Federal Register Volume 84, Number 190 (Tuesday, October 1, 2019)
[Rules and Regulations] [Pages 52015-52029]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
49 CFR Part 190
[Docket No. PHMSA-2016-0091; Amdt. No. 190-21] RIN 2137-AF26
Pipeline Safety: Enhanced Emergency Order Procedures
AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: On October 14, 2016, PHMSA published an interim final rule (IFR) issuing temporary emergency order procedures and requesting public comment. This final rule adopts, with modifications, that IFR implementing the emergency order authority conferred on the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) by the ``Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2016'' (PIPES Act). These regulations establish procedures for the issuance of emergency orders to address an unsafe condition or practice, or a combination of unsafe conditions or practices, that constitute or cause an imminent hazard to public health and safety or the environment. The regulations describe the duration and scope of such orders and provide a mechanism by which pipeline owners and operators subject to, and aggrieved by, emergency orders can seek administrative or judicial review.
DATES: This final rule is effective December 2, 2019.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James M. Pates, Assistant Chief Counsel for Pipeline Safety, PHMSA, by telephone at (202) 366-0331 or by mail at U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
(ViaData note: see above to download the PDF of the entire final rule)