STB to examine chlorine-move obligations

The Surface Transportation Board announced March 10 that it has instituted a proceeding responding to a Union Pacific request that the board "determine the extent of the common carrier obligation to quote rates for new, lengthy movements of chlorine, a toxic inhalation hazard (TIH)."

“The chlorine movements at issue would average 1,900 miles in distance and travel through two High Threat Urban Areas and several other large cities,” said STB as it invited public comment on the railroad’s request for a declaratory order. “UP declined to quote rates for these movements pending the outcome of this proceeding. UP believes the risk of potential exposure from long-distance chlorine shipments is unnecessary, as all four destinations assuredly are located fewer than 300 miles from ample alternative chlorine supplies. In addition, UP states that other governmental agencies have requested that UP find ways to reduce such toxic-inhalation-hazard (TIH) shipments to reduce TIH transportation risks.”

The Board issued its decision instituting the declaritory order proceeding in a decision available at www.stb.dot.gov, under “E-LIBRARY,” then under “Decisions & Notices,” beneath the date “3/10/09.”