The Pipeline Safety Act (49 U.S.C. 60108(c)(6)(B)) directs the Secretary of Transportation to require operators of an offshore pipeline facility or a pipeline crossing navigable waters to report the abandonment to the Secretary of Transportation in a way that specifies whether the facility has been abandoned properly according to applicable Federal and State requirements. RSPA’s regulations for abandonment reporting can be found at 49 CFR 192.727 and 195.402. This notice requests public participation in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval process regarding the renewal of an existing Research and Special Programs Administration’s (RSPA) collection of information for Pipeline Safety Reports of Abandoned Underwater Pipelines. Specifically, public comment is requested on ways to minimize the burden of this collection of information on the public, along with other factors.
RSPA estimates the approximately 400 gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators will spend a total of 2,400 hours providing this information. Comments are invited on: (a) The need for the proposed collection of information for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques.
Comments on this notice must be received by July 19, 2002 to be assured of consideration (docket number: RSPA-98-4957). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marvin Fell, (202) 366-6205, or write by e-mail to marvin.fell@rspa.dot.gov. All timely written comments to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also be available to the public in the docket.