PHMSA Announces Pipeline Advisory Committees’ Meeting

The Pipeline Hazardous Material and Safety Administration posted a meetings notice in today’s Federal Register (78 FR 41496-41497) for two pipeline advisor committee meeting to be held on August 8^th and 9^th in Arlington, VA. The two committees are the Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) and the Liquid Pipeline Advisory Committee (LPAC). These two committees routinely meet at the same time since they share some sessions in common. They advise PHMSA on the technical feasibility, practicability, and cost-effectiveness of each proposed pipeline safety standard.

There is very limited information about the current agenda for this meeting. The notice only states that: “The committees will meet in joint session to discuss a variety of topics to keep committee members up-to-date on DOT's pipeline safety program.” Further information will be posted on the PHMSA web site prior to the meeting.

Public participation is being solicited by PHMSA, but PHMSA is not planning on web casting this meeting. Written comments may be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal (www.Regulations.gov; Docket # PHMSA-2013-0156). Comments should be submitted within 30 days of the end of the meeting. Those wishing to make an oral statement at the meeting need to register by July 22^nd, 2013 by sending an email to cheryl.whetsel@dot.gov.