The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) has decided to seek more information on cargo tank rollover damage protection and has withdrawn and terminated an earlier proposal under 49 CFR Part 178. In that proposal, RSPA was seeking comments on a study conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
This latest decision was published in May 13 in the Federal Register. RSPA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) determined that an additional study is necessary.
An analysis of the Michigan study is underway and is scheduled for completion in 2006. Because of the extended period expected for completing the study and evaluating the findings, RSPA made the decision to terminate further rulemaking action under the current docket.
Termination of this rulemaking action does not preclude RSPA addressing the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations that prompted the issue in the first place. These recommendations came from an investigation of seven cargo tank rollovers that resulted in hazardous material spills. NTSB concluded that in all cases the CTMV rollover protection devices failed to protect the cargo tank manholes and fittings from damage.
Upon completion of the latest FMCSA study, RSPA and FMCSA will evaluate the findings and open a new rulemaking docket to solicit industry comments, and consider proposals to revise rollover protection requirements.