ODOT seeks input on new hazmat rail shipping rules

ODOT is accepting comments on proposed changes to the rules governing the transportation by rail of hazardous materials, with several public hearings scheduled around the state, including one May 6 in Bend, the agency said Monday.

And anyone can review the materials online and submit comments. Responses are due May 12 , and the final proposed rules are set to go before the Oregon Transportation Commission at its June 18 meeting.

ODOT note:d the proposed rules and the public hearings do not address whether or not crude oil or other commodities should be transported in Oregon. Instead, they address required communications around the transport of the material.

To update the rules, ODOT’s Rail Division worked with a rulemaking advisory committee made up of representatives from local jurisdictions, the environmental community, railroads, state and federal agencies, tribal organizations and other stakeholder groups.

This rulemaking modernizes existing rules, establishes the roles and responsibilities for communications and notifications of hazardous materials transport by rail, and aligns Oregon’s rules with federal regulations.

Draft rule language was presented to the Oregon Transportation Commission on February 19 , and it approved moving forward with the formal rulemaking process.

Proposed Rule Text Notice Forms
Rules to be adopted: 741-510-0015, 741-510 – 0025, 741-510-0035 , 741-510-0045, 741-510 -0050
Rules to be amended: 741-510-0010, 741-510 -0020
Rules to be repealed: 741-510-0030, 741-510 -0040

PUBLIC HEARING DATES, TIMES AND LOCATIONS

Blue Mountain Community College, Room ST200
2411 NW Carden Avenue, Pendleton OR
Tuesday, May 5 , 2015
3:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
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Deschutes Public Library, Brooks Room
601 Wall Street, Bend OR
Wednesday, May 6 , 2015
3:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
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Klamath Community College, Room H138
7390 S Sixth Street, Klamath Falls OR
Thursday, May 7 , 2015
3:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
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Keizer City Hall, Room Iris B
930 Chemawa Road NE, Keizer OR
Monday, May 11 , 2015
3:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.

Background
The Hazardous Materials by Rail Rulemaking Advisory Committee was charged with clarifying the state’s rules and regulations around the transport of hazardous materials by rail. This movement is currently governed in Oregon by Oregon Revised Statute 824.082 and Oregon Administrative Rules, 741.510. Last year, Governor John Kitzhaber reviewed the state’s preparedness for the movement of oil by rail and found that ODOT should update the state’s rules to ensure that first responders have the information they need in order to respond appropriately. The Governor compiled information to help the process.

Information from previous meetings is available online, http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/Pages/HazMat_Advisory_Committee.aspx .