Incorporate DOT-SPs into HMR

PHMSA 01-30 NPRM SPs into HMRs.pdf

On January 30, 2014 (80 FR 5340), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the federal register to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) contained in 49 CFR Parts 171 – 180. The purpose of this NPRM is to adopt provisions contained in certain widely-used or long-standing special permits (DOT-SP) that have an established safety record. The proposed revisions are intended to provide wider access to the regulatory flexibility offered in special permits and eliminate the need for numerous renewal requests, thus reducing paperwork burdens and facilitating commerce while maintaining an appropriate level of safety. PHMSA conducted an extensive analysis of all active special permits and, in this rulemaking, those special permits deemed suitable are being proposed for adoption. PHMSA is inviting all interested persons to provide comments on both those special permits deemed suitable and proposed to be adopted into the HMR and those that are deemed not suitable for adoption. In addition, PHMSA is also requesting comments on a proposed requirement for special permit applicants to include regulatory text in their applications, when appropriate. Comments must be received by March 31, 2015.