Rail

NTSB to host forum on crude oil, ethanol transport by rail

March 19, 2014
Crude oil Ethanol Hazardous materials transportation NTSB Rail safety Rail tank cars

Washington – The National Transportation Safety Board has scheduled a free public forum on April 22 and 23 to discuss safety concerns associated with transporting crude oil and ethanol by rail.

The forum, which will take place in Washington, is slated to address the following:

  • Proposed rail tank car design standards intended to improve the ability to safely and durably transport hazardous materials
  • Strategies used by rail operations to reduce the risk of hazmat spills
  • Challenges and best-practice emergency response plans for hazmat spills
  • Federal oversight of hazmat rail operations

NTSB in January issued recommendations to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration to help improve the design of rail tank cars, which NTSB claims are vulnerable to ruptures when transporting crude oil and ethanol.

A link to a live webcast and other information, including a list of panelists, will be posted online prior to the forum, NTSB said.