Applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations to Loading, Unloading, and Storage

Passage 1[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 144 (Wednesday, July 28, 1999)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 40810-40811] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-19260] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Research and Special Programs Administration 49 CFR Parts 171, 173, 174, 175, 176, and 177 [Docket No. RSPA-98-4952 (HM-223)] RIN 2137-AC68 Applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations to Loading, Unloading, and Storage AGENCY: Research and Special Programs Administration, DOT. ACTION: Supplemental advance notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of comment period. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: On April 27, 1999, the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA, ``we'') published a supplemental advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) inviting public comment on the applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations to loading, unloading, and storage of hazardous materials. In response to a petition filed by the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, we are extending until August 25, 1999, the period for filing comments to the supplemental ANPRM. DATES: Submit comments by August 25, 1999. To the extent possible, we will consider comments received after this date in making our decision on whether to proceed to develop a proposed rule. ADDRESSES: Submit comments to the Dockets Management System, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Comments should identify Docket Number RSPA-98-4952 and be submitted in two copies. If you wish to receive confirmation of receipt of your written comments, include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. You may also submit comments by e-mail by#

Passage 2accessing the Dockets Management System web site at ``http://dms.dot. gov/'' and following the instructions for filing a document electronically. The Dockets Management System is located on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building at the Department of Transportation at the above address. You can review public dockets there between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You can also review comments on-line at the DOT Dockets Management System web site at ``http://dms.dot.gov/.'' FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Gorsky (202) 366-8553, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards, Research and Special Programs Administration; or Nancy Machado (202) 366-4400, Office of the Chief Counsel, Research and Special Programs Administration. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 27, 1999 (64 FR 22718), we published a supplemental ANPRM seeking comments on the applicability of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) to loading, unloading, and storage of hazardous materials. The supplemental ANPRM summarized comments received in response to an earlier ANPRM, outlined commenters' three most commonly suggested approaches for applying the HMR to activities incidental to transportation, and asked a number of questions focused on the details of each suggested approach. As of July 23, 1999, we have received only eight comments in response to the supplemental ANPRM. The Transportation Trades Department (TTD) of the AFL-CIO has petitioned for an extension to the comment period, stating that an extension of 60 days will enable it to work with its affiliates to present a sound, comprehensive response to the questions posed in the supplemental ANPRM. In addition to the TTD petition, several persons wishing to comment have asked if we have considered extending the comment period. We agree that the comment period should be extended. However, we believe that an extension of 30 days should be sufficient to accommodate commenters' need for additional time. Accordingly, the closing date of the comment period is extended to August 25, 1999. Issued in Washington, DC on July 23, 1999, under authority delegated in 49 CFR part 106. Alan I. Roberts, Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety, Research and Special Programs Administration. [FR Doc. 99-19260 Filed 7-27-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P#