Transcript Federal Railroad Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration
Regulatory Update
for the U.S Clay Producers Traffic Association, Inc
Spring 2011
Karl Alexy, P.E.
Engineer, HM Division
Washington, DC
Federal Railroad Administration
Introduction
The FRA is the agency within the
Department of Transportation
responsible for ensuring the
safety and security of rail
chemical transportation for the
protection of our nation.
90+ Safety
Professionals
Specific to HM
Overview
Federal Register Notice
One Time Movement Approvals
Tank Car Quality Assurance Team
Federal Register Notice
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HM-233A
 Effective October 1, 2010
 §179.13 - Allows 286,000 pound GRL with approval of FRA
Federal Register Notice
 Published January 25, 2011
 Guidelines for FRA approval
 Car operating under special permits
 Existing cars: upgraded or modified
 New cars
 80/20 Rule – Those specification or designed not explicitly
covered must request FRA approval
 Applies to TCs built as DOT spec and operated at AAR
specification
One Time Movement Approvals

Review of Process
 Peer Review
 Team – PHMSA and FRA
 Engineer, Specialist, Lawyer and Economist
 Sample of OTMS issued in 2010
 Public meeting
 Improving the safety of Railroad Transportation of Hazardous Materials
(Docket No. FRA-2011-0004 – Open until March 24, 2011)
 February 22, 2011 in Washington, D.C.
 Representatives from Industry organizations (AAR, Chlorine Institute,
ACC), Organized Labor (BMWE and BLET), tank car owners (UTC,
Trinity, ARL, GATX, GE), shippers, and Railroads (UP)
 Suggestions focused on facilitating process.
 Peer review results and public comments and submittal will be reviewed and
considered.
Tank Car Facility Quality Assurance Team
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Tank Car Facility Quality Assurance Auditors versus Field Inspectors
Team is lead by Tom Phemister
 Auditors – Randy Keltz, Vernon Walker, Sam Ryder, and Larry
Strouse
Initiated audits in May 2010
Objectives
 Audit every facility every 3 years (minimum)
 Focused audits
 M-1003 and §179.7
Results
 In 2010 and 2011 (as of 3/18/11) performed 113 audits
 23 facilities decided to revoke registration
 FRA does not suggest revocation of registration
Questions?
Contact information:
[email protected]
Office: (202) 493-6245
Thank you!