The National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) plans to ask for a comment delay after a federal proposal was published to prevent flammable liquid from remaining in tank trailer wetlines, according to Cliff Harvison, NTTC president.
The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) proposal, published December 30 in the Federal Register, would limit flammable liquid in wetlines to one liter (.26 gallon) or less in each pipe after drained. RSPA wants comments submitted no later than February 28, 2005.
"We knew this rule (49 CFR Part 173) was coming and we do not like the results," Harvison said. "Needless to say, we will have to muster the forces on this quickly."
He also pointed out that if the rule goes into effect, it will require tank trailer retrofitting as the proposal applies to both existing and newly manufactured trailers.
The proposal does not apply to tankwagons, but RSPA also want comments on this exception.
RSPA is not proposing a specific method for achieving the standard. For example, a carrier may elect to install accident damage protection devices or it may decide to equip each tank trailer with a system that will remove any lading remaining in unprotected wetlines after loading.
RSPA proposes to make the wetline changes effective two years after the effective date of a final rule and to permit carriers five years to phase in requirements applicable to existing cargo tank motor vehicles.
Following the two-year deferral period, each newly manufactured cargo tank motor vehicle, other than excepted truck-mounted tanks, would be subject to the new requirements.
Tank trailers would have to be brought into conformance on or before the date of each cargo tank motor vehicle's first scheduled pressure retest after the two-year deferral period.
Retrofits for existing tank trailers would be required to be completed no later than five years after the effective date of a final rule. The proposed seven-year transition period is needed to minimize the economic and operational impacts on CTMV operators and ensure realistic progress in implementing these safety enhancements, RSPA said in the proposal.
To see the proposal, click here for the Federal Register.