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In This Issue

  1. Low Stress Liquid Pipeline Jurisdiction Final Rule
  2. Jurisdictional Determination
  3. PHMSA Advisory Bulletin (ADB-11-03) Deadline for 2010 Mapping Reports
  4. DIMP Inspection Forms Updated
  5. Pending Audits?
  6. Advisory Committee Meetings & New Subcommittee Meetings
  7. State of the National Pipeline Infrastructure Report
  8. Public Awareness Effectiveness Program Inspections
  9. Public Meetings on Managing Challenges with Pipeline Seam Welds and Improving Pipeline Risk Assessments and Recordkeeping
  10. Control Room Management Services
  11. PHMSA Hazardous Liquid Annual Report Webinar
  12. Summer Gas Conferences

Advisory Committee Meetings & New Subcommittee Meetings

[Docket No. PHMSA-2011-0127]

PHMSA has announced meetings of the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (TPSSC) and the Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (THLPSSC) and the creation of a subcommittee to assist PHMSA in the preparation of a pipeline safety report to the nation. PHMSA will host a series of meetings with a newly formed subcommittee to review and consider information gathered in response to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s and PHMSA’s action plan and information related to a recent pipeline safety forum. PHMSA is also requesting general public comments including comments on a report titled, “The State of the National Pipeline Infrastructure-A Preliminary Report.” (See related article in this issue of the DOT Pipeline Compliance News.)

Following several major pipeline accidents, the Secretary of Transportation issued a “Call to Action” and held a pipeline safety forum to engage pipeline safety experts, researchers, industry representatives, state partners, other Federal agency officials, and members of the public to identify actions to address America’s pipeline transportation infrastructure. In response to the “Call to Action,” the U.S. Department of Transportation and PHMSA published a report titled: “State of the National Pipeline Infrastructure-Preliminary Report” and launched a website for public engagement and regular reporting to the public. This website includes information such as ongoing pipeline rehabilitation, replacement and repair initiatives along with all forum-related comments. PHMSA continues to invite comments on the Preliminary Report in addition to any other ideas that may be relevant to pipeline safety. Following the forum, a subcommittee of the TPSSC and THLPSSC was established to work with PHMSA staff to assist in the creation of a pipeline safety report to the nation. The subcommittee is made up of six members, three each from the TPSSC and THLPSSC, with equal representation from government, industry, and the public. At the joint advisory committee meeting in August, the subcommittee will present its recommendations and a draft of the pipeline safety report to the nation for the joint committees’ review and deliberation.

The meeting dates are as follows:

  • June 15, 2011, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., subcommittee kick-off meeting, Washington, DC. The agenda includes an introduction of the subcommittee and discussion of the subcommittee’s task. This meeting will provide the public an opportunity to participate in an exchange of ideas and recommendations, including a discussion of the report outline, prior to the subcommittee’s preparatory meetings.
  • June 16, 2011, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., subcommittee preparatory meeting, Washington, DC (no public statements accepted).
  • July 13-14, 2011, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., subcommittee preparatory meeting, Washington, DC (no public statements accepted).
  • August 2-3, 2011, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., TPSSC and THLPSSC joint public meeting, Washington, DC. The agenda will include an overview of the subcommittee’s deliberations and summary of the draft final report. Public statements can be accepted.

The meeting locations and any new information or changes will be posted on the PHMSA/Office of Pipeline Safety “Pipeline Safety Awareness” website 15 days before the meeting takes place. The public is encouraged to attend the subcommittee kick-off meeting and the joint Advisory Committee meetings. Members of the public may make a statement during the public committee meetings. Statements previously submitted at the forum should not be repeated. If you intend to make a statement, please notify the relevant contact at least 15 days prior to the meeting date. The meetings’ presiding officer may deny a nonscheduled request to make a statement and may also limit the time of any speaker.

Attendees should register for the June 15 and August 2-3 meetings in advance at: http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/meetings/. On-site registration for each meeting will be available 30 minutes prior to the meeting start time. The meetings will not be webcast; however, presentations will be available on the meeting Web site and posted in the E-Gov website under docket number PHMSA-2011-0127 within 30 days following the meeting.

Comments on “The State of the National Pipeline Infrastructure-A Preliminary Report” must be received on or before July 13, 2011, to be considered by the subcommittee members prior to submission of their draft recommendations to the parent committees.

For further information contact:

  • Technical Advisory Committee Meeting Details: Cheryl Whetsel 202-366-4431 or by e-mail.
  • Report to the Nation on Pipeline Safety: Linda Daugherty 202-366-4595 or by e-mail.