[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 144 (Wednesday, July 28, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40810-40811]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-19260]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

49 CFR Parts 171, 173, 174, 175, 176, and 177

[Docket No. RSPA-98-4952 (HM-223)]
RIN 2137-AC68


Applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations to Loading, 
Unloading, and Storage

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental advance notice of proposed rulemaking; extension 
of comment period.

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SUMMARY: On April 27, 1999, the Research and Special Programs 
Administration (RSPA, ``we'') published a supplemental advance notice 
of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) inviting public comment on the 
applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations to loading, 
unloading, and storage of hazardous materials. In response to a 
petition filed by the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, 
we are extending until August 25, 1999, the period for filing comments 
to the supplemental ANPRM.

DATES: Submit comments by August 25, 1999. To the extent possible, we 
will consider comments received after this date in making our decision 
on whether to proceed to develop a proposed rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to the Dockets Management System, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 
20590-0001. Comments should identify Docket Number RSPA-98-4952 and be 
submitted in two copies. If you wish to receive confirmation of receipt 
of your written comments, include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. 
You may also submit comments by e-mail by

[[Page 40811]]

accessing the Dockets Management System web site at ``http://dms.dot.
gov/'' and following the instructions for filing a document 
electronically.
    The Dockets Management System is located on the Plaza level of the 
Nassif Building at the Department of Transportation at the above 
address. You can review public dockets there between the hours of 9:00 
a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You 
can also review comments on-line at the DOT Dockets Management System 
web site at
``http://dms.dot.gov/.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Gorsky (202) 366-8553, Office of 
Hazardous Materials Standards, Research and Special Programs 
Administration; or Nancy Machado (202) 366-4400, Office of the Chief 
Counsel, Research and Special Programs Administration.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 27, 1999 (64 FR 22718), we 
published a supplemental ANPRM seeking comments on the applicability of 
the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) to 
loading, unloading, and storage of hazardous materials. The 
supplemental ANPRM summarized comments received in response to an 
earlier ANPRM, outlined commenters' three most commonly suggested 
approaches for applying the HMR to activities incidental to 
transportation, and asked a number of questions focused on the details 
of each suggested approach.
    As of July 23, 1999, we have received only eight comments in 
response to the supplemental ANPRM. The Transportation Trades 
Department (TTD) of the AFL-CIO has petitioned for an extension to the 
comment period, stating that an extension of 60 days will enable it to 
work with its affiliates to present a sound, comprehensive response to 
the questions posed in the supplemental ANPRM. In addition to the TTD 
petition, several persons wishing to comment have asked if we have 
considered extending the comment period. We agree that the comment 
period should be extended. However, we believe that an extension of 30 
days should be sufficient to accommodate commenters' need for 
additional time. Accordingly, the closing date of the comment period is 
extended to August 25, 1999.

    Issued in Washington, DC on July 23, 1999, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR part 106.
Alan I. Roberts,
Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety, Research and 
Special Programs Administration.
[FR Doc. 99-19260 Filed 7-27-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P