMB approves a collection, PHMSA must ask OMB to renew its approval at least once every three years for as long as the collection is needed.
Plug-ins, Players, and Readers
PHMSA provides information on its web site in a variety of file formats that best match the transmittal and display requirements of the information, while taking into account the level of resources typically available to its visitors. Most of these file formats are easily read and displayed by standard web browsers or word processing programs, but some files whose formats have been specifically developed for transmitting and displaying special content, such as multimedia or very precisely defined documents, may require the use of additional software to be presented correctly.
Plug-ins, Players, and Readers
Downloading and Photo Policy
PHMSA does not restrict or hinder the public from downloading any information from its website. Parties seeking rights to republish the photographs for commercial purposes are advised to contact us for more information.