The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced new proposed rules for trains carrying oil and gas, including new tank car construction standards, retrofit and phase-out requirements for older cars and speed restrictions. Notably, the DOT's rules call for the phase-out of older DOT 111 tank cars within two years unless they are retrofitted to new standards. The rules are part of the government’s effort to stop a recent rash of oil train accidents, some of which resulted in explosions and fires that caused fatalities, injuries and property damage.
DOT is seeking public comment on three options for new tank car construction, including one that would require cars to be built using 9/16-inch steel and be outfitted with electronic pneumatic brakes and rollover protection. The most lenient option proposed would require 7/16-inch steel but no electronic brakes or rollover protection. DOT’s proposal would require existing cars to be retrofitted to meet the selected new-car construction option or be phased out, repurposed or operated at lower speeds for up to five years.
DOT also proposed three speed restriction options, one of which would impose a 40-mph limit in all areas. Other options would impose the 40-mph limit in high population areas or “high threat” urban areas. New trains meeting the updated construction requirements would be subject to a 50-mph speed limit.
The DOT’s proposed rules also include provisions for better classification and characterization of oil and gas being transported, rail routing risk assessment and enhanced braking measures.
Railroads and the oil industry have already collaborated on an aggressive set of rules for oil trains that would require older cars to be phased out in three years.
SEE ALSO: Crude-by-rail transport spurring safety initiatives
Photo: Harvey Henkelmann
