Overview
Title
Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit; Tennessee Gas Pipeline, L.L.C.
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is asking people what they think about a request from the Tennessee Gas Pipeline company. They want special permission to work with gas pipes in a different way than usual rules say, so they don't need to replace parts of the pipe or lower the pressure.
Summary AI
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has published a notice to request public comments on a special permit application from Tennessee Gas Pipeline, L.L.C. (TGP). This permit seeks an exemption from certain federal pipeline safety regulations, particularly concerning changes in pipeline class locations and maximum allowable operating pressure. The exemption covers sections of the pipeline in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, which need relief instead of replacing the pipeline or reducing its pressure. Interested parties have until February 18, 2021, to submit their comments regarding the safety and environmental implications of granting this permit.
Abstract
PHMSA is publishing this notice to solicit public comments on a request for special permit received from the Tennessee Gas Pipeline, L.L.C. (TGP). The special permit request is seeking relief from compliance with certain requirements in the Federal pipeline safety regulations. At the conclusion of the 30-day comment period, PHMSA will review the comments received from this notice as part of its evaluation to grant or deny the special permit request.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This notice concerns a request for a special permit from Tennessee Gas Pipeline, L.L.C. (TGP). The permit seeks to waive compliance with certain federal pipeline safety regulations specifically related to class location changes and maximum allowable operating pressure for parts of its pipeline system in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. The notice calls for public input on this request, with a deadline for comments set for February 18, 2021.
General Summary
The request from TGP involves several sections of pipeline, which are subject to changing class locations—a classification system that dictates certain safety standards based on the proximity of the pipeline to population centers. Instead of replacing the pipeline or reducing pressure to meet these upgraded standards, TGP is asking for an exemption. The sections of pipeline, installed decades ago, have their pressure maintained at an existing level. PHMSA invites public comment to consider environmental and safety implications ahead of deciding on the permit application.
Significant Issues
A primary issue arises from the document's lack of clarity on the specific regulations from which TGP seeks relief. While references are made to specific regulatory codes like 49 CFR 192.611(a) and (d) and 192.619(a), their detailed meaning might not be clear to individuals without regulatory expertise. This lack of clear information could lead to misunderstanding and limit informed public commenting.
Additionally, the document does not sufficiently outline the potential consequences—both positive and negative—of granting or denying the permit. Without clear scenarios or risk assessments, evaluating the full impact of the decision is challenging for the public.
The instructions for submitting Confidential Business Information (CBI) are thorough, but they may appear complex, posing potential barriers for individuals and small businesses unfamiliar with such processes.
Public Impact
For the general public, especially those residing near the flagged pipeline sections, this document represents a significant matter. The outcome could affect local safety and environmental conditions. Therefore, transparency and clear communication from PHMSA are crucial to assuage community concerns and ensure trust in the decision-making process.
Stakeholder Considerations
Specific stakeholders likely to be affected by this request include residents of the areas where the pipelines are located, local governments, and environmental groups concerned with the ecological implications. On one hand, if granted, the special permit might reduce operational costs for the pipeline company, potentially influencing local economies positively. On the other hand, if safety is compromised, it could pose risks to the public and environment, fostering community and environmental activists' dissent.
Industry stakeholders may view the permit as a necessary flexibility to maintain economic efficiency without incurring the costs of physical alterations to the pipeline infrastructure. Regulators and safety advocates might challenge this perspective, citing a need for strict adherence to regulations given the potential risks posed by pipelines.
In conclusion, while the document sets the stage for public participation, its technical nature and lack of clear detailing in some areas might hinder the overall efficacy of this participatory process. Enhancements in clarity and context could significantly bolster public engagement and informed discourse.
Issues
• The document does not specify the exact nature of the special permit request in terms of specific requirements that the Tennessee Gas Pipeline, LLC is seeking relief from, which can lead to ambiguity.
• There is no mention of the potential safety implications if the special permit is granted or denied, making it difficult to assess the full impact.
• The process for marking and submitting Confidential Business Information (CBI) is described in detail, but might be viewed as complex or cumbersome for individuals unfamiliar with the process.
• The technical jargon, such as references to 49 CFR 192.611(a) and other regulatory codes, may be difficult for general public to understand without further explanation.
• There is no detailed rationale provided for why the special permit is preferable over pipe replacement or pressure reduction, which might be seen as important to stakeholders interested in the technical merit of the request.
• The document could provide more clarity on what constitutes relevant data or comments, and what PHMSA considers as significant in their decision-making process.