The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration, has issued a final rule that revises and clarifies the requirements for comprehensive oil spill response plans (COSRPs) and expands their applicability based on petroleum oil thresholds that apply to an entire train consist.
This final rule will expand the applicability of and modernize the requirements of COSRPs. It will also require railroads to share information about high hazard flammable train operations with both the state and tribal emergency response commissions.
In addition, it will provide regulatory flexibility and improve response readiness in the event of a rail accident or incident that involves petroleum oil and HHFTs. This rule will be effective as of April 1, 2019. PHMSA has authorized a voluntary compliance date of February 28, 2019 and a delayed compliance date of August 27, 2019.
