Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
Summary
This proposed rule extends the requirements for protection of populated areas, commercially navigable waterways, and areas unusually sensitive to environmental damage from hazardous liquid pipeline spills to those regulated hazardous liquid pipeline operators who own or operate less than 500 miles of pipeline. This action is necessary because on December 01, 2000, RSPA's Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) issued a final rule to establish new requirements for the protection of these areas. However, the published final rule applied only to hazardous liquid pipeline operators who own or operate 500 or more miles of pipeline. After further review, it was determined that the same requirements should be extended to the remaining regulated hazardous liquid pipeline operators.