83_FR_41002 83 FR 40843 - Pipeline Safety: Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Risk Models

83 FR 40843 - Pipeline Safety: Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Risk Models

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 159 (August 16, 2018)

Page Range40843-40844
FR Document2018-17659

PHMSA is publishing this notice to seek public comments on a report developed to support improvements in gas and hazardous liquid pipeline risk models titled ``Pipeline Risk Modeling--Overview of Methods and Tools for Improved Implementation'' (Pipeline Risk Modeling Report). Pipeline risk models are a foundational part of the assessment of operational pipeline risk. Federal pipeline safety integrity management (IM) regulations require pipeline operators to use risk assessments. Based on the results of pipeline inspections and failure investigation findings, both PHMSA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have identified general weaknesses in the risk models often used by pipeline operators in performing risk assessments for their IM programs. The Pipeline Risk Modeling Report considers the major types of pipeline risk models, and the effectiveness of each type in supporting risk assessments, as applied to pipeline operator decisions.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 159 (Thursday, August 16, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 159 (Thursday, August 16, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40843-40844]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-17659]



[[Page 40843]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

[Docket No. PHMSA-2018-0050]


Pipeline Safety: Gas and Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Risk Models

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: PHMSA is publishing this notice to seek public comments on a 
report developed to support improvements in gas and hazardous liquid 
pipeline risk models titled ``Pipeline Risk Modeling--Overview of 
Methods and Tools for Improved Implementation'' (Pipeline Risk Modeling 
Report). Pipeline risk models are a foundational part of the assessment 
of operational pipeline risk. Federal pipeline safety integrity 
management (IM) regulations require pipeline operators to use risk 
assessments. Based on the results of pipeline inspections and failure 
investigation findings, both PHMSA and the National Transportation 
Safety Board (NTSB) have identified general weaknesses in the risk 
models often used by pipeline operators in performing risk assessments 
for their IM programs. The Pipeline Risk Modeling Report considers the 
major types of pipeline risk models, and the effectiveness of each type 
in supporting risk assessments, as applied to pipeline operator 
decisions.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
September 17, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted in the following ways:
    E-Gov Website: http://www.regulations.gov. This site allows the 
public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any 
agency.
    Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation 
(DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Room W12-140, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground level of DOT, West 
Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9:00 a.m. 
and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Instructions: Identify the docket number, PHMSA-2018-0050, at the 
beginning of your comments. Note that all comments received will be 
posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided. You should know that 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.).
    Docket: For access to the docket or to read background documents or 
comments, go to http://www.regulations.gov at any time or to Room W12-
140 on the ground level of DOT, West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. If you wish to receive confirmation of 
receipt of your written comments, please include a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard with the following statement: ``Comments on PHMSA-
2018-0050.'' The Docket Clerk will date stamp the postcard prior to 
returning it to you via the U.S. mail. Please note that due to delays 
in the delivery of U.S. mail to Federal offices in Washington, DC, we 
recommend that persons consider an alternative method (internet, fax, 
or professional delivery service) of submitting comments to the docket 
and ensuring their timely receipt at DOT.

    Note:  Privacy Act Statement: DOT may solicit comments from the 
public regarding certain general notices. DOT posts these comments, 
without edit, including any personal information the commenter 
provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of 
records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Steve Nanney, Project Manager, 
PHMSA, by telephone at 713-272-2855, or by email at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PHMSA is issuing the Pipeline Risk Modeling 
Report to support improvements in pipeline risk models and requests 
public comments. Both PHMSA and NTSB have identified a need to address 
the risk models often used by pipeline operators in performing risk 
assessments for their IM programs and provide guidance where 
appropriate. NTSB has issued three recommendations to PHMSA in this 
area. NTSB Recommendation P-15-10 recommends that PHMSA update guidance 
for gas transmission pipeline operators and inspectors on the 
evaluation of interactive threats, including the listing of all threat 
interactions that must be evaluated and acceptable methods to be 
used.\1\ NTSB Safety Recommendation P-15-12 recommends that PHMSA 
evaluate the safety benefits of the four risk assessment approaches 
currently allowed by the gas integrity management regulations; 
determine whether they produce a comparable safety benefit; and 
disseminate the results of your evaluation to the pipeline industry, 
inspectors, and the public.\2\ Lastly, NTSB Recommendation P-15-13 
recommends that PHMSA update guidance for gas transmission pipeline 
operators and inspectors on critical components of risk assessment 
approaches, including (1) methods for setting weighting factors, (2) 
factors that should be included in consequence of failure calculations, 
and (3) appropriate risk metrics and methods for aggregating risk along 
a pipeline.\3\ PHMSA is addressing these recommendations through the 
Risk Modeling Report process.
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    \1\ https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/Recommendation.aspx?Rec=P-15-010.
    \2\ https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/Recommendation.aspx?Rec=P-15-012.
    \3\ https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/Recommendation.aspx?Rec=P-15-013.
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    PHMSA organized a Risk Modeling Work Group (RMWG) composed of 
representatives of state and federal pipeline regulators, pipeline 
operators, industry organizations, national laboratory personnel, and 
other stakeholders. The purpose of the RMWG was to gather information 
regarding state-of-the-art pipeline risk modeling methods and tools, 
the use of those methods and tools, and the resulting data in operator 
IM programs. The Pipeline Risk Modeling Report provides an overview of 
methods and tools for improved implementation based on the results of 
the RMWG. The RMWG meeting notes and presentations can be reviewed at: 
https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/rmwg/index.htm.
    The Pipeline Risk Modeling Report considers the major types of 
pipeline risk models, and the effectiveness of each type in supporting 
risk assessments, as applied to pipeline operator decisions. The four 
major risk model categories considered for gas and hazardous liquid 
pipelines are:
     Qualitative;
     Relative Assessment/Index;
     Quantitative System, and
     Probabilistic.
    Each model category is characterized by the model inputs, outputs, 
and algorithms and was evaluated according to its ability to support 
pipeline risk management decisions and regulatory requirements.

[[Page 40844]]

    The Pipeline Risk Modeling Report focuses on the applicability of 
the different risk model types to various risk management decisions 
required by the Federal pipeline safety IM regulations, including:
     Risk Priorities for Baseline Integrity Assessments;
     Identification of Preventive Measures and Mitigative 
Measures;
     Evaluation and Comparison of Preventive Measures and 
Mitigative Measures;
     Consideration of Threats and their Interactions in Risk 
Assessments;
     Benefit-Cost Analysis for Risk Reduction Options;
     Integrity Assessment Interval Determination; and
     Support of Continual Evaluation of Integrity and General 
Risk Management Decision Making.
    PHMSA invites interested persons to participate by reviewing the 
Pipeline Risk Modeling Report on gas and hazardous liquid pipeline risk 
models in docket no. PHMSA-2018-0050 at http://www.Regulations.gov, and 
by submitting written comments, data, or other views. Please include 
any comments on potential safety and environmental impacts that may 
result from issuance of the Pipeline Risk Modeling Report.
    Before finalizing the Pipeline Risk Modeling Report, PHMSA will 
evaluate all comments received on or before the comment closing date. 
PHMSA will consider each timely-filed, relevant comment we receive in 
making any changes to the final Pipeline Risk Modeling Report. Comments 
received after the closing date will be evaluated to the extent 
practicable.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 9, 2018, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
Alan K. Mayberry,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 2018-17659 Filed 8-15-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-60-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 159 / Thursday, August 16, 2018 / Notices 40843 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION all comments received will be posted acceptable methods to be used.1 NTSB without change to http:// Safety Recommendation P–15–12 Pipeline and Hazardous Materials www.regulations.gov, including any recommends that PHMSA evaluate the Safety Administration personal information provided. You safety benefits of the four risk should know that anyone is able to assessment approaches currently [Docket No. PHMSA–2018–0050] search the electronic form of all allowed by the gas integrity Pipeline Safety: Gas and Hazardous comments received into any of our management regulations; determine Liquid Pipeline Risk Models dockets by the name of the individual whether they produce a comparable submitting the comment (or signing the safety benefit; and disseminate the AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous comment, if submitted on behalf of an results of your evaluation to the Materials Safety Administration association, business, labor union, etc.). pipeline industry, inspectors, and the (PHMSA), DOT. Docket: For access to the docket or to public.2 Lastly, NTSB Recommendation ACTION: Notice and request for read background documents or P–15–13 recommends that PHMSA comments. comments, go to http:// update guidance for gas transmission www.regulations.gov at any time or to pipeline operators and inspectors on SUMMARY: PHMSA is publishing this Room W12–140 on the ground level of critical components of risk assessment notice to seek public comments on a DOT, West Building, 1200 New Jersey approaches, including (1) methods for report developed to support Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between setting weighting factors, (2) factors that improvements in gas and hazardous 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday should be included in consequence of liquid pipeline risk models titled through Friday, except Federal holidays. failure calculations, and (3) appropriate ‘‘Pipeline Risk Modeling—Overview of If you wish to receive confirmation of risk metrics and methods for aggregating Methods and Tools for Improved receipt of your written comments, risk along a pipeline.3 PHMSA is Implementation’’ (Pipeline Risk please include a self-addressed, addressing these recommendations Modeling Report). Pipeline risk models stamped postcard with the following through the Risk Modeling Report are a foundational part of the statement: ‘‘Comments on PHMSA– process. assessment of operational pipeline risk. 2018–0050.’’ The Docket Clerk will date PHMSA organized a Risk Modeling Federal pipeline safety integrity stamp the postcard prior to returning it Work Group (RMWG) composed of management (IM) regulations require to you via the U.S. mail. Please note that representatives of state and federal pipeline operators to use risk due to delays in the delivery of U.S. pipeline regulators, pipeline operators, assessments. Based on the results of mail to Federal offices in Washington, industry organizations, national pipeline inspections and failure DC, we recommend that persons laboratory personnel, and other investigation findings, both PHMSA and consider an alternative method stakeholders. The purpose of the RMWG the National Transportation Safety (internet, fax, or professional delivery was to gather information regarding Board (NTSB) have identified general service) of submitting comments to the state-of-the-art pipeline risk modeling weaknesses in the risk models often docket and ensuring their timely receipt methods and tools, the use of those used by pipeline operators in at DOT. methods and tools, and the resulting performing risk assessments for their IM data in operator IM programs. The Note: Privacy Act Statement: DOT may programs. The Pipeline Risk Modeling solicit comments from the public regarding Pipeline Risk Modeling Report provides Report considers the major types of certain general notices. DOT posts these an overview of methods and tools for pipeline risk models, and the comments, without edit, including any improved implementation based on the effectiveness of each type in supporting personal information the commenter results of the RMWG. The RMWG risk assessments, as applied to pipeline provides, to www.regulations.gov, as meeting notes and presentations can be operator decisions. described in the system of records notice reviewed at: https:// (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be DATES: Interested persons are invited to primis.phmsa.dot.gov/rmwg/index.htm. reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. submit comments on or before The Pipeline Risk Modeling Report September 17, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. considers the major types of pipeline ADDRESSES: Comments may be Steve Nanney, Project Manager, risk models, and the effectiveness of submitted in the following ways: PHMSA, by telephone at 713–272–2855, each type in supporting risk E-Gov Website: http:// or by email at Steve.Nanney@dot.gov. assessments, as applied to pipeline www.regulations.gov. This site allows SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PHMSA is operator decisions. The four major risk the public to enter comments on any issuing the Pipeline Risk Modeling model categories considered for gas and Federal Register notice issued by any Report to support improvements in hazardous liquid pipelines are: agency. pipeline risk models and requests • Qualitative; Fax: 1–202–493–2251. public comments. Both PHMSA and • Relative Assessment/Index; Mail: Docket Management Facility; NTSB have identified a need to address • Quantitative System, and U.S. Department of Transportation the risk models often used by pipeline • Probabilistic. (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, operators in performing risk Each model category is characterized West Building, Room W12–140, assessments for their IM programs and by the model inputs, outputs, and Washington, DC 20590–0001. provide guidance where appropriate. algorithms and was evaluated according Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on the NTSB has issued three to its ability to support pipeline risk ground level of DOT, West Building, recommendations to PHMSA in this management decisions and regulatory sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, area. NTSB Recommendation P–15–10 requirements. Washington, DC, between 9:00 a.m. and recommends that PHMSA update 1 https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/ 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, guidance for gas transmission pipeline Recommendation.aspx?Rec=P-15-010. except Federal holidays. operators and inspectors on the 2 https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/ Instructions: Identify the docket evaluation of interactive threats, Recommendation.aspx?Rec=P-15-012. number, PHMSA–2018–0050, at the including the listing of all threat 3 https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/ beginning of your comments. Note that interactions that must be evaluated and Recommendation.aspx?Rec=P-15-013. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Aug 15, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00100 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16AUN1.SGM 16AUN1

40844 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 159 / Thursday, August 16, 2018 / Notices The Pipeline Risk Modeling Report DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS services to better serve the combat- focuses on the applicability of the AFFAIRS theater Veteran population. To this end different risk model types to various risk Committee members will receive management decisions required by the Advisory Committee on the briefings from VA’s mental health Federal pipeline safety IM regulations, Readjustment of Veterans, Notice of leadership on the types and distribution including: Meeting of psychiatric disorders currently being • Risk Priorities for Baseline Integrity The Department of Veterans Affairs presented by OIF/OEF Veterans and the Assessments; (VA) gives notice that a meeting of the various treatment regimens provided for • Identification of Preventive Advisory Committee on the their care inclusive of psychotherapy Measures and Mitigative Measures; Readjustment of Veterans will be held and psychopharmacology. VA Mental • Evaluation and Comparison of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Health and RCS leadership will Preventive Measures and Mitigative September 11, 12, and 13, 2018. The additionally present on the collaborative Measures; meetings will be conducted at the activities currently underway between Department of Veterans Affairs National RCS and the Office of Mental Health • Consideration of Threats and their Headquarters, at 811 Vermont Avenue and Suicide Prevention to achieve life- Interactions in Risk Assessments; NW, Washington, DC 20420, in saving outcomes for at risk combat- • Benefit-Cost Analysis for Risk theater Veterans and Service members. Conference Room 6132. The agenda for Reduction Options; these three days will begin at 8:00 a.m. On Thursday, September 13, the • Integrity Assessment Interval and end at 4:30 p.m. The meetings are Committee will engage in strategic Determination; and open to the public. discussions for the purpose of • Support of Continual Evaluation of The purpose of the Committee is to formulating conclusions, perspectives Integrity and General Risk Management review the post-war readjustment needs and recommendations for developing its Decision Making. of combat-theater Veterans and to 20th annual report to Congress. PHMSA invites interested persons to evaluate the availability, effectiveness participate by reviewing the Pipeline and coordination of VA programs No time will be allocated at this Risk Modeling Report on gas and available to meet Veterans’ readjustment meeting for receiving oral presentations hazardous liquid pipeline risk models service needs. The Committee reviews from the public. However, members of in docket no. PHMSA–2018–0050 at issues related to promoting Veterans’ the public may direct written questions http://www.Regulations.gov, and by access to VA services, provision of or submit prepared statements for submitting written comments, data, or readjustment counseling services at Vet review by the Committee before the other views. Please include any Centers, and coordination of care meeting to Mr. Charles M. Flora, comments on potential safety and between the Vet Centers and VA M.S.W., Designated Federal Officer, environmental impacts that may result medical facilities. Readjustment Counseling Service, from issuance of the Pipeline Risk On Tuesday, September 11, the Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Modeling Report. agenda will feature briefings from the Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) 20420. Because the meeting will be in Before finalizing the Pipeline Risk Modeling Report, PHMSA will evaluate Chief Officer regarding the current a Government building, please provide all comments received on or before the activities of the RCS Vet Centers to valid photo identification for check-in. comment closing date. PHMSA will include the full scope of outreach and Please allow 15 minutes before the consider each timely-filed, relevant readjustment counseling being provided meeting for the check-in process. If you comment we receive in making any to combat-theater Veterans, Service plan to attend or have questions changes to the final Pipeline Risk members and their families. The concerning the meeting, please contact Modeling Report. Comments received briefing will also provide a status report the Readjustment Counseling Service after the closing date will be evaluated regarding the RCS organizational (10RCS) action group by email to the extent practicable. transition to a single point of service VHA10RCSAction@va.gov or call (202) within the general organizational 461–6525. Issued in Washington, DC, on August 9, transformation of the Veterans Health 2018, under authority delegated in 49 CFR Dated: August 13, 2018. Administration (VHA). 1.97. On Wednesday, September 12, the Jelessa M. Burney, Alan K. Mayberry, Committee will focus on VA mental Federal Advisory Committee Management Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety. health services and best practices for Office. [FR Doc. 2018–17659 Filed 8–15–18; 8:45 am] coordinating VA mental health services [FR Doc. 2018–17708 Filed 8–15–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–60–P with RCS readjustment counseling BILLING CODE P sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:15 Aug 15, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\16AUN1.SGM 16AUN1


Document Created: 2018-08-16 01:03:18
Document Modified: 2018-08-16 01:03:18
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice and request for comments.
DatesInterested persons are invited to submit comments on or before September 17, 2018.
ContactMr. Steve Nanney, Project Manager, PHMSA, by telephone at 713-272-2855, or by email at [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 40843 
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