On April 16, 2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an interim final rule requiring rail carriers to compile annual data on certain shipments of explosive, toxic by inhalation, and radioactive materials, use the data to analyze safety and security risks along rail routes where those materials are transported, assess alternative routing options, and make routing decisions based on those assessments. US DOT also clarified that it is the rail carriers’ responsibility to address in their security plans issues related to en route storage and delays in transit. In addition, US DOT adopted a new requirement for rail carriers to inspect placarded hazardous materials rail cars for signs of tampering or suspicious items, including improvised explosive devices. The new interim final rule can be seen at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-8185.htm.
The interim final rule is effective June 1, 2008. Voluntary Compliance Date: Voluntary compliance is authorized as of May 16, 2008. Public comments to the new final interim rule must be received by May 16, 2008. You may submit comments identified by the docket number PHMSA-RSPA-2004-18730 by any of the following methods: Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Fax: 1-202-493-2251. Mail: Docket Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Routing Symbol M-30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: To Docket Operations; Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and docket number for this rule. Note that all comments received will be posted without change, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act section of the preamble.
Posted by: Attorney Sanders
Categories:
Hazardous materials shipment