Notification Requirements for Leak Detection and Repair

Forms and Documents

Document Name	Status
LDAR Notifications New ICR.docx Supporting Statement A	2023-09-26

IC Document Collections

IC ID	Document Title	Status
262376	Request to Extend Deadline for Remedying Leaks Notification	New
262375	Request to Use Alternative Advanced Leak Detection Performance Standard	New
262374	Use of Human Senses for Leak Detection Notification	New
262373	Use of Alternate Technology for Leak Detection Notification	New

ICR Details

OMB Control No:	ICR Reference No: 202304-2137-006
Status: Received in OIRA	Previous ICR Reference No:
Agency/Subagency: DOT/PHMSA	Agency Tracking No:
Title: Notification Requirements for Leak Detection and Repair
Type of Information Collection: New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular	Date Submitted to OIRA: 09/27/2023

	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	36 Months From Approved
Responses	1,000	0
Time Burden (Hours)	8,000	0
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0

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Abstract: A person owning or operating a natural gas pipeline facility is required to provide information to the Secretary of Transportation at the Secretary's request according to 49 USC 60117. The Pipeline Safety regulations contained within 49 CFR Part 192 require operators to make various notifications upon the occurrence of certain events. The provisions covered under this information collection request involve notification requirements for operators who utilize alternative or expanded technologies and methods when conducting leak detection and repair activities. These notification requirements are necessary to ensure safe operation of pipelines and ascertain compliance with gas pipeline safety regulations. These mandatory notifications help PHMSA to stay abreast of issues related to the health and safety of the nation's pipeline infrastructure. PHMSA proposes to create this information in conjunction with proposed regulatory changes made in the Pipeline Safety: Gas Leak Detection and Repair NPRM which requires operators to notify PHMSA in various instances pertaining to leak detection and repair activities. PHMSA expects all gas pipeline operators to be subject to these notification requirements.

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Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 49 USC 60117 Name of Law: Administrative
  

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
2137-AF51	Proposed rulemaking	88 FR 31890	05/18/2023

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Federal Register Notices & Comments

Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 4

IC Title	Form No.	Form Name
Request to Extend Deadline for Remedying Leaks Notification
Request to Use Alternative Advanced Leak Detection Performance Standard
Use of Alternate Technology for Leak Detection Notification
Use of Human Senses for Leak Detection Notification

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ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Request	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	1,000	0	0	1,000	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	8,000	0	0	8,000	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Increase Due to: Changing Regulations

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: Pipeline Safety: Gas Leak Detection and Repair NPRM proposes to require pipeline operators to notify PHMSA if alternative or expanded technologies and methods are used when conducting leak detection and repair activities. Requirements include notifying PHMSA in accordance with § 192.18 90 days in advance of using an alternative technology or assessment method; allowing operators to request the use of human senses, in lieu of leak detection equipment, when conducting a leak survey if the operator provides advance notification to PHMSA in accordance with § 192.18; allowing operators to request to use an alternative advanced leak detection performance standard if the operator notifies PHMSA, in accordance with § 192.18; and allowing operators to request an extension of the leak repair deadline requirements for an individual grade 3 leak with advance notification to, and review by, PHMSA pursuant to § 192.18 .

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Annual Cost to Federal Government:

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Does this ICR request any personally identifiable information (see OMB Circular No. A-130 for an explanation of this term)? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Does this ICR include a form that requires a Privacy Act Statement (see 5 U.S.C. §552a(e)(3))? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? No

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Common Form ICR:  No

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On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).

The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:

(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;

(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;

(c) It reduces burden on small entities;

(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;

(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;

(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;

(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:

(i) Why the information is being collected;

(ii) Use of information;

(iii) Burden estimate;

(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);

(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and

(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;

(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.

(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and

(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.

If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.

Certification Date: 09/27/2023

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