In This Issue

Request for public comments and OMB approval concerning Operator Qualification Record keeping Burden

RSPA is requesting public participation in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval process regarding the renewal of an existing RSPA/Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) collection of information for Operator Qualification of Pipeline Personnel.  RSPA/OPS published a notice requesting public comment on April 18, 2002, and only one comment was received.  Because this was the only comment received, RSPA/OPS does not believe there is enough evidence to reduce the cost estimate of this information collection.  RSPA/OPS is offering the public another opportunity to comment on this information collection.  It is also requesting OMB approval for renewal of this information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.  The public is invited to submit comments on ways to minimize the burden associated with collection of information related to the operator qualification requirements in the pipeline safety regulations, as well as other factors listed in the body of this notice.

Comments on this notice must be received within 30 days of July 17, 2002, to be assured of consideration.  Interested persons are invited to send comments directly to The Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 726 Jackson Place Washington, DC 20503 ATTN: Desk Officer for the Department of Transportation (Docket Number: RSPA-98-4957).  The docket can be viewed electronically at http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marvin Fell, (202) 366-6205, to ask questions about this notice; or write by e-mail to marvin.fell@rspa.dot.gov.

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.

Respondents: Gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 50,000.
Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 466,667 hours.