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DOT/RSPA RIN: 2137-AC39 Publication ID: Spring 2000 
Title: Emergency Flow Restricting Devices 
Abstract: This rulemaking would specify those circumstances under which operators of hazardous liquid pipelines are required to use emergency flow restricting devices (EFRDs) or other procedures, systems, and equipment to detect and locate pipeline ruptures and minimize releases. This action is considered significant because of substantial public interest. 
Agency: Department of Transportation(DOT)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 49 CFR 195   
Legal Authority: 49 USC 60101 to 60125   
Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date
Final  Statutory    10/24/1996 
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
ANPRM  01/19/1994  59 FR 2802   
ANPRM Comment Period End  04/19/1994    
NPRM  06/00/2000    
Additional Information: Docket No. PS-133. A public workshop was held on 10/19/95 (60 FR 44822). This action is being coordinated with other rulemakings on onshore oil spill response plans (Docket No. PS-130; RIN 2137-AC30), areas unusually sensitive to environmental damage (Docket No PS-140; RIN 2137-AC34), and pipeline leak detection systems (Docket No. RSPA 97-2362; RIN 2137-AD05). These actions are being pursued in coordination with, and as part of the response to, the EFRD mandate. First, RSPA has required pipeline operators to develop and carry out onshore oil spill response plans under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (Docket No. PS-130; RIN 2137-AC30). The operators have filed response plans under an interim final rule, and numerous tabletop exercises and area exercises have been conducted to validate the planning process. Work is proceeding on a 'one plan' approach that would allow an operator to file only one oil spill response plan with the various interested agencies. A final rule will be directed toward improving operators' accident response capabilities and minimizing accident consequences. Second, RSPA published a proposed rule to adopt the American Petroleum Institute's (API) pipeline leak detection system technical standard (Standard API 1130, Computational Pipeline Monitoring) to guide industry implementation of computer-based leak detection systems (Docket No. RSPA-97-2362, RIN 2137-AD06). This proposal would require that operators of hazardous liquid pipelines use API 1130 in conjunction with other information in the design, evaluation, operation, maintenance, and testing of their software-based leak detection systems. This will result in a significant advancement toward the acceptance of leak detection technology on hazardous liquid pipelines. This is a necessary precedent to the possible adoption of regulations on emergency flow restricting devices. Third, RSPA is working with the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, and others to develop a definition of "areas unusually sensitive to environmental damage from pipeline spills" (Docket No. PS-140; RIN 2137-AC34). This effort will define areas that are candidates for the application of EFRDs. Finally, EFRDS are being considered as part of an NPRM in Docket No. RSPA-99-6355, Enhanced Safety and Environmental Protection for Gas Tranmission and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines in High Consenquence Areas. An NPRM is expected to be issued by April 2000.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Agency Contact:
L. Ulrich
General Engineer
Department of Transportation
Research and Special Programs Administration
400 Seventh Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20590
Phone:202 366-4556