Petition for Waiver of Compliance, 66125-66126 [2011-27503]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 25, 2011 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2011–0079] sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Petition for Waiver of Compliance In accordance with part 211 of title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by a document dated September 13, 2011, the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 236. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA–2011–0079. UP seeks relief from the provisions of 49 CFR Section 236.110(a) as it pertains to the signoff of the coded cab signal (CCS) departure test form (UP Form Number 25023). UP requests the ability to have employees either affix their signature or enter their unique employee identification number on the CCS departure test form per 49 CFR 236.587. UP proposes that allowing an employee to sign the CCS departure test form with their employee identification number would comply with the requirements set forth in 49 CFR 236.110(a)(1), ‘‘Signed by the employee making the test * * * .’’ UP feels that by allowing an employee to use their unique employee identification number when signing a CCS departure test form will not only make it easier to identify which employee performed the CCS departure test, it will also enhance the safety of UP operations and allow for a more consistent sign off method regarding routine inspection and departure processes. A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at https://www.regulations.gov and in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Operations Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:10 Oct 24, 2011 Jkt 226001 All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Web site: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Communications received by December 9, 2011 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477–78), or online at https://www.dot.gov/ privacy.html. Issued in Washington, DC, on October 19, 2011. Robert C. Lauby, Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative Operations. [FR Doc. 2011–27501 Filed 10–24–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2011–0074] Petition for Waiver of Compliance In accordance with part 211 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that by a document dated September 2, 2011, BNSF Railway (BNSF) has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 232. FRA has assigned the petition Docket Number FRA–2011–0074. BNSF seeks relief from certain provisions of 49 CFR part 232, Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 66125 Equipment; End-of-Train Devices. Specifically, BNSF is proposing to use Web-based software to satisfy the ‘‘hands-on’’ portion of training required by 49 CFR Section 232.203(e), in connection with periodic refresher training. Refresher training is required at intervals not to exceed 3 years, and shall consist of classroom and hands-on training, as well as testing. BNSF states it created a Web-based software application that it characterizes as Air Brake System Virtual Training Environment (ABSVTE), which conceptually closely parallels Locomotive Engineer simulator training. ABSVTE places the employee as an avatar in a realistic 3D virtual scenario. The employee must maneuver the avatar in the virtual setting and perform all inspection tasks. The employee communicates on a virtual radio, listens for the proper brake responses, and visually inspects each car in the scenario using a combination of mouse and key strokes. During the simulation, the employee must properly identify any unusual conditions and take corrective action. The software has the ability for the trainer to control the environment and preprogram different scenarios and conditions, covering a variety of air brake systems and associated air brake components an employee might encounter in the field. BNSF asserts that ABSVTE will enhance employee decision-making by testing his or her ability to identify and correct malfunctions that are difficult to demonstrate during operational testing. FRA permits operational testing to satisfy the hands-on portion of periodic refresher training, provided the tests are documented. BNSF will require 100-percent proficiency to receive virtual hands-on credit. Employees failing to achieve 100percent proficiency will be allowed to retake the virtual test. If the employee again fails to achieve 100-percent proficiency, he or she will receive remedial training from a supervisor or trainer. In summary, BNSF respectfully requests that ABSVTE be considered as an additional option to satisfy the ‘‘hands-on’’ portion of periodic refresher training required by 49 CFR 232.203(e). BNSF states that incorporating ABSVTE into their portfolio of traditional training delivery mechanisms will result in an overall increase in the frequency of air brake training and evaluation for BNSF employees. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in E:\FR\FM\25OCN1.SGM 25OCN1 66126 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 206 / Tuesday, October 25, 2011 / Notices connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Web site: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Communications received by December 9, 2011 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477–78), or online at https://www.dot.gov/ privacy.html. Dated: Issued in Washington, DC, on October 19, 2011. Robert C. Lauby, Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative Operations. [FR Doc. 2011–27503 Filed 10–24–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2011–0022] sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Notice of Public Hearing The Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad (CORP) has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) seeking the approval of the proposed discontinuance and removal of automatic block signal systems on three sections of the Roseburg Subdivision and on one section of the Siskiyou Subdivision. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:10 Oct 24, 2011 Jkt 226001 This proceeding is identified as FRA block signal application Docket Number FRA–2011–0022. A copy of CORP’s full petition is available for review online at https://www.regulations.gov. FRA has conducted a field investigation in this matter and has issued a public notice seeking comments from interested parties (See 75 Federal Register 21943 (April 19, 2011)). After examining the carrier’s proposal and the available facts, FRA has determined that a public hearing is necessary before a final decision is made on this proposal. Accordingly, FRA invites all interested persons to participate in a public hearing on December 1, 2011. The hearing will be conducted at the Douglas County Courthouse, Room 310, 1036 Southeast Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, Oregon 97470. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. Interested parties are invited to present oral statements at the hearing. For information on facilities or services for persons with disabilities or to request special assistance at the hearing, contact FRA’s Docket Clerk Jerome Melis-Tull by telephone, email, or in writing, at least 5 business days before the date of the hearing. Mr. Melis-Tull’s contact information is as follows: FRA, Office of Chief Counsel, Mail Stop 10, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 202–493–6058; and email: Jerome.Melis-tull@dot.gov. The hearing will be informal and conducted in accordance with Rule 25 of the FRA Rules of Practice (Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Section 211.25) by a representative designated by FRA. The hearing will be a nonadversary proceeding; therefore, there will be no cross-examination of persons presenting statements. An FRA representative will make an opening statement outlining the scope of the hearing. After all initial statements have been completed, those persons wishing to make brief rebuttal statements will be given the opportunity to do so in the same order in which they made their initial statements. Additional procedures, if necessary for the conduct of the hearing, will be announced at the hearing. Issued in Washington, DC, on October 19, 2011. Robert C. Lauby, Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative Operations. [FR Doc. 2011–27508 Filed 10–24–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration Reports, Forms and Recordkeeping Requirements; Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review Maritime Administration, DOT. Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The nature of the information collection is described as well as its expected burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on July 15, 2011, and comments were due by September 13, 2011. No comments were received. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before November 25, 2011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Yarrington, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 202–366–1915; or e-mail: michael.yarrington@dot.gov. Copies of this collection also can be obtained from that office. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Maritime Administration (MARAD). Title: Procedures for Determining Vessel Services Categories for Purposes of the Cargo Preference Act. OMB Control Number: 2133–0540. Type Of Request: Extension of currently approved collection. Affected Public: Owners or operators of U.S.-registered vessels and foreignregistered vessels. Forms: None. Abstract: The purpose is to provide information to be used in the designation of service categories of individual vessels for purposes of compliance with the Cargo Preference Act under a Memorandum of Understanding entered into by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Maritime Administration. The Maritime Administration will use the data submitted by vessel operators to create a list of Vessel Self-Designations and determine whether the Agency agrees or disagrees with a vessel owner’s designation of a vessel. Annual Estimated Burden Hours: 800 hours. Addressees: Send comments regarding these information collections SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25OCN1.SGM 25OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 206 (Tuesday, October 25, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66125-66126]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-27503]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2011-0074]


Petition for Waiver of Compliance

    In accordance with part 211 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR), this document provides the public notice that by a document 
dated September 2, 2011, BNSF Railway (BNSF) has petitioned the Federal 
Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain 
provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 
CFR part 232. FRA has assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2011-
0074.
    BNSF seeks relief from certain provisions of 49 CFR part 232, Brake 
System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and 
Equipment; End-of-Train Devices. Specifically, BNSF is proposing to use 
Web-based software to satisfy the ``hands-on'' portion of training 
required by 49 CFR Section 232.203(e), in connection with periodic 
refresher training. Refresher training is required at intervals not to 
exceed 3 years, and shall consist of classroom and hands-on training, 
as well as testing.
    BNSF states it created a Web-based software application that it 
characterizes as Air Brake System Virtual Training Environment 
(ABSVTE), which conceptually closely parallels Locomotive Engineer 
simulator training. ABSVTE places the employee as an avatar in a 
realistic 3D virtual scenario. The employee must maneuver the avatar in 
the virtual setting and perform all inspection tasks. The employee 
communicates on a virtual radio, listens for the proper brake 
responses, and visually inspects each car in the scenario using a 
combination of mouse and key strokes. During the simulation, the 
employee must properly identify any unusual conditions and take 
corrective action. The software has the ability for the trainer to 
control the environment and preprogram different scenarios and 
conditions, covering a variety of air brake systems and associated air 
brake components an employee might encounter in the field. BNSF asserts 
that ABSVTE will enhance employee decision-making by testing his or her 
ability to identify and correct malfunctions that are difficult to 
demonstrate during operational testing. FRA permits operational testing 
to satisfy the hands-on portion of periodic refresher training, 
provided the tests are documented.
    BNSF will require 100-percent proficiency to receive virtual hands-
on credit. Employees failing to achieve 100-percent proficiency will be 
allowed to retake the virtual test. If the employee again fails to 
achieve 100-percent proficiency, he or she will receive remedial 
training from a supervisor or trainer.
    In summary, BNSF respectfully requests that ABSVTE be considered as 
an additional option to satisfy the ``hands-on'' portion of periodic 
refresher training required by 49 CFR 232.203(e). BNSF states that 
incorporating ABSVTE into their portfolio of traditional training 
delivery mechanisms will result in an overall increase in the frequency 
of air brake training and evaluation for BNSF employees.
    Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings 
by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate 
scheduling a public hearing in

[[Page 66126]]

connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to 
warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for 
oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the 
comment period and specify the basis for their request.
    All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the 
appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following 
methods:
     Web site: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., W12-140, Washington, DC 
20590.
     Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W12-140, 
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal Holidays.
    Communications received by December 9, 2011 will be considered by 
FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date 
will be considered as far as practicable.
    Anyone is able to search the electronic form of any written 
communications and comments received into any of our dockets by the 
name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, 
if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 
19477-78), or online at https://www.dot.gov/privacy.html.

    Dated: Issued in Washington, DC, on October 19, 2011.
Robert C. Lauby,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative 
Operations.
[FR Doc. 2011-27503 Filed 10-24-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P

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