Hazardous Materials: Miscellaneous Amendments; Response to Appeals; Corrections, 28162-28168 [2018-12961]

Agencies

• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 117 (Monday, June 18, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28162-28168]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12961]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

49 CFR Parts 172, 173, and 180

[Docket No. PHMSA-2013-0225 (HM-218H)]
RIN 2137-AF27


Hazardous Materials: Miscellaneous Amendments; Response to 
Appeals; Corrections

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Correcting amendments.

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

SUMMARY: PHMSA issues this rulemaking in response to appeals submitted 
to a previously-published final rule. On June 2, 2016, PHMSA published 
a final rule that made miscellaneous amendments to the Hazardous 
Materials Regulations. This final rule specifically responds to appeals 
to extend the effective date of certain nitric acid packaging and 
emergency response telephone number amendments as previously adopted. 
This final rule also clarifies amendments associated with the trigger 
date of the 10-year test period for certain MC 331 cargo tanks in 
dedicated propane service and corrects editorial errors.

DATES: Effective date: This final rule is effective July 18, 2018.
    Voluntary compliance date: June 18, 2018.
    Delayed compliance date: Unless otherwise specified, compliance 
with the amendments adopted in this final rule is required beginning 
September 17, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Ciccarone, Standards and 
Rulemaking Division, (202) 366-8553, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Background
    A. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    B. Final Rule
II. Appeals to the Final Rule
    A. Appellants
    B. Discussion of Appeals by Affected Section
III. Corrections and Amendments
IV. Regulatory Analyses and Notices
    A. Statutory/Legal Authority for This Rulemaking
    B. Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), 
Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), 
Executive Order 13610 (Identifying and Reducing Regulatory Burdens), 
Executive Order 13771 (Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs) and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
    C. Executive Order 13132
    D. Executive Order 13175
    E. Regulatory Flexibility Act, Executive Order 13272, and DOT 
Procedures and Policies
    F. Paperwork Reduction Act
    G. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)
    H. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    I. Environmental Assessment
    J. Privacy Act
    K. International Trade Analysis

I. Background

A. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    On January 23, 2015, PHMSA published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) under Docket No. PHMSA-2013-0225 [(HM-218H); 80 FR 
3787] that proposed amendments to update and clarify existing 
requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR parts 
171-180). Both the NPRM and the subsequent final rule--see Section I, 
Subsection B (``Final Rule'') of this rulemaking--are part of DOT's 
Retrospective Regulatory Review (RRR) process designed to identify 
possible improvements to the regulations through the extensive review 
of both the HMR and previously-issued letters of interpretation. In 
addition, the NPRM proposed regulatory requirements in response to 
seven (7) petitions for rulemaking and two (2) National Transportation 
Safety Board (NTSB) Safety Recommendations.

B. Final Rule

    On June 2, 2016, PHMSA issued a final rule titled, ``Hazardous 
Materials: Miscellaneous Amendments (RRR),'' under Docket No. PHMSA-
2013-0225 [(HM-218H); 81 FR 35483] that made miscellaneous amendments 
to the HMR to update and clarify certain regulatory requirements. Based 
on an assessment of the proposed changes and the comments received, the 
June 2, 2016 final rule covered various topics including the following 
topics addressed in this rule:

 Emergency response telephone numbers
 Packaging instructions for certain shipments of nitric acid
 Test period extension to 10 years for certain MC 331 cargo 
tanks in dedicated propane delivery service
 Hazardous Materials Table revisions
 Pressure relief device testing for cargo tank motor vehicles

[[Page 28163]]

 Organic peroxide materials

II. Appeals to the Final Rule

A. Appellants

    In this final rule, PHMSA addresses appeals submitted by the 
following organizations in response to the June 2, 2016 final rule:

 Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Inc. 
(COSTHA)
 The Dangerous Goods Advisory Council (DGAC)
 National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD)
 United Parcel Service (UPS)

B. Discussion of Appeals by Affected Section

    The specific concerns raised by the appellants are outlined below 
by section of the HMR:
Section 172.604
    Section 172.604 prescribes emergency response telephone number 
requirements. In response to a petition for rulemaking (P-1597) from 
DGAC, PHMSA removed the allowance to use an alphanumeric telephone 
number as the emergency response telephone number listed on a shipping 
paper. Removal of this authorization eliminated time delays, which 
result from converting letters to numbers in extremely time-sensitive 
situations and present an unnecessary delay in emergency response. 
Therefore, PHMSA amended Sec.  172.604(a) to require the emergency 
response telephone number to be displayed numerically only.
    Following the June 2, 2016 final rule, UPS submitted an appeal 
concerning the effective date for this amendment. Specifically, UPS 
indicated that the July 5, 2016, effective date did not provide 
sufficient time to update the electronic systems used for processing 
hazardous material shipments and implement the new requirement to use 
only numeric emergency response telephone numbers. Additionally, UPS 
stated in its appeal that shippers may be challenged by the short 
transition period. UPS suggested a one-year timeframe to overcome the 
challenges and implement the new requirements.
    PHMSA understands the concerns raised by UPS and recognizes the 
need for additional time to comply with this regulatory amendment. 
PHMSA had accepted UPS's appeal to delay the compliance date. However, 
recent appellant feedback shows that the extended timeframe since the 
publication of the previous final rule on June 2, 2016, has allowed 
entities such as UPS sufficient time to update their electronic 
systems. PHMSA does not believe that it is necessary to extend the 
compliance date any further beyond the effective date and delayed 
compliance schedule of this final rule. See DATES. Note that PHMSA will 
not be taking enforcement action for non-compliance with this 
requirement for the period from July 5, 2016, to the effective date of 
this rule.
Section 173.158
    Section 173.158 prescribes the packaging requirements for nitric 
acid. In response to a petition for rulemaking (P-1601) from UPS, PHMSA 
amended the packaging provisions for certain shipments of nitric acid 
by requiring intermediate packaging for glass inner packagings. In its 
petition, UPS expressed concern regarding incidents of fire in 
transport from combination packagings of wooden or fiberboard outer 
packaging with the glass inners. The addition of intermediate packaging 
for these packagings would improve safety by preventing breakage, 
leakage, and resulting fires. Therefore, PHMSA amended Sec.  173.158(e) 
to require that when nitric acid, in concentrations less than 90 
percent, is packaged in glass inner packagings placed in wooden or 
fiberboard outer packaging, the glass inner packagings must be packed 
in tightly-closed, non-reactive intermediate packagings and cushioned 
with a non-reactive absorbent material. Previously, no intermediate 
packaging was required.
    COSTHA, DGAC, and NACD submitted appeals expressing concern 
regarding the effective date for this amendment. They stated that the 
July 5, 2016, effective date did not provide sufficient time for 
shippers to sell current inventory or process inventory through the 
distribution system or the supply chain. Furthermore, they argued the 
original effective date did not allow sufficient time for testing and 
development of new packaging that would comply with the new 
requirement. They requested a transition period of one year from the 
effective date of the rulemaking to allow for existing inventory to be 
processed and new packaging to be secured.
    PHMSA understands the concerns of the regulated community regarding 
the time needed to move inventory and comply with the new packaging 
requirements. PHMSA had accepted the appeals from COSTHA, DGAC, and 
NACD to extend the compliance date for the modified nitric acid 
packaging requirement. Recent appellant feedback shows that most 
shippers are able to comply with the new requirements, while a few are 
still working to reduce their stock of completed packages and unused 
packagings predating the nitric acid packaging change in the June 2, 
2016, final rule. Similar to our response to the Sec.  172.604(a) 
changes and appeal, PHMSA will not be taking enforcement action for 
non-compliance with this requirement for the period from July 5, 2016, 
to the effective date of this rule. PHMSA is further extending the 
compliance date to 90 days after publication of this final rule in the 
Federal Register. See DATES.
    Furthermore, PHMSA has received public requests for additional 
clarification of the requirement for the use of non-reactive absorbent 
material in Sec.  173.158(e). As previously stated, when nitric acid, 
in concentrations less than 90 percent, is packaged in wooden or 
fiberboard outer packaging, in combination with glass inner packagings, 
the glass inner packagings must be packed in tightly-closed, non-
reactive intermediate packagings and cushioned with a non-reactive 
absorbent material. In the June 2, 2016 final rule, PHMSA did not 
specify how much absorbent material is required for this packaging 
configuration. Persons have inquired on exactly how much absorbent 
material must be used. We clarify in this final rule that, consistent 
with other provisions for use of absorbent material in the HMR, the 
absorbent material should be in sufficient quantity to absorb the 
entire contents of the inner packagings.

III. Corrections and Amendments

    In this final rule, PHMSA also makes corrections to sections that 
were amended by the June 2, 2016 final rule and a March 30, 2017 final 
rule under Docket Number PHMSA-2015-0273 (HM-215N) [82 FR 15795]. 
Specifically, we make a conforming amendment to Sec.  173.129 for 
organic peroxides and clarify applicable requirements for cargo tank 
motor vehicle (CTMV) periodic tests and inspection. A section-by-
section summary of these corrections is as follows:

Part 172

Section 172.101
    This section prescribes the purpose and instructions for use of the 
Sec.  172.101 Hazardous Materials Table (HMT). We are making editorial 
corrections to two entries in the HMT. For the entry ``UN0501, 
Propellant, solid'' the Packing Group (PG) in Column (5) is removed as 
it was inadvertently re-added in the March 30, 2017 final rule (HM-
215N). For the entry ``UN0190, Samples, explosive, other than 
initiating explosives'' the PG in Column (5) is removed for consistency 
with revisions to all other Class 1 explosive entries

[[Page 28164]]

made in the June 2, 2016 final rule. Under that rule, all references to 
PG II in the HMT for explosives were removed as unnecessary because 
explosives are not assigned packing groups.

Part 173

Section 173.129
    Section 173.129 prescribes the requirements for assigning a PG to 
organic peroxides. Specifically, this section assigns PG II to all 
organic peroxides. The June 2, 2016, final rule removed the PG 
designation for all organic peroxides in the Sec.  172.101 Hazardous 
Materials Table (HMT) to harmonize with international standards. 
However, the text that assigns PG II to all organic peroxides was left 
in Sec.  173.129 and may cause confusion for shippers of organic 
peroxides when reviewing the HMT because the PG designation is no 
longer shown. Therefore, for consistency and to further clarify that 
organic peroxides are no longer assigned a packing group, PHMSA is 
removing and reserving this section.

Part 180

Section 180.407
    Paragraph (c) of Sec.  180.407 provides a table of compliance dates 
for periodic tests and inspection of DOT specification CTMVs. The June 
2, 2016, final rule added a provision to allow for a 10-year interval 
period for the pressure test and internal visual inspection of MC 331 
CTMVs under certain conditions (e.g., the cargo tanks must be made of 
nonquenched and tempered (NQT) SA-612 steel). The provision included a 
Note 5 that extended the 10-year inspection period to cargo tanks made 
of NQT SA-202 or NQT SA-455 steel provided the materials have full-size 
equivalent (FSE) Charpy vee notch (CVN) energy test data that 
demonstrated 75% shear-area ductility at 32[emsp14][deg]F with an 
average of 3 or more samples >15 ft-lb FSE with no sample <10 ft-lb 
FSE. However, NQT SA-612 was inadvertently included in the Note. It was 
the agency's intent that Note 5 only refer to NQT SA-202 or NQT SA-455 
steel because NQT SA-612 is already referenced within the table making 
its inclusion in Note 5 redundant and confusing. Therefore, in this 
final rule, PHMSA is correcting Note 5 to only refer to NQT SA-202 and 
NQT SA-455 steels.
    Additionally, we are clarifying that as of the June 2, 2016 final 
rule's effective date, the 10-year inspection period for eligible CTMVs 
applies from the date the most recent pressure test and internal visual 
inspection were performed. Meaning eligible cargo tanks tested or 
inspected prior to the effective date do not have to complete the 5-yr 
cycle before being able to test or inspect on a 10-year cycle.
    Finally, within the paragraph (c) table in the column for ``Date by 
which first test must be completed (see Note 1),'' we included trigger 
dates for applicability of the new 10-year requalification for MC 331 
CTMVs made of these steels and made the dates consistent with the 
trigger dates for the other inspection and testing provisions within 
the table. This has caused unwarranted confusion for the regulated and 
enforcement communities with respect to compliance. First, the dates 
were intended to be the same however we introduced a September 1, 2016 
date for the visual inspection and a September 1, 2017 date for the 
pressure test causing confusion on why they were different. Second, the 
trigger date(s) are different than the July 5, 2016 effective date of 
the rule causing further confusion on which applies. Therefore, in this 
rule, we are removing the trigger dates from the paragraph (c) table 
and clarifying that the effective date (July 5, 2016) of the June 2, 
2016 final rule is the trigger date and reiterating that the 10-year 
interval applies.
    Paragraph (g) of Sec.  180.407 prescribes the pressure test 
requirements for all components of the cargo tank wall. Prior to the 
publication of the June 2, 2016 final rule, the bench testing 
requirements for pressure relief valves were contained within Sec.  
180.407(g)(1)(ii). In response to a petition (P-1609) from the Truck 
Trailer Manufacturers Association (TTMA), the June 2, 2016 final rule 
clarified the requirements for testing pressure relief valves and 
relocated the requirements of Sec.  180.407(g)(1)(ii)(A), (B), and (C) 
to Sec.  180.407(j) as (j)(1), (2), and (3), respectively. However, due 
to an incorrect Federal Register instruction, only the introductory 
text was revised. It was the agency's intent to revise the entire 
section to remove the paragraphs Sec.  180.407(g)(1)(ii)(A), (B), and 
(C). To avoid further confusion by regulated entities, in this final 
rule, PHMSA is removing Sec.  180.407(g)(1)(ii)(A), (B), and (C) as 
redundant because these same requirements currently reside in Sec.  
180.407(j).
    PHMSA has received some inquiries regarding the new provisions of 
Sec.  180.407(j) and how they relate to other sections pertaining to 
CTMVs. Therefore, PHMSA seeks to clarify that while Sec.  180.407(j) 
permits DOT 400 series pressure relief devices to be installed on MC 
300 series CTMVs, the pressure relief devices must still meet the 
venting capacity and set pressure requirements of the original 
specification, in accordance with Sec. Sec.  173.33(d)(3) and 
180.407(h)(2).

IV. Regulatory Analyses and Notices

A. Statutory/Legal Authority for This Rulemaking

    This final rule is published under authority of Federal hazardous 
materials transportation law (Federal hazmat law). See 49 U.S.C. 5101 
et seq. Section 5103(b) of Federal hazmat law authorizes the Secretary 
of Transportation (Secretary) to prescribe regulations for the safe 
transportation, including security, of hazardous materials in 
intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce. Further, section 5120(b) 
of Federal hazmat law authorizes the Secretary to ensure that, to the 
extent practicable, regulations governing the transportation of 
hazardous materials in commerce are consistent with standards adopted 
by international authorities. The Secretary has delegated the authority 
granted in the Federal hazmat law to the PHMSA Administrator. See 49 
CFR 1.97.

B. Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), Executive 
Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), Executive 
Order 13610 (Identifying and Reducing Regulatory Burdens), Executive 
Order 13771 (Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs) and 
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    This final rule is not considered a significant regulatory action 
under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and 
Review.'' See 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this final rule 
was not reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and is 
not considered a significant regulatory action under the DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures of February 26, 1979. See 44 FR 11034.
    Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory 
Review,'' supplements and reaffirms the principles, structures, and 
definitions governing regulatory review that were established in 
Executive Order 12866. See 76 FR 3821 (Jan. 21, 2011). Executive Order 
13563 notes that our nation's current regulatory system must protect 
not only public health, welfare, safety, and our environment, but also 
promote economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, and job creation. 
In addition, Executive Order 13563 specifically requires Federal 
agencies to: (1) Involve the public in the regulatory

[[Page 28165]]

process; (2) promote simplification and harmonization through 
interagency coordination; (3) ``identify and consider regulatory 
approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility''; (4) ensure 
the objectivity of any scientific or technological information used to 
support regulatory action; and (5) consider how to best promote 
retrospective analysis to modify, streamline, expand, or repeal 
existing rules that are outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or 
excessively burdensome.
    Executive Order 13610, ``Identifying and Reducing Regulatory 
Burdens,'' urges agencies to conduct retrospective analyses of existing 
rules to examine whether they remain justified and whether they should 
be modified or streamlined in light of changed circumstances, including 
the rise of new technologies. See 77 FR 28467 (May 14, 2012).
    Executive Order 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs,'' states that, ``for every one new regulation issued, 
at least two prior regulations be identified for elimination, and that 
the cost of planned regulations be prudently managed and controlled 
through a budgeting process.'' Guidance released publicly and dated 
February 2, 2017 clarified that two ``deregulatory actions'' would be 
needed to fully offset the costs of each new significant regulatory 
action that imposes costs.
    As this final rule is not considered a significant action under 
3(f) of Executive Order 12866, E.O. 13771 is not applicable to this 
action, and this action has not been analyzed in accordance with the 
principles and criteria of E.O. 13771.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Interim Guidance Implementing Section 2 of the Executive 
Order of January 30, 2017, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs, Docket ID: OMB-2017-0002, available at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=OMB-2017-0002-0001.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Together, these executive orders require agencies to regulate in 
the ``most cost-effective manner,'' to make a ``reasoned determination 
that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its costs,'' and 
to develop regulations that ``impose the least burden on society.''
    As discussed in this rulemaking, PHMSA is amending various 
provisions in the HMR for necessary clarification and relaxation of 
overly burdensome requirements. These appeals requested that PHMSA 
extend the compliance date of the nitric acid packaging requirements, 
as well as the compliance date of the requirement for offerors to 
provide emergency response telephone numbers in numeric form only.\2\ 
Delaying these effective dates is a relaxation or reduction of the 
burden facing the regulated community. PHMSA anticipates the amendments 
contained in this rule will provide regulatory clarity and flexibility 
to the regulated community.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous 
Materials Safety Administration, ``Hazardous Materials; 
Miscellaneous Amendments (RRR),'' published June 2, 2016, 81 FR 
35484, available at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=PHMSA-2013-0225-0075.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Executive Order 13132

    This final rule was analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' which 
requires agencies to assure meaningful and timely input by State and 
local officials in the development of regulatory policies that may have 
``substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.'' See 64 
FR 43255 (Aug. 10, 1999).
    This final rule would preempt State, local, and Indian tribe 
requirements but does not propose any regulation that has substantial 
direct effects on the States, the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, the 
consultation and funding requirements of Executive Order 13132 do not 
apply.
    This final rule concerns the classification, packaging, marking, 
labeling, and handling of hazardous materials, among other covered 
subjects. As adopted, this rule preempts any State, local, or Indian 
tribe requirements concerning these subjects unless the non-Federal 
requirements are ``substantively the same'' as the Federal 
requirements. See 49 CFR 107.202(d).

D. Executive Order 13175

    This final rule has been analyzed in accordance with the principles 
and criteria contained in Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,'' which requires agencies 
to assure meaningful and timely input from Indian tribal government 
representatives in the development of rules that significantly or 
uniquely affect Indian communities by imposing ``substantial direct 
compliance costs'' or ``substantial direct effects'' on such 
communities or the relationship and distribution of power between the 
Federal Government and Indian tribes. See 65 FR 67249 (Nov. 9, 2000). 
Since this final rule does not have tribal implications and does not 
impose substantial direct compliance costs on Indian tribal 
governments, the funding and consultation requirements of Executive 
Order 13175 do not apply and a tribal summary impact statement is not 
required.

E. Regulatory Flexibility Act, Executive Order 13272, and DOT 
Procedures and Policies

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires 
agencies to consider whether a rulemaking would have a ``significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.'' In 
addition, the Regulatory Flexibility Act directs agencies to establish 
exceptions and differing compliance standards for small businesses, 
where it is possible to do so while still meeting the objectives of 
applicable regulatory statutes. However, in the case of hazardous 
materials transportation, it is not possible to establish exceptions or 
differing standards and still accomplish our safety objectives.
    As this final rule would clarify provisions based on PHMSA's 
initiatives and correspondence with the regulated community, the impact 
that it will have on small entities is not expected to be significant. 
The changes are generally intended to provide relief and, as a result, 
marginal positive benefits to shippers, carriers, and packaging 
manufactures and testers, including small entities. These benefits are 
not at a level that can be considered economically significant. 
Consequently, this final rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    This final rule has been developed in accordance with Executive 
Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency 
Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (Aug. 16, 2002), as well as DOT's Procedures 
and Policies, to promote compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
to ensure that potential impacts of draft rules on small entities are 
properly considered.

F. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This final rule imposes no new information collection and 
recordkeeping requirements.

G. Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)

    A regulation identifier number (RIN) is assigned to each regulatory 
action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The 
Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in 
April and October of each

[[Page 28166]]

year. The RIN number contained in the heading of this document can be 
used to cross-reference this action with the Unified Agenda.

H. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This final rule does not impose unfunded mandates under the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Public Law 104-4. It does not 
result in costs of $155 million or more to either State, local, or 
Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector, and it 
is the least burdensome alternative that achieves the objective of the 
rule.

I. Environmental Assessment

    The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 
4321-4375, requires Federal agencies to analyze proposed actions to 
determine whether they will have a significant impact on the human 
environment. In the June 2, 2016 final rule, PHMSA developed an 
assessment to determine the effects of these revisions on the 
environment and whether a more comprehensive environmental impact 
statement may be required. Our findings conclude that there are no 
significant environmental impacts associated with this final rule. The 
amendments are intended to: Update, clarify, or provide relief from 
certain existing regulatory requirements to promote safer 
transportation practices; eliminate unnecessary regulatory 
requirements; facilitate international commerce; and make these 
requirements easier to understand. For interested parties, the 
environmental assessment is included with the June 2, 2016, final rule 
available in the public docket.

J. Privacy Act

    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the 
public to better inform its rulemaking process. 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 document (or signing the document, 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 [65 FR 19477] or you may visit https://www.dot.gov/privacy.

K. International Trade Analysis

    The Trade Agreements Act of 1979, Public Law 96-39, as amended by 
the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, Public Law 103-465, prohibits Federal 
agencies from establishing any standards or engaging in related 
activities that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of 
the United States. Pursuant to these Acts, the establishment of 
standards is not considered an unnecessary obstacle to the foreign 
commerce of the United States, so long as the standards have a 
legitimate domestic objective, such as the protection of safety, and do 
not operate in a manner that excludes imports that meet this objective. 
The statute also requires consideration of international standards and, 
where appropriate, that they be the basis for U.S. standards. PHMSA 
notes the purpose of this rulemaking is to ensure the safety of the 
American public and has assessed the effects of this rule to ensure 
that it does not exclude imports that meet this objective. As a result, 
this final rule is not considered as creating an unnecessary obstacle 
to foreign commerce.

List of Subjects

49 CFR Part 172

    Education, Hazardous materials transportation, Hazardous waste, 
Labeling, Markings, Packaging and containers, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

49 CFR Part 173

    Hazardous materials transportation, Incorporation by reference, 
Packaging and containers, Radioactive materials, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Uranium.

49 CFR Part 180

    Hazardous materials transportation, Incorporation by reference, 
Motor carriers, Motor vehicle safety, Packaging and containers, 
Railroad safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    In consideration of the foregoing, PHMSA amends 49 CFR chapter I as 
follows:

PART 172--HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TABLE, SPECIAL PROVISIONS, HAZARDOUS 
MATERIALS COMMUNICATIONS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFORMATION, TRAINING 
REQUIREMENTS, AND SECURITY PLANS

0
1. The authority citation for part 172 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 5101-5128, 44701; 49 CFR 1.81, 1.96 and 
1.97.


0
2. In Sec.  172.101, the Hazardous Materials Table is amended by 
revising the following entries in the appropriate alphabetical 
sequence:


Sec.  172.101  Purpose and use of hazardous materials table.

* * * * *
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P

[[Page 28167]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JN18.000


[[Page 28168]]


* * * * *
BILLING CODE 4910-60-C

PART 173--SHIPPERS--GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS AND 
PACKAGINGS

0
3. The authority citation for part 173 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 5101-5128, 44701; 49 CFR 1.81, 1.96 and 
1.97.

Sec.  173.129   [Removed and Reserved]

0
4. Remove and reserve Sec.  173.129.


0
5. In Sec.  173.158, revise paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  173.158  Nitric acid.

* * * * *
    (e) Nitric acid of less than 90 percent concentration, when offered 
for transportation or transported by rail, highway, or water may be 
packaged in 4A, 4B, or 4N metal boxes, 4G fiberboard boxes or 4C1, 4C2, 
4D or 4F wooden boxes with inside glass packagings of not over 2.5 L 
(0.66 gallon) capacity each. Beginning September 17, 2018, when placed 
in wooden or fiberboard outer packagings, glass inner packagings must 
be packed in tightly-closed, intermediate packagings and cushioned with 
absorbent material sufficient to absorb the entire contents of the 
package. The intermediate packaging and absorbent material must be 
compatible with the nitric acid. See Sec.  173.24(e).
* * * * *

PART 180--CONTINUING QUALIFICATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PACKAGINGS

0
6. The authority citation for part 180 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 5101-5128; 49 CFR 1.81 and 1.97.


0
7. In Sec.  180.407:
0
a. Revise the table and notes in paragraph (c); and
0
b. Revise paragraph (g)(1)(ii).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  180.407  Requirements for test and inspection of specification 
cargo tanks.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *

                         Compliance Dates--Inspections and Test Under Sec.   180.407(c)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Test or inspection  (cargo tank
   specification, configuration, and     Date by which first test  must be completed    Interval period  after
                service)                                 (see Note 1)                         first test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
External Visual Inspection:
    All cargo tanks designed to be       September 1, 1991..........................  6 months.
     loaded by vacuum with full opening
     rear heads.
    All other cargo tanks..............  September 1, 1991..........................  1 year.
Internal Visual Inspection:
    All insulated cargo tanks, except    September 1, 1991..........................  1 year.
     MC 330, MC 331, MC 338 (see Note
     4).
    All cargo tanks transporting lading  September 1, 1991..........................  1 year.
     corrosive to the tank.
    MC 331 cargo tanks less than 3,500   ...........................................  10 years.
     gallons water capacity in
     dedicated propane service
     constructed of nonquenched and
     tempered NQT SA-612 steel (see
     Note 5).
    All other cargo tanks, except MC     September 1, 1995..........................  5 years.
     338.
Lining Inspection:
    All lined cargo tanks transporting   September 1, 1991..........................  1 year.
     lading corrosive to the tank.
Leakage Test:
    MC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks in     September 1, 1991..........................  2 years.
     chlorine service.
    All other cargo tanks except MC 338  September 1, 1991..........................  1 year.
Pressure Test:
    (Hydrostatic or pneumatic) (See
     Notes 2 and 3).
    All cargo tanks which are insulated  September 1, 1991..........................  1 year.
     with no manhole or insulated and
     lined, except MC 338.
    All cargo tanks designed to be       September 1, 1992..........................  2 years.
     loaded by vacuum with full opening
     rear heads.
    MC 330 and MC 331 cargo tanks in     September 1, 1992..........................  2 years.
     chlorine service.
    MC 331 cargo tanks less than 3,500                                                10 years.
     gallons water capacity in
     dedicated propane service
     constructed of nonquenched and
     tempered NQT SA-612 steel (See
     Note 5).
    All other cargo tanks..............  September 1, 1995..........................  5 years.
Thickness Test:
    All unlined cargo tanks              September 1, 1992..........................  2 years.
     transporting material corrosive to
     the tank, except MC 338.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: If a cargo tank is subject to an applicable inspection or test requirement under the regulations in
  effect on December 30, 1990, and the due date (as specified by a requirement in effect on December 30, 1990)
  for completing the required inspection or test occurs before the compliance date listed in table I, the
  earlier date applies.
Note 2: Pressure testing is not required for MC 330 or MC 331 cargo tanks in dedicated sodium metal service.
Note 3: Pressure testing is not required for uninsulated lined cargo tanks, with a design pressure MAWP 15 psig
  or less, which receive an external visual inspection and lining inspection at least once each year.
Note 4: Insulated cargo tanks equipped with manholes or inspection openings may perform either an internal
  visual inspection in conjunction with the external visual inspection or a hydrostatic or pneumatic pressure-
  test of the cargo tank.
Note 5: A 10-year inspection interval period also applies to cargo tanks constructed of NQT SA-202 or NQT SA-455
  steel provided the materials have full-size equivalent (FSE) Charpy vee notch (CVN) energy test data that
  demonstrated 75% shear-area ductility at 32[emsp14][deg]F with an average of 3 or more samples >15 ft-lb FSE
  with no sample <10 ft-lb FSE.

* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) All self-closing pressure relief valves, including emergency 
relief vents and normal vents, must be removed from the cargo tank for 
inspection and testing according to the requirements in paragraph (j) 
of this section.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 12, 2018, under authority 
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
Howard R. Elliott,
Administrator, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
[FR Doc. 2018-12961 Filed 6-15-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-60-P