February 28th, 2019    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Hazardous Materials: Oil Spill Response Plans and Information Sharing for High-Hazard Flammable Trains (FAST Act)

FR 84   49 CFR Parts 107, 130, 171, 173, and 174

6910-6952

Final Rule

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-02-28/pdf/FR-2019-02-28.pdf

SUMMARY: PHMSA, in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration and pursuant to the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) of 2015, issues this final rule to revise and clarify requirements for comprehensive oil spill response plans (COSRPs) and to expand their applicability based on petroleum oil thresholds that apply to an entire train consist. Specifically, this final rule: Expands the applicability for COSRPs; modernizes the requirements for COSRPs; requires railroads to share information about high-hazard flammable train (HHFT) operations with State and tribal emergency response commissions to improve community preparedness; and incorporates by reference a voluntary standard. The amendments in this final rule will provide regulatory flexibility and improve response readiness to mitigate effects of rail accidents and incidents involving petroleum oil and HHFTs.

DATES:

Effective date: This final rule is effective as of April 1, 2019.

Voluntary compliance date: PHMSA is authorizing voluntary compliance beginning February 28, 2019. Delayed compliance date: Unless otherwise specified, compliance with the amendments adopted in this final rule is required beginning August 27, 2019.