Action
Emergency Interim final rule and announcement of a public meeting.
Summary
In this interim final rule, RSPA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to specify the conditions under which certain cargo tank motor vehicles may continue to be used on an interim basis, even if they are equipped with emergency discharge control systems which may not function as required by the regulations under all operating conditions. This rule addresses specification MC 330, MC 331, and certain non-specification cargo tank motor vehicles which are used to deliver propane and other liquefied compressed gases. It responds to a recently discovered safety deficiency which may affect many of these cargo tank motor vehicles. The intended effect of this action is to ensure, on an interim basis, an acceptable level of safety for delivery of liquefied compressed gases while a permanent solution to the problem is developed and implemented. During the term of this interim rule, RSPA is seeking comments and data on the costs and effectiveness of alternative means of achieving a level of safety for the long term comparable to that provided by its long-standing regulation. At the same time, the Agency is also seeking comments on the costs and benefits of the interim measures adopted in this rule. A public meeting is scheduled for March 20, 1997, to receive comments and recommendations in regard to the measures adopted in this interim final rule and to solicit recommendations for a permanent solution. Additionally, two workshops have been scheduled for March 4- 5, 1997 and April 8-9, 1997. All interested persons, including trade organizations, cargo tank producers, individual wholesale and retail entities involved in the distribution of liquefied compressed gases and representatives of public protection organizations, are encouraged to participate.