Petition for Amending Waiver of Compliance, 25347-25348 [2013-10075]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 83 / Tuesday, April 30, 2013 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2013–0030] pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 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 February 14, 2013, the BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) and the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) have jointly 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, Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and Equipment; End-of-Train Devices. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA–2013–0030. Specifically, BNSF and UP seek a waiver of compliance from 49 CFR 232.305(b)(2) for railroad cars tested with automatic single car test devices (ASCTD). The current rule stipulates that if a car is on a shop or repair track for any reason and has not had a single car air brake test within the previous 12month period, a single car air brake test must be performed. In their petition, UP and BNSF state that when this requirement became effective, the new ASCTDs were not in widespread use. BNSF and UP further state that sufficient time has passed, and enough industry experience has been gained, to establish the advance in testing technology that the ASCTD has over the old manual device. Comparisons of the manual versus the automated testers made by BNSF and UP show an improvement of 11.5 percent in solving air brake-related issues. BNSF and UP submitted additional data to support their waiver petition, which has been placed in the subject docket. BNSF and UP request that relief be granted to railroad cars tested within the previous 2 years, if shopped for any non-air brake-related reason on a shop or repair track, as set forth in 49 CFR 232.305(b). BNSF and UP propose a test waiver where all cars tested with the ASCTDs will be tracked through the Association of American Railroads’ billing records for repeat air brake repairs within the 2-year period from the last single car air brake test performed with an ASCTD. Additionally, BNSF and UP will scan data from the wheel impact load and hot/cold wheel detector reports to see if the test cars develop any detector exceptions within the 2-year time period from the last single car air brake test performed with an ASCTD. BNSF VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:22 Apr 29, 2013 Jkt 229001 and UP suggest that every 6 months, FRA, BNSF, and UP should hold a conference to review the data. BNSF and UP believe that data from this test waiver will demonstrate the effectiveness of the ASCTDs. A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov and in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 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. 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 June 14, 2013 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 document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). See https:// www.regulations.gov/#!privacyNotice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov or interested parties may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477). PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 25347 Issued in Washington, DC, on April 24, 2013. Robert C. Lauby, Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative Operations. [FR Doc. 2013–10070 Filed 4–29–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2012–0054] Petition for Amending 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 January 24, 2013, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for an amendment of a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR Part 242, Conductor Certification, in Docket Number FRA– 2012–0054. On January 15, 2013, FRA granted Amtrak a waiver of compliance from 49 CFR 242.403(b), (c)(1)–(3), (d), (e)(1)–(4), (e)(6)–(11), and (f)(1)–(2). The relief granted to Amtrak was contingent on its continued participation in the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) pilot project. Amtrak, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and the United Transportation Union seek to shield the reporting employees and the railroad from punitive sanctions that would otherwise arise as provided in selected sections of 49 CFR 242.403 to encourage conductor reporting of close calls, and to protect conductors and Amtrak from discipline or sanctions arising from the incidents reported pursuant to the Implementing Memorandum of Understanding (IMOU). The proposed amendment extends the boundaries of inclusion under Article 3 of the IMOU to all Amtrak-owned or -controlled properties nationwide. The added locations include the Northeast Corridor (all main track operations); the Hudson Line; the Michigan Line in New Orleans, LA; and yards and facilities owned by Amtrak connected to other carriers’ tracks. Further, the amendment proposes changing the applicability parameters under Article 3.1 of the Amtrak IMOU, affording C3RS protection to NJ Transit train and engine service employees working in Sunnyside Yard. E:\FR\FM\30APN1.SGM 30APN1 pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 25348 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 83 / Tuesday, April 30, 2013 / Notices Finally, the amendment proposes amending Article 6.4 of the Amtrak IMOU pertaining to special additional criteria for close call event reporting to allow coverage for events involving damage or derailment below the FRA monetary reporting threshold. Amtrak’s C3RS pilot project was initially approved by FRA on May 11, 2010. In Docket Number FRA–2010– 0152, Amtrak requested and was granted a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of 49 CFR Part 240, Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers, to support its C3RS pilot project. A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov and in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 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. If you do not have access to the Internet, please contact FRA’s Docket Clerk at 202–493– 6030 who will provide necessary information concerning the contents of the petition. 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. 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 within May 20, 2013 of the date of this notice will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:22 Apr 29, 2013 Jkt 229001 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 document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). See https:// www.regulations.gov/#!privacyNotice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov or interested parties may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477). Issued in Washington, DC, on April 24, 2013. Robert C. Lauby, Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative Operations. [FR Doc. 2013–10075 Filed 4–29–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2013–0032] 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 March 21, 2013, New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway (NYSW) 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 231, Railroad Safety Appliance Standards. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA–2013– 0032. NYSW has petitioned FRA for a waiver to operate RailRunner equipment in its service between Syracuse, NY, and North Bergen, NJ. Specifically, NYSW seeks a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of 49 CFR Part 231, which stipulates the number, location, and dimensions for handholds, ladders, sill steps, uncoupling levers, and hand brakes. NYSW also seeks relief from 49 CFR 231.1, which sets forth the standard height for drawbars. A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov and in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 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 PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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. 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 June 14, 2013 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as is 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 document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). See https:// www.regulations.gov/#!privacyNotice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov or interested parties may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 10, 2013 (65 FR 19477). Issued in Washington, DC, on April 24, 2013. Robert C. Lauby, Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative Operations [FR Doc. 2013–10073 Filed 4–29–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2013–0035] 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 March 11, 2013, the Lapeer Industrial Railroad Company (LIRR) has petitioned the E:\FR\FM\30APN1.SGM 30APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 83 (Tuesday, April 30, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25347-25348]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-10075]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2012-0054]


Petition for Amending 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 January 24, 2013, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation 
(Amtrak) has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for 
an amendment of a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the 
Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR Part 242, 
Conductor Certification, in Docket Number FRA-2012-0054. On January 15, 
2013, FRA granted Amtrak a waiver of compliance from 49 CFR 242.403(b), 
(c)(1)-(3), (d), (e)(1)-(4), (e)(6)-(11), and (f)(1)-(2). The relief 
granted to Amtrak was contingent on its continued participation in the 
Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) pilot project.
    Amtrak, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and 
the United Transportation Union seek to shield the reporting employees 
and the railroad from punitive sanctions that would otherwise arise as 
provided in selected sections of 49 CFR 242.403 to encourage conductor 
reporting of close calls, and to protect conductors and Amtrak from 
discipline or sanctions arising from the incidents reported pursuant to 
the Implementing Memorandum of Understanding (IMOU).
    The proposed amendment extends the boundaries of inclusion under 
Article 3 of the IMOU to all Amtrak-owned or -controlled properties 
nationwide. The added locations include the Northeast Corridor (all 
main track operations); the Hudson Line; the Michigan Line in New 
Orleans, LA; and yards and facilities owned by Amtrak connected to 
other carriers' tracks.
    Further, the amendment proposes changing the applicability 
parameters under Article 3.1 of the Amtrak IMOU, affording C3RS 
protection to NJ Transit train and engine service employees working in 
Sunnyside Yard.

[[Page 25348]]

    Finally, the amendment proposes amending Article 6.4 of the Amtrak 
IMOU pertaining to special additional criteria for close call event 
reporting to allow coverage for events involving damage or derailment 
below the FRA monetary reporting threshold.
    Amtrak's C3RS pilot project was initially approved by FRA on May 
11, 2010. In Docket Number FRA-2010-0152, Amtrak requested and was 
granted a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of 49 CFR Part 
240, Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers, to 
support its C3RS pilot project.
    A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications 
concerning the petition, is available for review online at 
www.regulations.gov and in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation's (DOT) Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue 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. If you do not have access to the Internet, please 
contact FRA's Docket Clerk at 202-493-6030 who will provide necessary 
information concerning the contents of the petition.
    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.
    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 within May 20, 2013 of the date of this 
notice 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 document, 
if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
See https://www.regulations.gov/#!privacyNotice for the privacy notice 
of regulations.gov or interested parties may review DOT's complete 
Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 
2000 (65 FR 19477).

    Issued in Washington, DC, on April 24, 2013.
Robert C. Lauby,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Regulatory and Legislative 
Operations.
[FR Doc. 2013-10075 Filed 4-29-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
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