PHMSA Publishes Petition Response NPRM – 08-14-19

Today the DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (84 FR 41556-41594) outlining proposed changes to the Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) resulting from petitions to reduce regulatory burdens.

The proposed changes include 20 provisions addressing:

• Phase-Out of Non-Normalized Tank Cars Used To Transport PIH Materials;

• Limited Quantity Shipments of Hydrogen Peroxide;

• Markings on Portable Tanks;

• Reconditioning of Metal Drums;

• Limited Quantity Harmonization;

• Mobile Refrigeration Units;

• Incorporation by Reference of CGA Standards;

• Special Provision for Explosives;

• EX Numbers and Safety Devices;

• Alternative Reports for Cargo Tanks;

• Weight Tolerances for Paper Shipping Sacks;

• Markings on Closed Transport Containers;

• Finalization of the HM-246 Tank Car Standard;

• Phase-Out of Non-HM-246 Compliant Rail Tank Cars;

• Allow Non-RCRA Waste To Use Lab Pack Exception;

• Incorporation of ASME Code Sections II, VIII, and IX;

• Import of Foreign Pi-Marked Cylinders;

• Placement of the Word “Stabilized” in Shipping Description;

• Incorporation by Reference of an IME Standard; and

• Incorporation by Reference of an APA Standard

PHMSA is soliciting public comments on these proposed changes to the HMR. Comments need to be submitted by October 15^th, 2019. Comments may be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal (www.Regulations.gov; Docket #PHMSA-2017-0120).