This proposed rule defines drinking water and ecological areas that are unusually sensitive to environmental damage if there is a hazardous liquid pipeline release. RSPA refers to these areas as unusually sensitive areas (USAs). RSPA is working on a pilot test that implements the proposed definition and identifies USAs in three states: Texas, Louisiana, and California. Other government agencies, environmental groups, and academia will evaluate the final results of this pilot test. RSPA will publish the results of the pilot test and technical analysis once they are complete. This proposed rule would not require specific action by pipeline operators. However, this proposed definition would be used as criteria in evaluating requirements by certain existing and future regulations.
RSPA will use the definition for identifying USAs in current and future regulations. Any regulatory application of this definition will be aimed at ensuring that operators implement appropriate protective measures for pipelines in USAs.
Regulations where operators may have to identify USAs include:
- Risk-based Alternative to Pressure Testing Older Hazardous Liquid and Carbon Dioxide Pipelines (63 FR 59475; November 4, 1998),
- Response Plans for Onshore Oil Pipelines (62 FR 67292; December 24, 1997),
- Hazardous Liquid Pipelines Operated at 20% or Less of Specified Minimum Yield Strength (49 CFR Part 195),
- Emergency Flow Restricting Devices, (Docket PS-133),
- Increased Inspection Requirements, (Docket PS-141) and
- Pipeline Safety: Enhanced Safety and Environmental Protection for Gas Transmission and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines in High Consequence Areas, (64 FR 56725; October 21, 1999)
Send written comments on this proposed definition to DOT / RSPA by June 27, 2000.