The DOT has issued their proposed rule to define areas of high consequence where the potential consequences of a gas pipeline accident may be significant or may do considerable harm to people and their property. This proposed rule is the first step in a two step process to address the integrity management programs for gas pipelines. DOT / RSPA created the proposed definition from the comments received on their previous notice, as well as information gathered through a series of discussions and meetings with representatives of the gas pipeline industry, research institutions, state pipeline safety agencies and public interest groups. The proposed definition does not require any specific action by pipeline operators, but will be used in the pipeline integrity management rule for gas transmission lines that RSPA is currently developing. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments by March 11, 2002 (Docket No. RSPA-00-7666 – http://dms.dot.gov). Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Israni by phone at (202) 366-4571, by fax at (202) 366-4566, or by E-mail at mailto:mike.israni@rspa.dot.gov, regarding the subject matter of this proposed rule. The complete notice is available from RCP’s website at here.