Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance, 81986-81987 [2024-23334]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 81986 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 9, 2024 / Notices that by letters received August 16, 2024, and August 30, 2024, Norfolk Southern Corporation’s operating subsidiary, Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS), petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for an extension of 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). The relevant Docket Number is FRA– 2019–0090. Specifically, NS requests to extend the existing waiver, which provides NS certain relief from the requirements of 49 CFR 232.305(b)(2), Single car air brake tests, to ‘‘permit the replacement of FRA condemnable and other nonFRA condemnable wheelsets on railcars as part of an in-train wheelset replacement program, without the need to also perform the [single car air brake tests (SCABTs)]’’ as required. The program is only operated on two designated tracks at the NS railyard in Bluefield, West Virginia. The existing wheelset replacement program aims to ‘‘proactively identify and replace wheelsets,’’ which NS stated, ‘‘reduces the number of switching events that would otherwise be required to affect the repairs, reducing the risk of injury and derailment.’’ NS added that the program permits NS ‘‘to replace a greater percentage of wheelsets than currently replaced using traditional techniques.’’ A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov. 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 parties desire an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, 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 at www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Communications received by December 9, 2024 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable. Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:05 Oct 08, 2024 Jkt 265001 and comments received into any of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 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.). Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https:// www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/ privacy-notice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. Issued in Washington, DC. John Karl Alexy, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer. [FR Doc. 2024–23335 Filed 10–8–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2024–0070] Petition for Waiver of Compliance Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that on June 7, 2024, TOYX, Inc. (TOYX) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a special approval pursuant to 49 CFR part 215 (Railroad Freight Car Safety Standards), and a waiver of compliance from 49 CFR part 223 (Safety Glazing Standards—Locomotives, Passenger Cars and Cabooses). FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA–2024– 0070. Specifically, TOYX requests a special approval pursuant to § 215.203, Restricted cars, for 6 cars and 4 cabooses that are more than 50 years from the dates of original construction. TOYX also seeks relief from 49 CFR part 223 for safety glazing on the 4 cabooses (and 1 car, TOYX 1001, if required) to operate the equipment for a few days per year on the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway, Metro-North Railroad, and in equipment moves. In the petition, TOYX states that the equipment for which glazing relief is requested will travel on ‘‘lines that are regularly operated and maintained and have no known risk of propelled or fouling objects.’’ A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov. 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 and a public hearing, 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 at www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Communications received by December 9, 2024 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable. Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 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.). Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https:// www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/ privacy-notice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. Issued in Washington, DC. John Karl Alexy, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer. [FR Doc. 2024–23336 Filed 10–8–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2019–0089] Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that on August 16, 2024, and August 27, 2024, Norfolk Southern Corporation’s E:\FR\FM\09OCN1.SGM 09OCN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 9, 2024 / Notices operating subsidiary, Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS), petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for an extension of a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 231 (Railroad Safety Appliance Standards). The relevant Docket Number is FRA–2019– 0089. In line with the requirements of § 231.6(a)(3)(i), on June 15, 1998, FRA issued Technical Bulletin MP&E 98–69, ‘‘Safety Appliance Arrangements on Flat Cars’’, recommending an additional handhold for any flat car with a lowmounted side hand brake to allow for the safe operation of the hand brake while the car is in motion. NS seeks continued relief to permit these maintenance-of-way (MW) cars (CR 58535, NS 980011, and NS 986906) 1 to remain in service with their current hand brake arrangement and without the additional handhold outlined in MP&E 98–69. NS indicated it will not operate the hand brake on these MW cars while the cars are in motion and has added stenciling on the cars reading ‘‘DO NOT OPERATE HAND BRAKE WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION.’’ Additionally, a handling message is added on the NS Internal Alert System to notify employees of the above directive. NS stated that there have been ‘‘no safety incidents involving this equipment’’ since the waiver was last granted. In support of the petition, NS explained that the cars remining in service with their current hand brake arrangement reduces the number of switching events that would be required to repair the added handholds. This, in turn, reduces the risk of injury and derailment. A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov. 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 parties desire an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, 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 1 Since the original waiver was approved, NS stated that 5 of the railcars have been retired and dismantled, and a sixth railcar from the original waiver is set to be retired and dismantled this year. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:05 Oct 08, 2024 Jkt 265001 appropriate docket number and may be submitted at www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Communications received by December 9, 2024 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable. Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 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.). Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/ privacy-notice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. Issued in Washington, DC. John Karl Alexy, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer. [FR Doc. 2024–23334 Filed 10–8–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P 81987 an open meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel’s Special Projects Committee will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The public is invited to make oral comments or submit written statements for consideration. Due to limited time and structure of meeting, notification of intent to participate must be made with Antoinette Ross. For more information please contact Antoinette Ross at 1–888–912–1227 or 202–317– 4110, or write TAP Office, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, Room 1509, Washington, DC 20224 or contact us at the website: https://www.improveirs.org. The agenda will include TAP 2024 committee project focus areas. Dated: October 1, 2024. Shawn Collins, Director, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. [FR Doc. 2024–23309 Filed 10–8–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Taxpayer Assistance Center Improvements Project Committee Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: An open meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel’s Taxpayer Assistance Center Improvements Project Committee will be conducted. The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the Internal Revenue Service. This meeting will be held via teleconference. SUMMARY: DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel’s Special Projects Committee Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: An open meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel’s Special Projects Committee will be conducted. The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the Internal Revenue Service. This meeting will be held via teleconference. SUMMARY: The meeting will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024. DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Antoinette Ross at 1–888–912–1227 or 202–317–4110. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. (1988) that PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The meeting will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024. DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew O’Sullivan at 1–888–912–1227 or (510) 907–5274. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. (1988) that an open meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel’s Taxpayer Assistance Center Improvements (TAC) Project Committee will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The public is invited to make oral comments or submit written statements for consideration. Due to limited time and structure of meeting, notification of intent to participate must be made with Matthew O’Sullivan. For more E:\FR\FM\09OCN1.SGM 09OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 9, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 81986-81987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-23334]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2019-0089]


Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance

    Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this 
document provides the public notice that on August 16, 2024, and August 
27, 2024, Norfolk Southern Corporation's

[[Page 81987]]

operating subsidiary, Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS), petitioned 
the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for an extension of a waiver 
of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety 
regulations contained at 49 CFR part 231 (Railroad Safety Appliance 
Standards). The relevant Docket Number is FRA-2019-0089.
    In line with the requirements of Sec.  231.6(a)(3)(i), on June 15, 
1998, FRA issued Technical Bulletin MP&E 98-69, ``Safety Appliance 
Arrangements on Flat Cars'', recommending an additional handhold for 
any flat car with a low-mounted side hand brake to allow for the safe 
operation of the hand brake while the car is in motion. NS seeks 
continued relief to permit these maintenance-of-way (MW) cars (CR 
58535, NS 980011, and NS 986906) \1\ to remain in service with their 
current hand brake arrangement and without the additional handhold 
outlined in MP&E 98-69.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Since the original waiver was approved, NS stated that 5 of 
the railcars have been retired and dismantled, and a sixth railcar 
from the original waiver is set to be retired and dismantled this 
year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NS indicated it will not operate the hand brake on these MW cars 
while the cars are in motion and has added stenciling on the cars 
reading ``DO NOT OPERATE HAND BRAKE WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION.'' 
Additionally, a handling message is added on the NS Internal Alert 
System to notify employees of the above directive.
    NS stated that there have been ``no safety incidents involving this 
equipment'' since the waiver was last granted. In support of the 
petition, NS explained that the cars remining in service with their 
current hand brake arrangement reduces the number of switching events 
that would be required to repair the added handholds. This, in turn, 
reduces the risk of injury and derailment.
    A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications 
concerning the petition, is available for review online at 
www.regulations.gov.
    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 parties 
desire an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, 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 at www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
    Communications received by December 9, 2024 will be considered by 
FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date 
will be considered if practicable.
    Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications 
and comments received into any of the U.S. Department of 
Transportation's (DOT) 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.). Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT 
solicits comments from the public to better inform its processes. DOT 
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information 
the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the 
system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/privacy-notice for the privacy notice of 
regulations.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
John Karl Alexy,
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-23334 Filed 10-8-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
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