Pipeline Safety: Request for Waiver; Southern LNG, 40781-40782 [05-13867]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 134 / Thursday, July 14, 2005 / Notices All written comments should identify the docket and notice numbers stated in the heading of this notice. Anyone who wants confirmation of mailed comments must include a self-addressed stamped postcard. To file written comments electronically, after logging on to https://dms.dot.gov, click on ‘‘Comment/ Submissions.’’ You can also read comments and other material in the docket. General information about the Federal pipeline safety program is available at https://ops.dot.gov. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Reynolds by phone at 202–366– 2786, by fax at 202–366–4566, by mail at DOT, PHMSA Office of Pipeline Safety, 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, or by e-mail at james.reynolds@.dot.gov. The gas pipeline safety regulation at 49 CFR 195.306(c)(5) allows an operator of a carbon dioxide pipeline to use inert gas or carbon dioxide as the test medium if the pipe involved is new pipe having a longitudinal joint factor of 1.00. BOC Gases (BOC) is requesting the waiver to use carbon dioxide as the test medium in its carbon dioxide pipeline system. The BOC Carbon Dioxide Pipeline System is approximately 14 miles northwest of Green River, Wyoming and located in Sweetwater County; this is a remote, uninhabited area that does not lie within any city or other populated limits. The pipeline is 7 miles in length, constructed of 3.5inch diameter, API 5L, Grade B Seamless pipe, and has a wall thickness of 0.300-inches. BOC calculated the pipe’s internal design pressure to be 4,320 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) using the formula in § 195.106 and pressure tested the pipe after construction; the minimum pressure was 3,575 psig and the pipe was tested for 2 hours. The pipeline is effectively coated and has had a sacrificial anode cathodic protection system since its construction. In justification for this waiver request, BOC is proposing the following testing procedure: • BOC would use liquid carbon dioxide to pressure test the entire 7 mile pipeline; • The pipeline test pressure would be maintained at a minimum pressure of 3,575 psig or 60% of the pipeline’s SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate jul<14>2003 18:32 Jul 13, 2005 Jkt 205001 specified minimum yield strength (SMYS) for at least 4 hours; • The pipeline would be tested for an additional 4 hours at a minimum pressure of 3,146 psig or 48% of SMYS; • Throughout the duration of the test, BOC personnel would be stationed along the pipeline to observe any conditions that might indicate leakage; • BOC personnel would be in constant communication with its personnel who will supervise and conduct the pressure test; and • During the pressure test, whenever the test pressure exceeds 50% SMYS, BOC’s building facilities would be unoccupied and its personnel will be stationed along the pipeline where it parallels the state highway. BOC believes that granting a waiver for this pipeline does not pose a risk to the public or the environment because this pipeline is in a remote location, in excellent condition, and will be tested and operated at a low percentage of SMYS. OPS will consider any comments received in response to this Notice, and make a final determination to grant or deny the waiver as proposed, or with modifications. If the waiver is granted, and OPS subsequently determines that the effect of the waiver is no longer consistent with pipeline safety, OPS may revoke the waiver at its sole discretion. This Notice is OPS’s only request for public comment before making its final decision in this matter. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60118(c) and 49 CFR 1.53. Issued in Washington, DC on July 7, 2005. Joy Kadnar, Director of Engineering and Emergency Support. [FR Doc. 05–13864 Filed 7–13–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–60–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Docket No. PHMSA–05–21747; Notice 1] Pipeline Safety: Request for Waiver; Southern LNG Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA); U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of intent to consider waiver request. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Southern LNG (SLNG), requested a waiver of compliance from the regulatory requirements at 49 CFR PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40781 193.2301, which requires each LNG facility constructed after March 31, 2000 to comply with 49 CFR 193 and ANSI/ NFPA 59A. DATES: Persons interested in submitting written comments on the waiver request described in this Notice must do so by August 15, 2005. Late filed comments will be considered as far as practicable. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by mailing or delivering an original and two copies to the Dockets Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Room PL–401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590–0001. The Dockets Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays when the facility is closed. Alternatively, you may submit written comments to the docket electronically at the following Web address: https:// dms.dot.gov. All written comments should identify the docket and notice numbers stated in the heading of this notice. Anyone who wants confirmation of mailed comments must include a selfaddressed stamped postcard. To file written comments electronically, after logging on to https://dms.dot.gov, click on ‘‘Comment/Submissions.’’ You can also read comments and other material in the docket. General information about the Federal pipeline safety program is available at https://ops.dot.gov. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477–78) or you may visit https://dms.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Reynolds by telephone at 202– 366–2786, by fax at 202–366–4566, by mail at DOT, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, or by e-mail at james.reynolds@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Southern LNG (SLNG), an El Paso Company, requests a waiver of compliance from the regulatory requirements at 49 CFR 193.2301. This regulation requires each LNG facility constructed after March 31, 2000 to comply with 49 CFR 193 and ANSI/ NFPA 59A. E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1 40782 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 134 / Thursday, July 14, 2005 / Notices NFPA 59A requires that welded containers designed for not more than 15 psig comply with the Eighth Edition, 1990, of API 620, Design and Construction of Large, Welded, LowPressure Storage Tanks (Appendix Q). The Eighth Edition of API 620 requires inspection according to Appendix Q which calls for the full radiographic examination of all vertical and horizontal butt welds associated with the container. SLNG is proposing to use the current Tenth Edition, Addendum 1, of API 620. The Tenth Edition, Addendum 1, of API 620, allows ultrasonic examination—in lieu of radiography—as an acceptable alternative non-destructive testing method. SLNG proposes to use ultrasonic examination on its project, which consist of full semi-automated and manual ultrasonic examination using shear wave probes. The examination will also consist of a volumetric ultrasonic examination using a combination of creep wave probes and focused angled longitudinal waive probes. SLNG stated that the NFPA 59A Technical Committee recently approved and recommended the acceptance of the Tenth Edition, 2002 of API 620. PHMSA has not adopted the Tenth Edition, 2002 of API 620, and has not incorporated it by reference in Appendix A to Part 193; therefore, a waiver is required. SLNG asserts that ultrasonic examination is more sensitive than radiographic examination to detect the type of flaws most susceptible in the design and construction of large welded low pressure storage tanks. SLNG further asserts that any potentially detrimental weld defect in the container walls will be identifiable using the ultrasonic examination method. SLNG concludes that the alternative method of inspection allowed by the current Tenth Edition, Addendum 1, of API 620, will not reduce the integrity of the installation, and will in fact enhance the quality of the inspection by using modern inspection technology while improving personnel safety and information sharing. For the reasons stated, SLNG is requesting a waiver from 49 CFR 193.2301 and is asking that it be allowed to use the ultrasonic examination method according to the Tenth Edition, Addendum 1, of API 620, in lieu of the radiographic examination method as specified by the Eighth Edition of API 620. System Description SLNG’s Elba Island Expansion Project consists of one tank with a volume of approximately one million barrels. The VerDate jul<14>2003 18:32 Jul 13, 2005 Jkt 205001 tank is located at the Southern LNG Receiving Terminal at Elba Island in Savanna, Georgia. The outer wall of the container is constructed of Carbon Steel and the inner wall of 9% Nickel Steel. This project received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on April 10, 2003. OPS will consider SLNG’s waiver request and whether SLNG’s proposal will yield an equivalent or greater degree of safety than that currently provided by the regulations. This Notice is OPS’ only request for public comment before making a decision. After considering any comments received, OPS may grant SLNG’s waiver request as proposed or with modifications and conditions or deny SLNG’s request. If the waiver is granted and OPS subsequently determines that the effect of the waiver is inconsistent with pipeline safety, OPS may revoke the waiver at its sole discretion. Issued in Washington, DC on July 7, 2005. Joy Kadnar, Director of Engineering and Emergency Support. [FR Doc. 05–13867 Filed 7–13–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–60–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Docket No. AB–490 (Sub-No. 1X)] Greenville County Economic Development Corporation— Abandonment and Discontinuance Exemption—in Greenville County, SC On June 24, 2005, Greenville County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC) filed with the Board a petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502 for exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903 to abandon approximately 11.8 miles of line, extending from milepost 0.0 in Greenville, SC, to milepost 11.8 in Travelers Rest, SC (Northern Segment) and to discontinue service over 3.29 miles of line, extending from milepost AJK 585.34 in East Greenville, SC, to milepost AJK 588.63 in Greenville (Southern Segment). No stations are located on either segment. The Northern Segment traverses United States Postal Service Zip Codes 29690, 29609, 29613, 29617, 29611, and 29601. The Southern Segment traverses United States Postal Service Zip Code 29607. The line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any documentation in GFEC’s possession will be made available promptly to those requesting it. GCEDC proposes to abandon or discontinue service over the Northern PO 00000 Frm 00098 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and Southern Segments, which constitute its entire operations. When issuing authority for railroad lines that constitute the carrier’s entire system, the Board does not impose labor protection, except in specifically enumerated circumstances. See Northampton and Bath R. Co.—Abandonment, 354 I.C.C. 784, 785–86 (1978) (Northampton). Therefore, if the Board grants the petition for exemption, in the absence of a showing that one or more of the exceptions articulated in Northampton are present, no labor protective conditions would be imposed. By issuance of this notice, the Board is instituting an exemption proceeding pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). A final decision will be issued by October 12, 2005. Any offer of financial assistance (OFA) under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) will be due no later than 10 days after service of a decision granting the petition for exemption. Each OFA must be accompanied by a $1,200 filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25). All interested persons should be aware that, following abandonment of rail service and salvage of the line, the line may be suitable for other public use, including interim trail use. Any request for a public use condition under 49 CFR 1152.28 or for trail use/rail banking under 49 CFR 1152.29 will be due no later than August 3, 2005. Each trail use request must be accompanied by a $200 filing fee. See 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(27). All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket No. AB–490 (Sub-No. 1X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423– 0001; and (2) William Mullins, Baker & Miller PLLC, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., #300, Washington, DC 20037. Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment procedures may contact the Board’s Office of Public Services at (202) 565–1592 or refer to the full abandonment or discontinuance regulations at 49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning environmental issues may be directed to the Board’s Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA) at (202) 565–1539. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available though the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339.] An environmental assessment (EA) (or environmental impact statement (EIS), if necessary), prepared by SEA, will be served upon all parties of record and upon any agencies or other persons who commented during its preparation. Other interested persons may contact SEA to obtain a copy of the EA (or EIS). EAs in these abandonment proceedings E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 134 (Thursday, July 14, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40781-40782]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-13867]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

[Docket No. PHMSA-05-21747; Notice 1]


Pipeline Safety: Request for Waiver; Southern LNG

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA); 
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of intent to consider waiver request.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Southern LNG (SLNG), requested a waiver of compliance from the 
regulatory requirements at 49 CFR 193.2301, which requires each LNG 
facility constructed after March 31, 2000 to comply with 49 CFR 193 and 
ANSI/NFPA 59A.

DATES: Persons interested in submitting written comments on the waiver 
request described in this Notice must do so by August 15, 2005. Late 
filed comments will be considered as far as practicable.

ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by mailing or delivering an 
original and two copies to the Dockets Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT), Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, 
DC 20590-0001. The Dockets Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays when the facility is 
closed. Alternatively, you may submit written comments to the docket 
electronically at the following Web address: https://dms.dot.gov. All 
written comments should identify the docket and notice numbers stated 
in the heading of this notice. Anyone who wants confirmation of mailed 
comments must include a self-addressed stamped postcard. To file 
written comments electronically, after logging on to https://
dms.dot.gov, click on ``Comment/Submissions.'' You can also read 
comments and other material in the docket. General information about 
the Federal pipeline safety program is available at https://ops.dot.gov.
    Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's 
complete privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or you may visit 
https://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Reynolds by telephone at 202-
366-2786, by fax at 202-366-4566, by mail at DOT, Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Office of Pipeline 
Safety (OPS), 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, or by e-mail 
at james.reynolds@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Southern LNG (SLNG), an El Paso Company, requests a waiver of 
compliance from the regulatory requirements at 49 CFR 193.2301. This 
regulation requires each LNG facility constructed after March 31, 2000 
to comply with 49 CFR 193 and ANSI/NFPA 59A.

[[Page 40782]]

    NFPA 59A requires that welded containers designed for not more than 
15 psig comply with the Eighth Edition, 1990, of API 620, Design and 
Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks (Appendix Q). 
The Eighth Edition of API 620 requires inspection according to Appendix 
Q which calls for the full radiographic examination of all vertical and 
horizontal butt welds associated with the container.
    SLNG is proposing to use the current Tenth Edition, Addendum 1, of 
API 620. The Tenth Edition, Addendum 1, of API 620, allows ultrasonic 
examination--in lieu of radiography--as an acceptable alternative non-
destructive testing method. SLNG proposes to use ultrasonic examination 
on its project, which consist of full semi-automated and manual 
ultrasonic examination using shear wave probes. The examination will 
also consist of a volumetric ultrasonic examination using a combination 
of creep wave probes and focused angled longitudinal waive probes.
    SLNG stated that the NFPA 59A Technical Committee recently approved 
and recommended the acceptance of the Tenth Edition, 2002 of API 620. 
PHMSA has not adopted the Tenth Edition, 2002 of API 620, and has not 
incorporated it by reference in Appendix A to Part 193; therefore, a 
waiver is required.
    SLNG asserts that ultrasonic examination is more sensitive than 
radiographic examination to detect the type of flaws most susceptible 
in the design and construction of large welded low pressure storage 
tanks. SLNG further asserts that any potentially detrimental weld 
defect in the container walls will be identifiable using the ultrasonic 
examination method.
    SLNG concludes that the alternative method of inspection allowed by 
the current Tenth Edition, Addendum 1, of API 620, will not reduce the 
integrity of the installation, and will in fact enhance the quality of 
the inspection by using modern inspection technology while improving 
personnel safety and information sharing.
    For the reasons stated, SLNG is requesting a waiver from 49 CFR 
193.2301 and is asking that it be allowed to use the ultrasonic 
examination method according to the Tenth Edition, Addendum 1, of API 
620, in lieu of the radiographic examination method as specified by the 
Eighth Edition of API 620.

System Description

    SLNG's Elba Island Expansion Project consists of one tank with a 
volume of approximately one million barrels. The tank is located at the 
Southern LNG Receiving Terminal at Elba Island in Savanna, Georgia. The 
outer wall of the container is constructed of Carbon Steel and the 
inner wall of 9% Nickel Steel. This project received approval from the 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on April 10, 2003.
    OPS will consider SLNG's waiver request and whether SLNG's proposal 
will yield an equivalent or greater degree of safety than that 
currently provided by the regulations. This Notice is OPS' only request 
for public comment before making a decision. After considering any 
comments received, OPS may grant SLNG's waiver request as proposed or 
with modifications and conditions or deny SLNG's request. If the waiver 
is granted and OPS subsequently determines that the effect of the 
waiver is inconsistent with pipeline safety, OPS may revoke the waiver 
at its sole discretion.

    Issued in Washington, DC on July 7, 2005.
Joy Kadnar,
Director of Engineering and Emergency Support.
[FR Doc. 05-13867 Filed 7-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P
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