Pipeline safety agency looking at ways to update hazmat regs

Washington — The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is asking for stakeholder feedback as it aims to modernize hazardous materials regulations and improve efficiencies.

According to an advance notice of proposed rulemaking published in the July 5 Federal Register, PHMSA has 46 “distinct topics” under consideration on which stakeholders can provide input or comments. Those include carrier maintenance of emergency response information; aerosol classification alignment; basic oil spill response plan applicability; and requirements for damaged, defective, or recalled lithium cells and batteries.

“Any comments, data and information received will be used to evaluate and potentially draft proposed amendments,” the ANPRM states.

The deadline to comment is Oct. 3, but PHMSA “will consider late-filed comments to the extent possible.”