The U.S. Department of Transportation – Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published amendments to its rules in early 2008. The amendments took effect on October 1, 2008. Some amendments which may require upgrades to transportation equipment will be phased in over two years. These rules apply to anyone transporting hazardous materials or offering hazardous materials for shipment.
Some of the key changes reflected in the PHMSA amendments involved requirements for fuels containing ethanol. Over recent years, fuels containing ethanol have become much more prevalent in the market. These fuels are often transported along with traditional fuels, such as gasoline or diesel. However, the emergency response procedures for spills involving ethanol-gasoline mixtures are different compared to traditional fuels. For example, these mixtures are more soluble in water and foam materials typically used to control fuel spills are not effective.
Therefore, PHMSA has amended their rules to more specifically address the labeling and placarding of shipments containing ethanol mixtures. This is primarily being done to alert emergency responders, so they can use appropriate response measures. These requirements will take effect over a two-year period to allow upgrades to tankers, etc, used to transport these materials.
Caltha LLP provides technical consulting services to clients to meet Federal and State requirements related to shipping, storage and handling of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
For further information, contact Caltha LLP at:
Email: info@calthacompany.com
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