PHMSA State One-Call Exemption Forum

Meeting completed.

This forum will bring together damage prevention stakeholders to discuss exemptions in state one-call programs. The primary goals of the forum are to: (1) Provide baseline understanding of existing exemptions and PHMSA's initiatives to address reauthorization requirements; (2) Discuss existing damage data, gaps in existing data, analysis to date; (3) Gain perspectives from those impacted by exemptions; and, (4) Discuss strategies for path forward.

The online webcast archive for this Forum is available at http://onlinevideoservice.com/clients/PHMSA/exemptionforum/index.html.

The archive is broken into the opening and panel discussion sessions. A downloadable transcript of the event is also available from the archive page.

The presenters' slide presentations are available to view or download on this meeting page.

Section 3 of the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011 (Pub. L. 112—90) requires that PHMSA address exemptions in state one-call laws in two ways: (1) As a factor in determining eligibility for certain grants, and (2) in a requirement to prepare a state-by-state exemption study.

This forum will bring together damage prevention stakeholders, including facility owners, excavators, state and local government officials and other key stakeholders, to discuss exemptions in state one-call programs. Comprehensive national data providing detailed information about exemption-related pipeline damages that can be analyzed at the state level is unavailable, so it is critical for PHMSA to gather information, such as state or regional data, from stakeholders and provide opportunity for input. Stakeholder input, at the forum, will be used in developing a study of the impact of one-call exemptions on pipeline safety, as required in the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011.

This forum is scheduled to take place immediately after the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) 811 Excavation Safety Conference and Expo at the same location. The CGA conference consistently draws the vast majority of key damage prevention stakeholders from across the U.S., which is the target audience of the PHMSA forum. By hosting the forum in association with the CGA conference, PHMSA can maximize opportunities for stakeholder participation and reduce travel and meeting space costs associated with holding a separate meeting at a different location. Attendees can make hotel arrangements for the PHMSA Forum under the CGA room block at a rate of $199.00 per night. Further details can be found at http://www.cgaconference.com.

This forum is open to all and there is no cost to attend.

1. Provide baseline understanding of existing exemptions and PHMSA's initiatives to address reauthorization requirements. A pre-read that includes background information will also be posted to the meeting registration page.
2. Discuss existing damage data, gaps in existing data, analysis to date.
3. Gain perspectives from those impacted by exemptions, including:

1. Commonly exempted entities, such as agriculture, local government, railroads
2. State and local agencies
3. Pipeline operators
4. One Call Centers
5. Utility locators
6. The public

4. Discuss strategies for path forward.

REGISTRANT NOTICE: On the day of the meeting registrants should pick up badges for the PHMSA Exemption Forum at the main CGA 811 Excavation Safety Conference & Expo registration area (on-site registration for the PHMSA Forum will also be available at that location). Your badge for the PHMSA Forum will also give you access to the CGA trade show floor and outdoor demonstrations on March 14th. However, your PHMSA Forum registration will not provide access to any CGA Expo meals or conference sessions. If you would like to attend the CGA 811 Excavation Safety Conference & Expo that precedes the forum, beginning Tuesday, March 12th, you can register at www.CGAconference.com

• E-Gov Web Site: http://www.regulations.gov. This site allows the public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any agency. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 1—202—493—2251.
• Mail: Docket Management System, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W12—140, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: DOT Docket Management System, Room W12—140, on the ground floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Instructions: Identify the Docket No. at the beginning of your comments. If you submit your comments by mail, submit two copies. If you wish to receive confirmation that PHMSA has received your comments, include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Internet users may submit comments at http://www.regulations.gov. Note: Comments will be posted without changes or edits to http://www.regulations.gov including any personal information provided.

Privacy Act Statement: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received for any of our dockets. You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477).

WEBCAST INFORMATION: The online webcast archive for this Forum is available at http://onlinevideoservice.com/clients/PHMSA/exemptionforum/index.html.

INFORMATION ON SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES: For information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities, or to request special assistance at the meeting, please contact Annmarie Robertson at 317—253—1622, or by email at annmarie.robertson @ dot.gov by March 4, 2013.