[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 94 (Monday, May 15, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30914-30915]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-12073]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Special Programs Administration

49 CFR Parts 173 and 178

[Docket No. RSPA-97-2718 (HM-225A)]
RIN 2137-AD07


Hazardous Materials Safety: Technology Sharing Meeting

AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: RSPA is hosting a meeting to promote the exchange of 
information concerning emergency shutdown equipment on cargo tank motor 
vehicles used to transport liquefied compressed gases.

[[Page 30915]]


DATES: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2000, from 10:00 
am to 5:00 pm (registration from 8:30 am to 10:00 am), and Wednesday, 
June 28, 2000, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the Michigan and Minnesota Rooms 
of the Federal Aviation Administration Building, 2300 East Devon 
Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. For information on facilities or 
services for individuals with disabilities or to request special 
assistance at the meetings, contact Eloy Martinez at the address or 
phone number listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT as soon as 
possible.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Herbert Gould, Volpe Center, Research 
and Special Programs Administration, 617-494-2134; or Eloy Martinez, 
Volpe Center, Research and Special Programs Administration, 617-494-
2599.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On May 24, 1999, the Research and Special Programs Administration 
(RSPA; ``we'') published a final rule under Docket No. RSPA-97-2718 
(HM-225A) (64 FR 28030). The final rule revised regulations applicable 
to the transportation and unloading of liquefied compressed gases, 
including liquefied petroleum gases, anhydrous ammonia, and chlorine. 
The revisions included new inspection, maintenance, and testing 
requirements for cargo tank discharge systems and revised attendance 
requirements applicable to liquefied petroleum gas and anhydrous 
ammonia. The final rule was developed through a negotiated rulemaking. 
In addition to the Department of Transportation, the negotiated 
rulemaking committee consisted of persons representing businesses that 
transport and deliver liquefied petroleum gases, anhydrous ammonia and 
other liquefied compressed gases; manufacturers and operators of cargo 
tanks and vehicle components; and state and local public safety and 
emergency response agencies.
    Among other requirements, the final rule revised requirements for 
cargo tank emergency discharge control equipment to provide a clear 
performance standard for passive emergency discharge control equipment 
that shuts down unloading operations without human intervention. The 
revised requirements also provided for a remote capability for certain 
cargo tanks to enable a person attending the unloading operation to 
shut off the flow of product when unloading duties require the person 
to be away from the motor vehicle during delivery.
    The final rule allowed two years for development and testing of 
emergency discharge control technology. After July 1, 2001, newly 
manufactured MC 331 cargo tank motor vehicles must be equipped with 
emergency discharge control equipment that conforms to the performance 
standards. MC 330, MC 331, and certain nonspecification cargo tank 
motor vehicles already in service must be retrofitted over a five-year 
period beginning after July 1, 2001, on a schedule that coincides with 
the cargo tank's scheduled pressure test in accordance with 49 CFR part 
180.407(c).

II. Public Meeting

    In developing the HM-225A final rule, the negotiated rulemaking 
committee anticipated that periodic progress reviews would be needed 
during the two-year development and testing cycle for emergency 
discharge control technology. Such reviews help promote communication 
between industry and government and function as a catalyst for critical 
development and testing needs that may occur. Committee members planned 
to work in partnership to assure widespread dissemination of 
information related to development and testing of emergency discharge 
control technology.
    Accordingly, we are hosting a public meeting to foster the exchange 
of information among interested parties concerned with the safe 
transportation of liquefied compressed gases in cargo tank motor 
vehicles. The meeting will focus specifically on emergency discharge 
control system technology, including both passive and off-truck remote 
shutdown equipment.
    The meeting will be held in the Chicago, Illinois, area on June 27 
and 28, 2000. To pre-register, please contact Eloy Martinez, telephone 
617-494-2599, fax 617-494-3616, e-mail [email protected].
    A simple, flexible agenda is being prepared by industry 
representatives who participated in the development of the final rule. 
Any demonstrations of discharge control equipment or systems should be 
planned for the morning of June 27. Prospective demonstrators should 
contact Eloy Martinez as soon as possible.
    This is an informal meeting to promote the free exchange of 
information concerning emergency discharge control systems on cargo 
tank motor vehicles, including recent technology developments, test 
results, operating experience, and the like. There will be no 
transcript of the meeting; however, we will prepare minutes of the 
meeting and written questions and answers developed in response to 
issues raised. This information will be made available on the HazMat 
Safety Website (http://hazmat.dot.gov).

    Issued in Washington, DC on May 9, 2000.
Robert A. McGuire,
Acting Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety.
[FR Doc. 00-12073 Filed 5-12-00; 8:45 am]
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