Overview
Title
Pipeline Safety: Information Collection Activities
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government group that keeps pipelines safe wants to make sure they're doing a good job by checking and keeping track of certain activities. They are asking people like you and me to share ideas on how they can do this better.
Summary AI
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking public feedback regarding their plan to renew several information collection activities set to expire in 2021. These collections, which involve activities like post-accident drug testing, public awareness programs, and maintaining certain pipeline safety records, are crucial for ensuring ongoing pipeline safety. PHMSA is inviting comments to explore ways to improve the relevance, accuracy, and efficiency of this data collection. Public comments should be submitted by April 19, 2021, and PHMSA provides various means, such as online, fax, and mail, for submitting these comments.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, PHMSA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew the following information collections that are scheduled to expire in 2021 under OMB control numbers: 2137-0632 Post-Accident Drug Testing for Operators (6/30/21); 2137-0594 Customer-Owned Service Lines (8/31/21); 2137-0622 Public Awareness Program (9/30/21); 2137-0048 Recordkeeping Requirements for Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities (9/30/21); 2137-0618 Periodic Underwater Inspection and Notification of Abandoned Underwater Pipelines (10/31/21); 2137-0600 Qualification of Pipeline Safety Training (10/31/21), and 2137-0634 Recordkeeping for Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities (10/31/21). PHMSA has reviewed each of these collections and considers them vital to the continuity of promoting and maintaining pipeline safety. As such, PHMSA will request a renewal, without change, to each of the information collections detailed below.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document, issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the Department of Transportation (DOT), is an official notice inviting public comments on the intention to renew several information collection activities. These collections pertain to critical areas of pipeline safety regulation, including post-accident drug testing, maintenance of public awareness programs, specific recordkeeping for liquefied natural gas facilities, and requirements for qualification of pipeline safety training among others. These information collections are deemed essential to maintaining and promoting pipeline safety in the United States.
General Summary of the Document
PHMSA is requesting public feedback on the proposed renewal of information collections that are set to expire in 2021. This is part of the agency's effort to comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to minimize the paperwork burden for individuals and businesses while ensuring the federal government can collect necessary information effectively. Comments on the proposed renewals are requested by April 19, 2021, and can be submitted via multiple methods including online, fax, and mail.
Significant Issues or Concerns
The document contains several issues that might impede understanding and engagement from the general public. Firstly, the language used in the document is quite complex, potentially making it difficult for non-experts to grasp the procedures for submitting comments and the nature of the information collections involved. Furthermore, the section detailing how to submit confidential business information is dense and may discourage participation due to its complexity.
Additionally, the document does not clearly outline the potential implications for operators who fail to comply with the proposed requirements, which is important for stakeholders to fully understand the stakes involved. While detailed, the notice lacks a summary of changes or potential impacts that the renewal may have, including any cost implications which would be of particular interest to the affected public. Also, some sections repeat information regarding submission methods, which could be streamlined for efficiency and clarity.
Impact on the General Public and Specific Stakeholders
For the general public, the document seeks to ensure that pipeline safety continues to be a priority, which can provide peace of mind regarding the environmental and safety standards maintained by regulatory bodies. The public has the opportunity to influence policy by providing feedback, which could enhance the agency's approach to managing these information collections.
For specific stakeholders like pipeline operators and state and local governments, the document reiterates their obligations under various regulatory regimes. The renewals emphasize the importance of compliance in areas such as drug testing, safety recordkeeping, and public awareness. Failure to comply could lead to stricter regulatory scrutiny or enforcement actions, which can have financial implications. However, the document could positively reinforce existing safety standards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing operational safety.
In conclusion, while the document serves a vital regulatory function, there are areas where simplification and clearer communication could lead to wider public engagement and better understanding of the consequences and benefits of complying with the proposed information collections. This would ensure that all parties involved—regulators, operators, and the public—are working together effectively to maintain high standards of pipeline safety.
Issues
• The document's language could be overly complex for the general public, making it difficult for non-experts to understand the procedures for submitting comments or the nature of the information collections.
• The notice provides extensive details on how to submit confidential business information, but this section is quite dense and might be challenging for some to navigate, which could discourage participation.
• There is no clear explanation of the potential implications or consequences for operators if they do not comply with the recordkeeping and reporting requirements, which might be useful for a more comprehensive understanding.
• The document does not provide a summary of changes or impacts that the renewal of these information collections might have on the affected public, including any cost implications, which could be important for stakeholders.
• Some sections contain repetition of information, such as the multiple listings of contact methods and addresses for submitting comments, which could be streamlined for clarity.