Action
Notice of initiating pilot testing.
Summary
RSPA is pilot testing a model that identifies areas unusually sensitive to environmental damage from a hazardous liquid pipeline release, commonly referred to as unusually sensitive areas (USAs). The USA model was created through a series of public workshops and the work of the American Petroleum Institute (API). RSPA and API will be working together on this pilot test. Other government agencies, environmental groups, and academia will be evaluating the final results of this pilot test. The pilot test will be conducted in three states: Texas, Louisiana, and California. The purpose of the pilot testing is to determine if the model can be used to identify and locate unusually sensitive drinking water and ecological resources using available data from government agencies and environmental organizations. The pilot test will also help evaluate the USA model, determine if the model identifies the majority of unusually sensitive drinking water and ecological resources, and the appropriateness and accessibility of environmental data to support the model. RSPA will publish for public comment the results of the pilot test, technical analysis, and the proposed USA model once the pilot test and analysis are complete.