Solid Waste Rail Transfer Facilities, 16538-16547 [2011-6420]

Agencies

• Surface Transportation Board
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 57 (Thursday, March 24, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16538-16547]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-6420]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

49 CFR Part 1155

[Docket No. EP 684]


Solid Waste Rail Transfer Facilities

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT.

ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Clean Railroads Act of 2008 amended the law to restrict 
the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board (Board or STB) 
over solid waste rail transfer facilities. The Clean Railroads Act also 
added three new statutory provisions that address the Board's 
regulation of such facilities, which is now limited to issuance of 
``land-use-exemption permits'' in certain circumstances. Upon receiving 
a land-use-exemption permit issued by the Board, a solid waste rail 
transfer facility need not comply with State laws, regulations, orders, 
and other requirements affecting the siting of the facility, except to 
the extent that the Board requires compliance with any of those 
requirements. The Clean Railroads Act provides that a solid waste rail 
transfer facility must comply with all applicable Federal and State 
requirements respecting the prevention and abatement of pollution, the 
protection and restoration of the environment, and the protection of 
public health and safety, in the same manner as any similar solid waste 
management facility not owned or operated by or on behalf of a rail 
carrier, except for laws affecting the siting of the facility that are 
covered by the land-use-exemption permit. As required by the Clean 
Railroads Act, on January 14, 2009, the Board issued interim rules that 
were published in the Federal Register on January 27, 2009 (2009 
interim rules). Based on the comments received and further evaluation, 
the Board now modifies the review process for land-use-exemption 
permits under the Clean Railroads Act and modifies other aspects of the 
2009 interim rules, in the interest of clarity and efficiency. The 
Board requests comments on the modifications contained in the interim 
rules.

DATES: Effective date: March 24, 2011.
    Comment date: Comments are due May 23, 2011. Reply comments are due 
by June 22, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted either via the Board's e-filing 
format or in the traditional paper format. Any person using e-filing 
should attach a document and otherwise comply with the instructions at 
the E-FILING link on the Board's Web site, at https://www.stb.dot.gov. 
Any person submitting a filing in the traditional paper format should 
send an original and 10 copies to: Surface Transportation Board, Attn: 
Docket No. EP 684, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001.
    Copies of written comments will be available for viewing and self-
copying at the Board's Public Docket Room, Room 131, and will be posted 
to the Board's Web site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Valerie Quinn at (202) 245-0382. 
Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at (800) 877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under 49 U.S.C. 10501(a), the Board has 
jurisdiction over ``transportation by rail

[[Page 16539]]

carrier.'' Section 10501(b), as modified by the ICC Termination Act of 
1995 (ICCTA), Public Law 104-88, 109 Stat. 803 (1995), provides that 
both ``the jurisdiction of the Board over transportation by rail 
carriers'' (which includes the carriers' rail facilities, see 49 U.S.C. 
10102(9)), and the ``remedies provided under [49 U.S.C. 10101-11908]'' 
are ``exclusive,'' and ``preempt the remedies provided under Federal 
and State laws.'' Prior to enactment of the Clean Railroads Act of 
2008, Public Law 110-432, 122 Stat. 4848 (Clean Railroads Act or CRA), 
on October 16, 2008, the Board's preemptive jurisdiction extended to 
solid waste rail transfer facilities owned or operated by rail 
carriers. Accordingly, State permitting or preclearance requirements 
(including environmental, zoning, and often land-use requirements) 
that, by their nature, could be used to deny a railroad the right to 
conduct its operations or proceed with transportation activities at 
rail transfer facilities, including solid waste rail transfer 
facilities, as authorized by the Board, were preempted. See 49 U.S.C. 
10501(b); N.Y. Susquehanna & W. Ry. v. Jackson, 500 F.3d 238, 252-55 
(3d Cir. 2007); Green Mountain R.R. v. Vermont, 404 F.3d 638, 641-43 
(2d Cir. 2005). Other State actions related to these facilities were 
preempted if, as applied, they would have the effect of unreasonably 
burdening or interfering with transportation by rail carrier. See N.Y. 
Susquehanna, 500 F.3d at 252; Green Mountain, 404 F.3d at 643.
    The CRA modified the Board's jurisdiction over solid waste rail 
transfer facilities. The CRA provides that solid waste rail transfer 
facilities, as defined in 49 U.S.C. 10908(e)(1)(H), must now comply 
with all applicable Federal and State requirements (including 
environmental requirements) that apply to similar solid waste 
management facilities that are not owned or operated by or on behalf of 
a rail carrier, except as otherwise provided in the Clean Railroads 
Act.\1\ The CRA gives the Board the authority, if petitioned, to issue 
land-use-exemption permits that preempt State and local laws and 
regulations ``affecting the siting'' of such facilities (except to the 
extent that the Board requires the facility to comply with such 
provisions). 49 U.S.C. 10909(f).\2\
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    \1\ The CRA does not affect the Board's jurisdiction, or the 
scope of Federal preemption, over a rail carrier's transportation-
related activities involving commodities other than solid waste. 49 
U.S.C. 10908(d).
    \2\ The decision accompanying the 2009 interim rules contains a 
more detailed discussion of the CRA and the Board's initial 
implementation of that act.
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    The Board received numerous comments on the 2009 interim rules. We 
now revise the original rules to streamline the application process 
based on suggestions made in the parties' comments and on the Board's 
own review of the current interim regulations. We have made several 
significant revisions to the process set forth in the 2009 interim 
rules in order to streamline and improve the application process for a 
land-use-exemption permit. These revisions include: (a) Eliminating the 
requirement to identify all laws that affect the siting of a facility; 
(b) incorporating the provisions of original \3\ Sec.  1155.23 into 
other sections; (c) generally requiring a full Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) \4\ that includes an analysis of the environmental 
factors listed in 49 U.S.C. 10909(d); and (d) providing a post-EIS 
comment period that would allow parties to use the information 
contained in the EIS to comment on whether the land-use-exemption 
permit should be granted and any conditions that could be imposed. The 
major revisions to the 2009 interim rules are discussed in Section I of 
the Board's complete decision posted on the Board's Web site, https://www.stb.dot.gov.
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    \3\ The use of ``original'' is to signify the CFR numbering as 
it appeared in the 2009 interim rules where the addition or 
subtraction of sections has required these interim rules to have a 
different numbering.
    \4\ An EIS refers to the detailed written statement required by 
the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347 (NEPA), 
for a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of 
the human environment. The Board's EIS process is described at 49 
CFR 1105.10.
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    In Section II of the Board's complete decision, the Board also 
addresses other comments received on the 2009 interim rules and 
revisions made in response to the comments. Other changes were made 
that are not substantive, and were not precipitated by comments. The 
Board is inviting interested parties to comment, but we request parties 
limit their comments to new issues raised by the revisions.
    Good cause exists for the interim rules to become effective while 
further notice and comment proceeds. See 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). The CRA 
mandated that the Board quickly establish rules to provide a process 
for facilities to obtain a land-use-exemption permit pending the final 
rules. Although the Board sought comment on the original rules, those 
rules were codified as interim rules. While we seek further comment on 
aspects of the regulations that were not part of the 2009 interim 
rules, we believe that all of the revisions should now be implemented 
as interim rules. The public would be better served by placing these 
refined regulations in effect on an interim basis, rather than leaving 
in place the rules issued in 2009, which were drafted without any input 
from industry and other interested parties. As discussed below, the 
revised interim rules provide the Board with a framework for a more 
informed decision-making process if the agency is called upon to decide 
whether to issue a land-use-exemption permit before final rules are 
issued. The Board will expeditiously move toward issuing final 
regulations following the public comment period.
    Additional information is contained in the Board's decision to be 
served on March 24, 2011. A copy of the Board's decision is available 
for inspection or copying at the Board's Public Docket Room, Room 131, 
395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001, and is posted on the 
Board's Web site, https://www.stb.dot.gov. Copies of the decision may 
also be purchased by contacting the Board's Office of Public 
Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance at (202) 245-0236.
    Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501-3549, 
and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR 
1320.8(d)(3), the Board seeks comments regarding: (1) Whether the 
collection of information associated with the land-use-exemption-permit 
application in the interim rules at CFR part 1155, and further 
described in the Appendix, is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the Board, including whether the collection has 
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the Board's burden estimate; (3) 
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on the respondents, including the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, when 
appropriate. Information pertinent to these issues is included in the 
Appendix. The collection of information associated with these proposed 
interim rules will be submitted to OMB for review as required under 44 
U.S.C. 3507(d) and 5 CFR 1320.11.
    In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act at 5 U.S.C. 
605(b), we certify that the interim rules would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The basis 
for this determination is as follows. While applicants for land-use-
exemption permits could be small entities, as defined in 13 CFR part 
121, under neither the statute nor the interim

[[Page 16540]]

rules could the Board, on its own, require a party to apply for a Board 
permit. See 49 U.S.C. 10908(b)(2)(B), 10909(a). In general, that 
decision is solely within the control of the entity. The one exception 
is that a governor of the State in which an existing facility is 
located could petition the Board, under 49 U.S.C. 10908(b)(2)(B) and 49 
CFR part 1155 subpart B, to require that facility to obtain a land-use-
exemption permit in order for it to continue to operate. Even in that 
circumstance, the authority lies with the State governors--not the 
Board--to initiate the Board's processes. In all other scenarios, a 
party can avoid being subject to the Board's rules regarding land-use-
exemption permits by complying with State requirements. Therefore, the 
interim rules will not circumscribe or mandate the conduct of a 
substantial number of small entities.
    Moreover, there are no alternatives to the interim rules that would 
adequately achieve the objectives of the CRA. The only scenario in 
which a small entity might be compelled to avail itself of the new 
Board processes (when a State governor has properly petitioned the 
Board under 49 CFR part 1155 subpart B) must be included in the rules 
because it is specifically required under the CRA. 49 U.S.C. 
10908(b)(2)(B). Finally, we have provided a waiver provision that could 
mitigate any significant negative impact on small entities--an 
applicant may request a waiver of any particular part of the 
application procedures. See 49 CFR 1155.22(d)(4) (original 49 CFR 
1155.24(d)(2)). A copy of this decision will be served upon the Chief 
Counsel for Advocacy, Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business 
Administration.
    This action will not significantly affect either the quality of the 
human environment or the conservation of energy resources.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 1155

    Administrative practice and procedure, Railroad, Solid waste rail 
transfer facility.

    Decided: March 14, 2011.
    By the Board, Chairman Elliott, Vice Chairman Nottingham, and 
Commissioner Mulvey.
Andrea Pope-Matheson,
Clearance Clerk.


0
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Surface Transportation 
Board revises part 1155 of title 49, chapter X, of the Code of Federal 
Regulations to read as follows:

PART 1155--SOLID WASTE RAIL TRANSFER FACILITIES

Subpart A--General
Sec.
1155.1 Purpose and scope.
1155.2 Definitions.
Subpart B--Procedures Governing Petitions To Require a Facility in 
Existence on October 16, 2008, To Apply for a Land-Use-Exemption Permit
1155.10 Contents of petition.
1155.11 Filing and service of petition.
1155.12 Participation in petition procedures.
1155.13 Board determination with respect to a Governor's petition.
Subpart C--Procedures Governing Applications for a Land-Use-Exemption 
Permit
1155.20 Notice of intent to apply for a land-use-exemption permit.
1155.21 Contents of application.
1155.22 Filings and service of application.
1155.23 Participation in application proceedings.
1155.24 Environmental review.
1155.25 Transfer and termination of the land-use-exemption permit.
1155.26 Board determinations under 49 U.S.C. 10909.
1155.27 Petitions to modify, amend, or revoke a land-use-exemption 
permit.
Appendix A to Part 1155--Form Notice Of Intent To Apply
Appendix B to Part 1155--Form Federal Register Notice

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 721(a), 10908, 10909, 10910.

PART 1155--SOLID WASTE RAIL TRANSFER FACILITIES

Subpart A--General


Sec.  1155.1  Purpose and scope.

    49 U.S.C. 10501(c)(2)(B) excludes solid waste rail transfer 
facilities from the Board's jurisdiction except as provided under 49 
U.S.C. 10908 and 10909. Sections 10908 and 10909 provide the Board 
authority to issue land-use-exemption permits for solid waste rail 
transfer facilities when certain conditions are met. The regulations in 
this part concern land-use-exemption permits and the Board's standard 
for review.


Sec.  1155.2  Definitions.

    (a) Unless otherwise provided in the text of these regulations, the 
following definitions apply in this part:
    (1) Commercial and retail waste means material discarded by stores, 
offices, restaurants, warehouses, nonmanufacturing activities at 
industrial facilities, and other similar establishments or facilities.
    (2) Construction and demolition debris means waste building 
materials, packaging, and rubble resulting from construction, 
remodeling, repair, and demolition operations on pavements, houses, 
commercial buildings, and other structures.
    (3) Environmental Impact Statement or ``EIS'' means the detailed 
written statement required by the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 
U.S.C. 4332(2)(c), for a major Federal action significantly affecting 
the quality of the human environment.
    (4) Household waste means material discarded by residential 
dwellings, hotels, motels, and other similar permanent or temporary 
housing establishments or facilities.
    (5) Industrial waste means the solid waste generated by 
manufacturing and industrial and research and development processes and 
operations, including contaminated soil, nonhazardous oil spill cleanup 
waste and dry nonhazardous pesticides and chemical waste, but does not 
include hazardous waste regulated under subtitle C of the Solid Waste 
Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6921 et seq.), mining or oil and gas waste.
    (6) Institutional waste means material discarded by schools, 
nonmedical waste discarded by hospitals, material discarded by 
nonmanufacturing activities at prisons and government facilities, and 
material discarded by other similar establishments or facilities.
    (7) Municipal solid waste means household waste, commercial and 
retail waste, and institutional waste.
    (8) Office of Environmental Analysis or ``OEA'' means the Board 
staff that prepares the Board's environmental documents and analyses.
    (9) Solid waste means construction and demolition debris; municipal 
solid waste; household waste; commercial and retail waste; 
institutional waste; sludge; industrial waste; and other solid waste, 
as determined appropriate by the Board, but not waste generated by a 
rail carrier during track, track structure, or right-of-way 
construction, maintenance, or repair (including railroad ties and line-
side poles), or waste generated as a result of a railroad accident, 
incident, or derailment.
    (10) Solid waste rail transfer facility--(i) Means the portion of a 
facility owned or operated by or on behalf of a rail carrier (as 
defined in 49 U.S.C. 10102) where solid waste, as a commodity to be 
transported for a charge, is collected, stored, separated, processed, 
treated, managed, disposed of, or transferred, when the activity takes 
place outside of original shipping containers; but
    (ii) Does not include--

[[Page 16541]]

    (A) The portion of a facility to the extent that activities taking 
place at such portion are comprised solely of the railroad 
transportation of solid waste after the solid waste is loaded for 
shipment on or in a rail car, including railroad transportation for the 
purpose of interchanging railroad cars containing solid waste 
shipments; or
    (B) A facility where solid waste is transferred or transloaded 
solely from a tank truck directly to a rail tank car.
    (11) Sludge means any solid, semi-solid, or liquid waste generated 
from a municipal, commercial, or industrial wastewater treatment plant, 
water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility 
exclusive of the treated effluent from a wastewater treatment plant.
    (b) Exceptions. Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, the 
terms household waste, commercial and retail waste, and institutional 
waste do not include yard waste and refuse-derived fuel; used oil; wood 
pallets; clean wood; medical or infectious waste; or motor vehicles 
(including motor vehicle parts or vehicle fluff).
    (c) ``Land-use-exemption permit'' means the authorization issued by 
the Board pursuant to the authority of 49 U.S.C. 10909(a) and includes 
the term ``siting permit'' in 49 U.S.C. 10909(e).
    (d) ``State laws, regulations, orders, or other requirements 
affecting the siting of a facility,'' as used in 49 U.S.C. 10909(f) and 
49 CFR 1155.27(d), include the requirements of a State or a political 
subdivision of a State, including a locality or municipality, affecting 
the siting of a facility.
    (e) ``State requirements'' as used in 49 U.S.C. 10908 does not 
include the laws, regulations, ordinances, orders, or other 
requirements of a political subdivision of a State, including a 
locality or municipality, unless a State expressly delegates such 
authority to such political subdivision.

Subpart B--Procedures Governing Petitions To Require a Facility in 
Existence on October 16, 2008, To Apply for a Land-Use-Exemption 
Permit


Sec.  1155.10  Contents of petition.

    A petition to require a solid waste rail transfer facility in 
existence on October 16, 2008, to apply for a land-use-exemption 
permit, submitted by the Governor of the State or that Governor's 
designee, shall contain the following information:
    (a) The Governor's name.
    (b) The State's name and the name of any agency filing on behalf of 
the Governor.
    (c) The full address of the solid waste rail transfer facility, or, 
if not available, the city, State, and United States Postal Service ZIP 
code.
    (d) The name of the rail carrier that owns or operates the facility 
or the rail carrier on whose behalf the facility is operated.
    (e) A good-faith certification that the facility qualified as a 
solid waste rail transfer facility as defined in 49 U.S.C. 
10908(e)(1)(H) and 49 CFR 1155.2, on October 16, 2008.
    (f) Relief sought (that the rail carrier that owns or operates the 
facility be required to apply for a land-use-exemption permit).
    (g) Name, title, and address of representative of petitioner to 
whom correspondence should be sent.


Sec.  1155.11  Filing and service of petition.

    (a) When the petition is filed with the Board, the petitioner shall 
serve concurrently, by first class mail, a copy of the petition on the 
rail carrier that owns or operates the solid waste rail transfer 
facility and on the facility if the address is different than the rail 
carrier's address. A copy of the certificate of service shall be filed 
with the Board at the same time.
    (b) Upon the filing of a petition, the Board will review the 
petition and determine whether it conforms to all applicable 
regulations. If the petition is substantially incomplete or its filing 
otherwise defective, the Board will reject the petition without 
prejudice for stated reasons by order within 15 days from the date of 
filing of the petition.
    (c) If the petition is rejected, a revised petition may be 
resubmitted, and the Board will determine whether the resubmitted 
application conforms with all prescribed regulations.


Sec.  1155.12  Participation in petition proceedings.

    (a) An interested person may file a reply to the petition 
challenging any of the information contained in the petition that is 
required by 49 CFR 1155.10(c) through (e) and may offer evidence to 
support its contention. The petitioner will have an opportunity to file 
a rebuttal.
    (b) A facility can acknowledge that it was a solid waste rail 
transfer facility on October 16, 2008, but no longer operates as such 
and therefore is not required to seek a land-use-exemption permit. To 
do so, a facility must file with the Board a certification stating that 
it:
    (1) No longer operates as a solid waste transfer facility;
    (2) Understands that by certifying that it no longer operates as a 
solid waste transfer facility, it no longer qualifies as a facility in 
existence on October 16, 2008 for purposes of the Clean Railroad Act 
and these regulations; and
    (3) Understands that if it seeks a land-use-exemption permit in the 
future, it would be required to do so as a proposed facility.
    (c) Filing and service of replies.
    (1) Any reply shall be filed with the Board (the Chief, Section of 
Administration, Office of Proceedings, Surface Transportation Board, 
395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423) within 20 days of the filing 
with the Board of the petition.
    (2) A copy of the reply shall be served on petitioner or its 
representative at the time of filing with the Board. Each filing shall 
contain a certificate of service.
    (3) Any rebuttal to a reply shall be filed and served by petitioner 
no later than 30 days after the filing of the petition.


Sec.  1155.13  Board determination with respect to a Governor's 
petition.

    The Board shall accept the Governor's complete petition on a 
finding that the facility qualified as a solid waste rail transfer 
facility, as defined in 49 U.S.C. 10908(e)(1)(H) and 49 CFR 1155.2, on 
October 16, 2008. If the Board finds that the facility currently does 
not qualify for or require a land-use-exemption permit, any future use 
of the facility as a solid waste rail transfer facility would require 
an application for a land-use-exemption permit as a proposed facility 
and/or the proper State permits. In a decision granting the Governor's 
petition, the Board shall require that the rail carrier that owns or 
operates the facility, or the operator of the facility, file a land-
use-exemption-permit application within 120 days of the service date of 
the decision.

Subpart C--Procedures Governing Applications for a Land-Use-
Exemption Permit


Sec.  1155.20  Notice of intent to apply for a land-use-exemption 
permit.

    (a) Filing and publication requirements. An applicant (i.e., a 
solid waste rail transfer facility, or the rail carrier that owns or 
operates the facility) shall give its Notice of Intent to file a land-
use-exemption-permit application by complying with the following 
procedures:
    (1) Filing. Applicant must serve its Notice of Intent on the Board 
in the format prescribed in part 1155 Appendix A. The Notice of Intent 
shall be filed in accordance with the time requirements of paragraph 
(b) of this section.

[[Page 16542]]

    (2) Service. Applicant must serve, by first-class mail (unless 
otherwise specified), its Notice of Intent upon:
    (i) The Governor of the State where the facility is located;
    (ii) The municipality, the State, and any relevant Federal or State 
regional planning entity in the jurisdiction of which the solid waste 
rail transfer facility is located or proposed to be located; and
    (iii) The appropriate managing government agencies responsible for 
the groups of land listed in 49 U.S.C. 10909(c)(2).
    (3) Newspaper publication. Applicant must publish its Notice of 
Intent at least once during each of 3 consecutive weeks in a newspaper 
of general circulation in each county in which any part of the proposed 
or existing facility is located.
    (b) Time limits. (1) The Notice of Intent must be served on the 
parties discussed above at least 15 days, but not more than 30 days, 
prior to the filing of the land-use-exemption-permit application;
    (2) The three required newspaper Notices must be published within 
the 30-day period prior to the filing of the application; and
    (3) The Notice of Intent must be filed with the Board either 
concurrently with service on the required parties or when the Notice is 
first published (whichever occurs first).
    (c) Environmental and Historic Reports. Applicant must also submit 
an Environmental and/or Historic Report containing the information 
described at 49 CFR 1155.25(b), 1105.7, and 1105.8, to the extent 
applicable, at least 45 days prior to filing an application. OEA may 
reject any report that it deems inadequate. The environmental and 
historic reporting requirements that would otherwise apply are waived, 
however, if the applicant or the Board hires a third-party consultant, 
OEA approves the scope of the consultant's work, and the consultant 
works under OEA's supervision to prepare an EIS or other environmental 
documentation. In such a case, the consultant acts on behalf of the 
Board, working under OEA's direction to collect the needed 
environmental information and compile it into an EIS or other 
appropriate environmental documentation. See 49 U.S.C. 10909(h); 49 CFR 
1155.25(c).


Sec.  1155.21  Contents of application.

    Applications for land-use-exemption permits for the facility, and 
any proposed future expansion within 10 years of the application date, 
shall contain the following information, including supporting 
documentation:
    (a) General. (1) Exact name of applicant.
    (2) Whether applicant is a common carrier by railroad subject to 49 
U.S.C. Subtitle IV, chapter 105.
    (3) Summary of why a land-use-exemption permit is being sought.
    (4) The full address of the solid waste rail transfer facility, or, 
if not available, the city, State, and United States Postal Service ZIP 
code.
    (5) The name of the rail carrier that owns or operates the facility 
or the rail carrier on whose behalf the facility is operated, the line 
of railroad serving the facility, the milepost location of the 
facility, and the milepost and names of the stations that the facility 
is located between.
    (6) Name, title, and address of representative of applicant to whom 
comments should be sent.
    (7) Copies of the specific State, local, or municipal laws, 
regulations, orders, or other requirements affecting the siting of the 
solid waste rail transfer facility from which the applicant requests 
entire or partial exemption, any publicly available material providing 
the criteria for the application of the State, local, or municipal 
laws, regulations, orders, or other requirements affecting the siting, 
and a description of any action that the State, local, or municipal 
authority has taken affecting the siting of the facility. The applicant 
shall state whether each law, regulation, order or other requirement 
from which an exemption is sought is an environmental, public health, 
or public safety standard that falls under the traditional police 
powers of the State. If the applicant states that the requirement is 
not such a standard, it shall explain the reasons for its statement.
    (8) Certification that the laws, regulations, orders or other 
requirements from which the applicant requests exemption are not based 
on Federal laws, regulations, orders, or other requirements.
    (9) Certification that the facility complies with all State, local, 
or municipal laws, regulations, orders, or other requirements affecting 
the siting of the facility except for those from which it seeks 
exemption.
    (10) Certification that the applicant has applied or will apply for 
the appropriate State permits not affecting siting.
    (11) For facilities not in existence as of October 16, 2008, 
certification that the facility is not proposed to be located on land 
within any unit of or land affiliated with the National Park System, 
the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wilderness 
Preservation System, the National Trails System, the National Wild and 
Scenic Rivers System, a National Reserve, or a National Monument. For 
facilities in existence as of October 16, 2008, state whether the 
facility is located in any of these types of lands.
    (12) For facilities not in existence as of October 16, 2008, 
certification that the facility is not proposed to be located on lands 
referenced in The Highlands Conservation Act, Public Law 108-421, for 
which a State has implemented a conservation management plan, or, that 
the facility is consistent with the restrictions implemented by the 
applicable State under The Highlands Conservation Act, Public Law 108-
421, placed on its proposed location. For facilities in existence as of 
October 16, 2008, state whether the facility is located on any of these 
lands, and, if so, address whether the facility is consistent with the 
restrictions placed on the location by the applicable State under that 
law.
    (13) An explanation of how the facility comes within the Board's 
jurisdiction under 49 U.S.C. 10501.
    (14) The owner and operator of the facility.
    (15) The interest of the rail carrier in the facility.
    (16) An explanation of how the facility meets the definition of a 
solid waste rail transfer facility at 49 U.S.C. 10909(e)(1)(H).
    (17) A statement whether the applicant has sought permission from 
the applicable State, local, or municipal authority with respect to 
some or all of the facility in its application and received an 
unsatisfactory result affecting the siting of the facility. The 
applicant shall provide information about the unsatisfactory result and 
shall include all relevant orders, decisions, or other notices of the 
denial.
    (18) A detailed description of the operations and activities that 
will occur/are occurring at the facility.
    (19) Detailed map showing the subject facility on sheets not larger 
than 11x17 inches, drawn to scale, and with the scale shown thereon. 
The map must show, in clear relief, the exact location of the facility 
on the rail line and its relation to other rail lines in the area, 
highways, water routes, population centers and any geographic features 
that should be considered in determining whether the facility would 
pose an unreasonable risk to public health, safety, or the environment, 
pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10909(c)(1).
    (20) Detailed drawing of the subject facility on sheets not larger 
than 11x17 inches, drawn to scale, and with the scale shown thereon. 
The drawing must

[[Page 16543]]

show, in clear relief, the exact boundaries of the facility, structures 
at the facility, the location and type of the operations taking place 
at the facility, the proposed traffic configuration for the solid waste 
entering and leaving the facility, reasonable future expansion planned 
for the next 10 years that the applicant requests to be included in the 
land-use-exemption permit, any geographic features that should be 
considered in determining whether the facility would pose an 
unreasonable risk to public health, safety, or the environment, 
pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10909(c)(1), and any other information that the 
applicant believes would be relevant.
    (21) A detailed justification for why any future expansion planned 
for the next 10 years should be covered by the land-use-exemption 
permit.
    (b) Statement. A statement that sets forth, based on currently 
available information, the reasons why the Board should grant a land-
use-exemption permit to the applicant under the standards in 49 U.S.C. 
10909(c), (d) and these regulations. Specifically, the applicant shall 
include an explanation of whether the laws, regulations, or other 
requirements affecting siting of the facility from which exemption is 
sought, on their face or as applied, unreasonably burden the interstate 
transportation of solid waste by railroad or discriminate against the 
railroad transportation of solid waste and a solid waste rail transfer 
facility, and, if so, why.
    (c) Environmental impact. The applicant shall certify that it has 
submitted an environmental and/or historical report containing the 
information in 49 CFR 1155.25(b), 1105.7, and 1105.8, to the extent 
relevant, if an environmental and/or historic report is required.
    (d) Additional information. The applicant shall submit such 
additional information to support its application as the Board may 
require.
    (e) Draft Federal Register notice. The applicant shall submit a 
draft notice of its application to be published by the Board. In 
addition to the regular number of copies that must be filed with the 
Board, the applicant must submit a copy of the draft notice as data 
contained on a computer diskette compatible with the Board's current 
word processing capabilities. The Board will publish the notice in the 
Federal Register within 20 days of the application's filing with the 
Board. The draft notice shall be in the form set forth in pt. 1155 
Appendix B.
    (f) Verification. The original application shall be executed and 
verified in the form set forth below by an officer of the applicant 
having knowledge of the facts and matters relied upon.
    Verification


State of ---------------- ss.


County of ------------------


---------------- (Name of affiant) makes oath and says that (s)he is 
the ---------------- (title of affiant) of the ---------------- (name 
of applicant) applicant herein; that (s)he has been authorized by the 
applicant (or as appropriate, a court) to verify and file with the 
Surface Transportation Board the foregoing application in Finance 
Docket No. ---- (Sub-No. ----); that (s)he has carefully examined all 
of the statements in the application as well as the exhibits attached 
thereto and made a part thereof; that (s)he has knowledge of the facts 
and matters relied upon in the application; and that all 
representations set forth therein are true and correct to the best of 
his/her knowledge, information, and belief.


(Signature)


Subscribed and sworn to before me ---------------- in and for the State 
and County above named, this -- day of ----, 20--.


My commission expires


Sec.  1155.22  Filings and service of application.

    (a) The applicant shall tender with its application an affidavit 
attesting to its compliance with the notice requirements of 49 CFR 
1155.20. The affidavit shall include the dates of service, posting, and 
newspaper publication of the Notice of Intent.
    (b) When the application is filed with the Board, the applicant 
shall serve concurrently, by first-class mail, a copy on the Governor 
of the State where the facility is located; the municipality, the 
State, and any relevant Federal or State regional planning entity of 
the jurisdiction in which the solid waste rail transfer facility is 
located or proposed to be located; and the appropriate managing 
government agencies responsible for the groups of land listed in 49 
U.S.C. 10909(c)(2). A copy of the certificate of service shall be filed 
with the Board at the same time.
    (c) The applicant shall promptly furnish by first class mail a copy 
of the application to any interested person proposing to file a comment 
upon request. A copy of the certificate of service shall be filed with 
the Board at the same time.
    (d)(1) Upon the filing of a land-use-exemption-permit application, 
the Board will review the application and determine whether it conforms 
to all applicable regulations. If the application is substantially 
incomplete or its filing otherwise defective, the Board shall reject 
the application for stated reasons by order within 20 days from the 
date of filing of the application. If the Board does not reject the 
application, notice of the filing of the application shall be published 
in the Federal Register by the Board, through the Director of the 
Office of Proceedings, within 20 days of the filing of the application.
    (2) If the application is rejected, a revised application may be 
submitted and the Board will determine whether the resubmitted 
application conforms with all prescribed regulations. A properly 
revised application submitted within 60 days of the order rejecting the 
incomplete or improper application need not be subject to new notice 
and publication under Sec.  1155.20, unless the defect causing the 
rejection was in the notice and/or publication. A revised application 
submitted after such 60-day period must be newly published and noticed.
    (3) The resubmission of a complete and properly filed land-use-
exemption-permit application shall be considered a de novo filing for 
the purposes of computation of the time periods prescribed in the 
regulations contained in this part.
    (4) An applicant may seek waiver of specific regulations listed in 
subpart C of this part by filing a petition for waiver with the Board. 
When the petition is filed with the Board, the applicant shall serve, 
by first-class mail, a copy on the Governor of the State where the 
facility is located; the municipality, the State, and any relevant 
Federal or State regional planning entity of the jurisdiction in which 
the solid waste rail transfer facility is located or proposed to be 
located; and the appropriate managing government agencies responsible 
for the groups of land listed in 49 U.S.C. 10909(c)(2). A copy of the 
certificate of service shall be filed with the Board at the same time. 
A decision by the Director of the Office of Proceedings granting or 
denying a waiver petition will be issued within 30 days of the date the 
petition is filed. Appeals from the Director's decision will be decided 
by the entire Board. If waiver is not obtained prior to the filing of 
the application, the application may be subject to rejection.


Sec.  1155.23  Participation in application proceedings.

    (a) Initial comments. Interested persons may become parties to a 
land-use-exemption-permit proceeding by filing initial comments with 
the Board within 45 days of the filing of the

[[Page 16544]]

application. Comments should contain the following information, as 
appropriate:
    (1) Name, address, and organizational affiliation.
    (2) A statement describing commenter's interest in the proceeding, 
including information concerning any organization or public interest it 
represents.
    (3) Reasons, in general, why commenter supports or opposes the 
application, taking into account the standards for the Board's review 
and consideration set forth in 49 U.S.C. 10909(c) and (d) and this 
part.
    (4) Any rebuttal to the evidence and argument submitted by 
applicant.
    (b) Final comments. Interested persons, including the applicant, 
within 30 days after the close of OEA's environmental review, may 
comment on how the information developed during OEA's environmental 
review concerning the considerations at 49 U.S.C. 10909(d)(1) through 
(5) should be weighed with the remaining transportation and other 
relevant considerations at 49 U.S.C. 10909(d)(6) and (7). The parties 
will have an additional 15 days to respond to other parties' arguments. 
All pleadings shall be limited to weighing the information developed 
during OEA's environmental review with transportation and other 
concerns, and should not be directed towards the adequacy of OEA's 
environmental review. (Interested persons may comment on the adequacy 
of OEA's environmental review during the normal comment period for the 
EIS as provided in 49 CFR 1105.10(a)(4). See 49 CFR 1155.24(a).) All 
comments under this paragraph shall contain the information required in 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section.
    (c) Filing and service of comments and replies (including evidence 
and argument). (1) Initial comments shall be filed with the Board 
(addressed to the Chief, Section of Administration, Office of 
Proceedings, Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20423) within 45 days of the filing with the Board of a 
land-use-exemption-permit application. An original and 10 copies of 
each comment shall be filed with the Board. A copy of each comment 
shall be served on applicant or its representative at the time of 
filing with the Board. Each filing shall contain a certificate of 
service.
    (2) Final comments shall be filed and served on all parties within 
30 days of the close of the environmental review. An original and 10 
copies of such comments shall be filed with the Board. A copy of each 
comment shall be served on applicant or its representative at the time 
of filing with the Board. Each filing shall contain a certificate of 
service.
    (3) Replies to final comments shall be filed and served on all 
parties no later than 45 days after the close of the environmental 
review. An original and 10 copies of such replies shall be filed with 
the Board. A copy of each reply to comments shall be served on 
applicant or its representative at the time of filing with the Board. 
Each filing shall contain a certificate of service.


Sec.  1155.24  Environmental review.

    (a) A land-use-exemption permit generally will require the 
preparation of an EIS. OEA may reclassify the environmental review 
requirements of land-use-exemption proceedings on a case-by-case basis, 
pursuant to 49 CFR 1105.6(d).
    (b) An applicant for a land-use-exemption permit must submit an 
environmental report, at least 45 days prior to filing a land-use-
exemption-permit application, containing the information described at 
49 CFR 1105.7 to the extent applicable to solid waste rail transfer 
facilities. Applicants shall concurrently file an historic report 
containing the information at 49 CFR 1105.8 if applicable. The 
environmental report must also contain a discussion of the five factors 
for consideration listed at 49 U.S.C. 10909(d)(1) through (5) and 
address any associated environmental impacts as they relate to the 
facility for which a land-use-exemption permit is sought.
    (c) The Board strongly encourages applicants to use third-party 
contractors to assist OEA in preparing the appropriate environmental 
documentation in land-use-exemption-permit proceedings. See 49 CFR 
1105.10(d). The environmental reporting requirements outlined above 
that would otherwise apply are waived if an applicant hires a third-
party contractor, OEA approves the scope of the contractor's work, and 
the contractor works under OEA's direct supervision. See 49 CFR 
1105.10(d). If an applicant does not hire an independent third-party 
contractor, the Board may hire a third-party contractor and charge the 
costs for the contractor to the applicant. See 49 U.S.C. 10909(h).
    (d) The Board's procedures set forth in 49 CFR 1105.10 for 
implementation of environmental laws are controlling unless superseded 
by provisions in this Part.
    (e) An applicant for a land-use-exemption permit must follow the 
Board's procedures at 49 CFR 1105.9 for compliance with the Coastal 
Zone Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1451-65, if that act is applicable.


Sec.  1155.25  Transfer and termination of a land-use-exemption permit.

    (a) A land-use-exemption permit may be transferred from a rail 
carrier to an acquiring rail carrier without the need for a new 
application for a land-use-exemption permit if the rail line associated 
with the solid waste rail transfer facility is transferred to another 
rail carrier or to an entity formed to become a rail carrier pursuant 
to authority granted by the Board under 49 U.S.C. 10901, 10902, or 
11323. When seeking Board authority under 49 U.S.C. 10901, 10902, or 
11323, the applicant(s) shall specifically advise the Board, the 
municipality, the State, and any relevant Federal or State regional 
planning entity of the jurisdiction in which the solid waste rail 
transfer facility is located, of the intended transfer. The Federal 
Register notice concerning the acquisition shall include a statement 
that a solid waste rail transfer facility with a Board-issued land-use-
exemption permit is included in the acquisition.
    (b) When a carrier plans to cease using a facility as a solid waste 
rail transfer facility, or when a facility is transferred to any party 
in any manner other than that described in paragraph (a) of this 
section, the entity that received the land-use-exemption permit must 
notify the Board, the municipality, the State, and any relevant Federal 
or State regional planning entity of the jurisdiction in which the 
solid waste rail transfer facility is located, in writing no later than 
60 days prior to the proposed cessation or transfer. Upon receipt of 
that notice, the Board will publish notice in the Federal Register that 
the land-use-exemption permit will be terminated on the 60th day unless 
otherwise ordered by the Board.


Sec.  1155.26  Board determinations under 49 U.S.C. 10909.

    (a) Schedule. (1) The schedule in paragraph (a)(2) of this section 
shall govern the process for Board consideration and decisions in land-
use-exemption-permit application proceedings from the time the 
application is filed until the time of the Board's decision on the 
merits.
    (2) At least 45 days prior to filing of application--Environmental 
report (and/or historic report, if applicable) filed and environmental 
process initiated pursuant to 49 CFR 1155.24.
    (i) Day 0--Application filed.
    (ii) Day 20--Due date for Notice of Application to be published in 
the Federal Register.
    (iii) Day 45--Due date for initial comments.

[[Page 16545]]

    (iv) 30 days after the Final EIS (or other final environmental 
documentation) is issued by OEA--Due date for final comments.
    (v) 45 days after the Final EIS (or other final environmental 
documentation) is issued by OEA--Due date for replies to final 
comments.
    (3) A decision on the merits will be due 90 days after a full 
record is developed.
    (b) Standard for review. (1) The Board will issue a land-use-
exemption permit only if it determines that the facility at the 
existing or proposed location would not pose an unreasonable risk to 
public health, safety, or the environment. In deciding whether a solid 
waste rail transfer facility that is or proposed to be constructed or 
operated by or on behalf of a rail carrier poses an unreasonable risk 
to public health, safety, or the environment, the Board shall weigh the 
particular facility's potential benefits to and the adverse impacts on 
public health, public safety, the environment, interstate commerce, and 
transportation of solid waste by rail.
    (2) The Board will not grant a land-use-exemption permit for a 
solid waste rail transfer facility proposed to be located on land 
within any unit of or land affiliated with the National Park System, 
the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wilderness 
Preservation System, the National Trails System, the National Wild and 
Scenic Rivers System, a National Reserve, or a National Monument.
    (3) The Board will not grant a land-use-exemption permit for a 
solid waste rail transfer facility proposed to be located on land 
within any unit of or land affiliated with lands referenced in The 
Highlands Conservation Act, Public Law 108-421, for which a State has 
implemented a conservation management plan, if operation of the 
facility would be inconsistent with restrictions placed on such land.
    (4) The Board will reject an application from a person who is not a 
rail carrier, but is instead operating on behalf of a rail carrier 
unless:
    (i) The applicant has sought permission from the applicable State, 
local, or municipal authority with respect to some or all of the 
property in the application and received an unsatisfactory result 
affecting the siting of the facility; or
    (ii) The Governor of the State has petitioned the Board to require 
the facility to apply under 49 CFR part 1155 subpart B.
    (5) The Board will issue a land-use-exemption permit to an 
applicant that has received an unsatisfactory result from a State, 
local or municipal authority affecting the siting of the facility only 
if it finds that the laws, regulations, or other requirements affect 
the siting of the facility, on their face or as applied, either:
    (i) Unreasonably burden the interstate transportation of solid 
waste by railroad; or
    (ii) Discriminate against the railroad transportation of solid 
waste and a solid waste rail transfer facility.
    (6) A land-use-exemption permit will not exempt a State requirement 
that a rail carrier comply with an environmental, public health, or 
public safety standard that falls under the traditional police powers 
of the State unless the requirement is unreasonably burdensome to 
interstate commerce or discriminates against rail carriers.
    (7) A land-use-exemption permit will only exempt State, local, or 
municipal laws, regulations, orders, other requirements, or portions 
thereof, affecting the siting of the solid waste rail transfer 
facility.
    (c) Considerations. As required by 49 U.S.C. 10909(d), the Board 
will consider and give due weight to the following, as applicable:
    (1) The land-use, zoning, and siting regulations or solid waste 
planning requirements of the State or State subdivision in which the 
facility is or will be located that are applicable to solid waste 
transfer facilities, including those that are not owned or operated by 
or on behalf of a rail carrier;
    (2) The land-use, zoning, and siting regulations or solid waste 
planning requirements applicable to the property where the solid waste 
rail transfer facility is proposed to be located;
    (3) Regional transportation planning requirements developed 
pursuant to Federal and State law;
    (4) Regional solid waste disposal plans developed pursuant to 
Federal or State law;
    (5) Any Federal and State environmental protection laws or 
regulations applicable to the site;
    (6) any unreasonable burdens imposed on the interstate 
transportation of solid waste by railroad, or the potential for 
discrimination against the railroad transportation of solid waste, a 
solid waste rail transfer facility, or a rail carrier that owns or 
operates such a facility; and
    (7) Any other relevant factors, as determined by the Board.
    (d) Permits. If the Board grants a land-use-exemption permit for a 
solid waste rail transfer facility, all State laws, regulations, 
orders, or other requirements affecting the siting of a facility are 
preempted with regard to that facility. Inasmuch as the Board has 
discretion to require compliance with State requirements affecting the 
siting of a facility pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10909(f), a Board-issued 
land-use-exemption permit will require compliance with such State laws, 
regulations, orders, or other requirements not otherwise expressly 
exempted in the permit unless the Board determines otherwise.


Sec.  1155.27  Petitions to modify, amend, or revoke a land-use-
exemption permit.

    General rule. Petitions to modify, amend, or revoke land-use-
exemption permits shall be decided in accordance with the Board's 
normal standard of review for petitions to reopen administratively 
final Board actions at 49 CFR 1115.4. The petition must demonstrate 
material error, new evidence, or substantially changed circumstances 
that warrant the requested action, and is subject to these additional 
conditions:
    (a) An entity that petitions for a modification or amendment 
requesting an expansion of Federal preemption or the facility's 
operations or physical size is subject to the notice and application 
requirements in this subpart C. The language of the notifications shall 
be modified to note that the petition is for a modification or 
amendment.
    (b) The Board will approve or deny petitions to modify, amend, or 
revoke a land-use-exemption permit within 90 days after the full record 
for the petition is developed.

APPENDIX A to Part 1155--Form Notice of Intent to Apply

    Docket No. FD --------(Sub-No. --------)
    Notice of Intent to apply for a land-use-exemption permit for a 
solid waste rail transfer facility.
    (Name of Applicant) gives notice that on or about (insert date 
application will be filed with the Board) it intends to file with 
the Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20423, an application for a land-use-exemption permit for a solid 
waste rail transfer facility as defined in 49 U.S.C. 10908(e)(1)(H) 
and 49 CFR 1155.2. The solid waste rail transfer facility, owned by 
(name of owner), and operated by (name of operator), is located at 
(full address, or, if not available, provide city, State, and United 
States Postal Service ZIP code). The solid waste rail transfer 
facility is located on a (name of rail carrier) line of railroad 
known as -------- at milepost -------- between (station name) at 
milepost -------- and (station name) at milepost --------.
    The reason(s) for the proposed permit application is (are) ----
-------- (explain briefly and clearly the activities undertaken, or 
proposed to be undertaken, by the applicant at the solid waste rail 
transfer facility. Describe the specific State and local laws, 
regulations, orders or other requirements affecting siting from 
which the applicant requests entire or partial exemption and any

[[Page 16546]]

action that the State, local, or municipal authority has taken 
affecting the siting of the facility. Also, if applicant is not the 
rail carrier, provide the name of the rail carrier that owns or 
operates the facility or has the facility operated on its behalf.)
    (Include this paragraph for facilities not in existence on 
October 16, 2008). Applicant certifies that, based on information in 
its possession, the facility is not proposed to be located on land 
within any unit of or land affiliated with the National Park System, 
the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wilderness 
Preservation System, the National Trails System, the National Wild 
and Scenic Rivers System, a National Reserve, or a National 
Monument. Applicant further certifies that the facility is not 
proposed to be located on lands referenced in The Highlands 
Conservation Act, Public Law 108-421, for which a State has 
implemented a conservation management plan (or, The facility is 
consistent with the restrictions implemented by (State) under The 
Highlands Conservation Act, Public Law 108-421, placed at its 
proposed location). Any relevant documentation in the railroad's 
possession on these issues will be made available promptly to those 
requesting it.
    (For facilities already in existence on October 16, 2008, 
address the extent to which the facility is or is not located in any 
of these types of lands, and to the extent that it is so located 
address any relevant criteria, and so certify.)
    The application containing the information set forth at 49 CFR 
1155.21 will include the applicant's case for the granting of the 
land-use-exemption permit. Any interested person, after the 
application is filed on (insert date), may file with the Surface 
Transportation Board initial comments concerning the application 
within 45 days after the application is filed.
    The party's initial comments should contain that party's initial 
arguments in support or opposition based on the information 
available at that point including the following, as appropriate:
    (1) Name, address, and organizational affiliation.
    (2) A statement describing commenter's interest in the 
proceeding, including information concerning the organization or 
public interest the commenter represents.
    (3) Specific reasons why commenter supports or opposes the 
application, taking into account the standards for the Board's 
review and consideration provided in 49 U.S.C. 10909(c), (d) and the 
Board's regulations at 49 CFR 1155.27.
    (4) If the applicant files under 49 CFR 1155.22, specific 
reasons why commenter supports or opposes the Board's accepting the 
application.
    (5) Any rebuttal of material submitted by applicant.
    The parties' initial comments will be considered by the Board in 
determining what disposition to make of the application. Parties 
seeking further information concerning the filing of comments should 
refer to 49 CFR 1155.24.
    Interested persons also will have the opportunity to provide 
detailed comments during the Board's environmental review under the 
National Environmental Policy Act. 49 CFR 1105.10 and 49 CFR 
1155.25. Questions concerning the environmental review process or 
potential environmental issues may be directed to the Board's Office 
of Environmental Analysis (OEA). After the close of the 
environmental review, interested parties may file final comments on 
how the information developed during the environmental review should 
be weighed by the Board in determining whether to grant the 
requested land use exemption permit. See 49 CFR part 1155 for 
details on these processes.
    All comments should indicate the proceeding designation Docket 
No. FD -------- (Sub-No. --------). Initial comments must be filed 
with the Chief, Section of Administration, Office of Proceedings, 
Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20423, no later than (insert the date 45 days after the date 
applicant intends to file its application). A copy of each comment 
shall be served upon the representative of the applicant (insert 
name, address, and phone number). Except as otherwise set forth in 
49 CFR part 1155, each document filed with the Board must be served 
on all parties to the land-use-exemption-permit proceeding. See 49 
CFR 1104.12(a).
    Persons seeking further information concerning land-use-
exemption-permit procedures may contact the Surface Transportation 
Board or refer to 49 U.S.C. 10908, 10909, and the full land-use-
exemption-permit regulations at 49 CFR part 1155.
    A copy of the application will be available for public 
inspection on or after (insert date the land-use-exemption-permit 
application is to be filed with Board) and will be available on the 
Board's Web site at https://www.stb.dot.gov. The applicant shall 
furnish a copy of the application to any interested person proposing 
to file a comment, upon request.

APPENDIX B--Form Federal Register Notice

    Docket No. FD -------- (Sub-No. --------)
    Notice of Application for a land-use-exemption permit for a 
solid waste rail transfer facility
    On (insert date application was filed with the Board) (name of 
applicant) filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 395 E 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423, an application for a land-use-
exemption permit for a solid waste rail transfer facility. The solid 
waste rail transfer facility, owned by (name of owner), and operated 
by (name of operator), is located at (full address, or, if not 
available, provide city, State, and United States Postal Service ZIP 
code). The solid waste rail transfer facility is located on a line 
of (name of rail carrier) railroad known as -------- at milepost --
------ between (station name) at milepost -------- and (station 
name) at milepost --------. The application explains why applicant 
believes its request for a land-use-exemption permit should be 
granted.
    (Include this paragraph for facilities not in existence on 
October 16, 2008). The facility is not proposed to be located on 
land within any unit of or land affiliated with the National Park 
System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wilderness 
Preservation System, the National Trails System, the National Wild 
and Scenic Rivers System, a National Reserve, or a National 
Monument. The facility is not proposed to be located on lands 
referenced in The Highlands Conservation Act, Public Law 108-421, 
for which a State has implemented a conservation management plan 
(or, The facility is consistent with the restrictions implemented by 
(State) under The Highlands Conservation Act, Public Law 108-421, 
placed on its proposed location). Any relevant documentation in the 
railroad's possession will be made available promptly to those 
requesting it.
    (For facilities already in existence on October 16, 2008, 
address the extent to which the facility is or is not located in any 
of these types of lands, and to the extent that it is so located 
address any relevant criteria, and so certify.)
    Any interested person may file with the Surface Transportation 
Board initial comments concerning the application within 45 days of 
the filing of the application. Persons seeking information 
concerning the filing of initial comments should refer to 49 CFR 
1155.23.
    All comments should indicate the proceeding designation Finance 
Docket No. -------- (Sub-No. --------). Initial comments must be 
filed with the Chief, Section of Administration, Office of 
Proceedings, Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20423, no later than (insert the date 45 days after 
the date applicant intends to file its application). A copy of each 
comment shall be served upon the representative of the applicant 
(insert name, address, and phone number). Except as otherwise set 
forth in 49 CFR part 1155, each document filed with the Board must 
be served on all parties to the land-use-exemption-permit 
proceeding. 49 CFR 1104.12(a).
    Persons seeking further information concerning land-use-
exemption-permit procedures may contact the Surface Transportation 
Board or refer to 49 U.S.C. 10908, 10909, 10910 and the Board's 
implementing land-use-exemption-permit regulations at 49 CFR part 
1155.
    A copy of the application is available for public inspection. 
The applicant shall furnish a copy of the application to any 
interested person proposing to file a comment, upon request.
    Questions concerning the environmental review process or 
potential environmental issues may be directed to the Board's Office 
of Environmental Analysis (OEA). After the close of the 
environmental review, interested parties may file final comments on 
how the information developed during the environmental review should 
be weighed by the Board in determining whether to grant the 
requested land use exemption permit. See 49 CFR p