80 FR 72781 - Advisory Board; Notice of Meeting
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 224 (November 20, 2015)
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 224 (November 20, 2015)
| Page Range | 72781-72782 | |
| FR Document | 2015-29667 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 224 (Friday, November 20, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 72781-72782] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-29667] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Advisory Board; Notice of Meeting Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463; 5 U.S.C. App. I), notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC), to be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, December 15, 2015,via conference call at the SLSDC's Policy Headquarters, 55 M Street SE., Suite 930, Washington, DC 20003. [[Page 72782]] The agenda for this meeting will be as follows: Opening Remarks; Consideration of Minutes of Past Meeting; Quarterly Report; Old and New Business; Closing Discussion; Adjournment. Attendance at the meeting is open to the interested public but limited to the space available. With the approval of the Administrator, members of the public may present oral statements at the meeting. Persons wishing further information should contact, not later than Thursday, December 10, 2015, Carrie Lavigne, Chief Counsel, Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, 180 Andrews Street, Massena, NY 13662; 315-764-3231. Any member of the public may present a written statement to the Advisory Board at any time. Issued at Washington, DC, on November 17, 2015. Carrie Lavigne, Chief Counsel. [FR Doc. 2015-29667 Filed 11-19-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-61-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 224 / Friday, November 20, 2015 / Notices 72781
appreciates these railroads’ efforts for set the confidence level of the sample at mechanisms, be performed using
what they believed was going above and 95 percent or more and set the defect standard industry practice and/or
beyond what is considered a reasonable (failure) rate at less than 5 percent.8 To manufacturer recommendations to
sample size. However, FRA makes clear perform their analyses, railroads must ensure that window exits will operate as
that for a railroad to truly test 100 review the test results at the end of a intended during an emergency. This
percent of its windows, the railroad sampling period (at a minimum) and will also help to prevent a situation
would need to test all of the emergency take further action if the testing reveals where a passenger in an emergency
windows in each of its cars at least once that 5 percent or more of the windows would panic or be delayed by trying to
during a 184-day period. FRA also in the sample are defective. When determine how to remove a window
clarifies that simply testing 100 percent assessing the probable cause(s) of any after the pull handle breaks off or a
of the emergency window exits does not window test failures, railroads should piece of the gasket tears off, for example.
necessarily ensure that the windows consider whether the failures are a Finally, FRA discovered in its
will operate as intended when needed result of design issues, useful life issues, investigations that some employees
in an emergency situation. As discussed or other systemic issues common to a were installing the window gaskets with
in this document, it is how a railroad particular window design or windows a sharp tool (such as a screwdriver),
characterizes the results of those tests in service of a similar age. If the test which may have damaged the gaskets
and what a railroad does with the failure appears to be due to a systemic and may explain why, when pulled, the
results of those tests that will help issue, then the potential exists for the gaskets were not coming out in one
ensure the windows will operate as failure to repeatedly present itself. In piece as designed. Therefore, to ensure
intended. such cases, FRA strongly urges that the that railroads perform proper
Choosing the number of windows to railroad consider replacing all the maintenance, the railroads should
test (whether it is 20 percent or 100 emergency windows or window ensure that employees have and use
percent) is only the first step. Second, components of like design or similar proper tools when installing emergency
if testing fewer than 100 percent of the service age, as applicable. windows to avoid damaging the
windows in a 184-day period, railroads As stated in the E-Prep final rule, a window gaskets.
must also ensure the sample is railroad must repair any window found As noted previously, FRA is issuing
representative of the various window to be broken, disabled, or otherwise this document to provide basic
types in its fleet or fleets.6 Third, even incapable of performing its intended information and guidance to railroads
if a railroad is testing 100 percent of its safety function before the railroad may operating passenger train service to
emergency window exits, it must have return the car to passenger service. See ensure that they understand the existing
a program in place that requires 63 FR 24669. This remains true even regulatory requirements regarding the
monitoring of the tests to determine when the number of windows that ITM of emergency window exits. FRA
whether the test results demonstrate a failed is below the 5-percent defect rate believes that compliance with the
95-percent confidence level that all threshold. Railroads should also existing emergency window exit
emergency window exits operate as document the remedial action(s) regulatory requirements will help
intended. Although EO 20, Notice No. 1, planned or taken to address the window ensure the safety of the Nation’s railroad
would have required testing all window test failures, and create a timetable for employees, passengers, and the general
exits on a specific series or type of car window inspection and replacement for public. FRA may take other appropriate
if one such car had a defective window the window type or car series to remedy actions it deems necessary to ensure the
exit, the amended order, Notice No. 2, the problem in the most expedient highest level of safety, including
permitted the use of commonly manner. pursuing other corrective measures
accepted sampling techniques to under its rail safety authority.
determine how many additional III. Maintenance of Emergency Window
windows to test. See 61 FR 8703, 8705. Exits Issued in Washington, DC, on November
17, 2015.
In general, these principles require that As noted above, FRA expects
the greater the percentage of windows railroads to periodically perform visual Robert C. Lauby,
initially found defective, the greater the inspections to verify no emergency Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety
percentage of windows the railroad will window exit has a broken release Chief Safety Officer.
have to test. mechanism or other overt indication [FR Doc. 2015–29641 Filed 11–19–15; 8:45 am]
FRA expects all railroads to: (1) that would render it unable to function BILLING CODE 4910–06–P
Conduct periodic reviews of records of in an emergency. Ideally, railroads
window testing using an acceptable would incorporate these visual
attribute sampling method to determine inspections as part of the interior DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
whether they are achieving a 95-percent calendar day mechanical inspections of
confidence level that no defective units Saint Lawrence Seaway Development
passenger cars, since they already need Corporation
remain; 7 (2) assess the probable cause of to inspect the window markings daily to
any window test failures; and (3) ensure that the safety-related signage is Advisory Board; Notice of Meeting
address any such failures. In setting up in place and legible. See 49 CFR
their testing programs, railroads must 238.305(c)(7). As demonstrated by the Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the
1996 accident that led to EO 20 (in Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub.
6 Railroads can easily set up a simple spreadsheet
which some of the window gaskets L. 92–463; 5 U.S.C. App. I), notice is
(using off-the-shelf software) to generate a random hereby given of a meeting of the
sample that includes windows representing all of could not readily be pulled out due to
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
the window types in a railroad’s fleet or fleets. lack of lubrication and maintenance), it Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence
7 Although the goal is to have no defective units is important that maintenance, Seaway Development Corporation
remaining in a railroad’s emergency window including lubrication or scheduled (SLSDC), to be held from 2:00 p.m. to
population, FRA recognizes that because the 4 p.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, December 15,
railroad is performing a statistical sample that
replacement of degraded parts or
achieves a 95-percent confidence level, there will
2015,via conference call at the SLSDC’s
always be a possibility that some defective units 8 These numbers are not intended always to add Policy Headquarters, 55 M Street SE.,
remain. up to 100. Suite 930, Washington, DC 20003.
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![72782 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 224 / Friday, November 20, 2015 / Notices
The agenda for this meeting will be as and would be rebuilt for inclusion in Bonneville Counties, Idaho, 360 I.C.C.
follows: Opening Remarks; RTD’s integrated mass transit system 91 (1979).
Consideration of Minutes of Past known as FasTracks. UP points out that By issuing this notice, the Board is
Meeting; Quarterly Report; Old and New this is the same transit use as is planned instituting an exemption proceeding
Business; Closing Discussion; for the western portion of the Lead, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). A final
Adjournment. which was the subject matter of Union decision will be issued by February 19,
Attendance at the meeting is open to Pacific Railroad Co.—Abandonment 2016.
the interested public but limited to the Exemption—in Adams, Weld, & Boulder Any OFA under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2)
space available. With the approval of Counties, Colo., Docket No. AB 33 (Sub- will be due by February 29, 2016, or 10
the Administrator, members of the No. 307X) (STB served Oct. 23, 2012). days after service of a decision granting
public may present oral statements at Following consummation of the the petition for exemption, whichever
the meeting. Persons wishing further proposed abandonment, UP would occurs first. Each OFA must be
information should contact, not later retain its freight easement from milepost accompanied by a $1,600 filing fee. See
than Thursday, December 10, 2015, 0.20 to milepost 0.70 of the Lead. 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25).
Carrie Lavigne, Chief Counsel, Saint According to UP, only one customer
All interested persons should be
Lawrence Seaway Development located on the Line, Atlas Roofing
aware that, following abandonment, the
Corporation, 180 Andrews Street, Corporation (Atlas), has moved traffic
Line may be suitable for other public
Massena, NY 13662; 315–764–3231. over the Line within the past two years.
use, including interim trail use. Any
Any member of the public may The last Atlas shipment moved over the
request for a public use condition under
present a written statement to the Line in February 2015. UP states that
49 CFR 1152.28 or for trail use/rail
Advisory Board at any time. RTD, Atlas, and Leroy Industries LLC
banking under 49 CFR 1152.29 will be
Issued at Washington, DC, on November
(Leroy) (the owner of the facility Atlas
due no later than December 10, 2015.
17, 2015. leases for its operations) have entered
Each trail use request must be
Carrie Lavigne,
into an agreement covering alternative
accompanied by a $300 filing fee. See 49
transportation arrangements for service
Chief Counsel. CFR 1002.2(f)(27).
off the Line. UP states that it does not
[FR Doc. 2015–29667 Filed 11–19–15; 8:45 am]
anticipate any need for future rail All filings in response to this notice
BILLING CODE 4910–61–P service on the Line to Atlas, Leroy, or must refer to Docket No. AB 33 (Sub-No.
any other potential customer and that 323X) and must be sent to: (1) Surface
the proposed abandonment will have no Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW.,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Washington, DC 20423–0001; and (2)
adverse effect on any shippers. UP notes
that, in the agreement, Atlas and Leroy Mack H. Shumate, Jr., Senior General
Surface Transportation Board Attorney, 101 North Wacker Drive,
state that they do not object to and are
[Docket No. AB 33 (Sub-No. 323X)] willing to support the proposed Room 1920, Chicago, IL 60606. Replies
abandonment. to the petition are due on or before
Union Pacific Railroad Company— In addition to an exemption from the December 10, 2015.
Abandonment of Freight Easement—in provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903, UP seeks Persons seeking further information
Adams County, Colo. an exemption from 49 U.S.C. 10904 concerning abandonment procedures
(offer of financial assistance (OFA) may contact the Board’s Office of Public
On November 2, 2015, Union Pacific Assistance, Governmental Affairs and
Railroad Company (UP) filed with the procedures) and 49 U.S.C. 10905 (public
use conditions) for reasons of overriding Compliance at (202) 245–0238 or refer
Surface Transportation Board (Board) a to the full abandonment regulations at
petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502 for public need. In support, UP states that
the right-of-way is needed for a valid 49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning
exemption from the provisions of 49 environmental issues may be directed to
U.S.C. 10903 to abandon an 8.57-mile public purpose by RTD for public
passenger transportation purposes, and the Board’s Office of Environmental
freight rail operating easement over a Analysis (OEA) at (202) 245–0305.
portion of the Boulder Industrial Lead there is no other overriding public need
for continued freight rail service on the Assistance for the hearing impaired is
(Lead) extending from milepost 0.70 available through the Federal
near Commerce City, Colo., to milepost Line.1 UP adds that the area the Lead
served has shifted away from rail- Information Relay Service at 1–800–
9.27 near Eastlake, Colo. (the Line), in 877–8339.
Adams County, Colo. The Line traverses oriented industries, and as a
U.S. Postal Service Zip Codes 80022, consequence, no new shippers are An environmental assessment (EA) (or
80640, 80229, 80233, and 80241. expected to locate on the Line. The environmental impact statement (EIS), if
According to UP, in June 2009, it sold request for exemption from § 10904 and necessary) prepared by OEA will be
the entire 32.97-mile Lead, right-of-way, § 10905 will be addressed in the final served upon all parties of record and
trackage, and structures, including all decision. upon any other agencies or persons who
According to UP, the Line does not comment during its preparation. Other
bridges, from milepost 0.20 near
contain federally granted rights-of-way. interested persons may contact OEA to
Commerce City to milepost 33.17 near
Any documentation in UP’s possession obtain a copy of the EA (or EIS). EAs in
Valmont, to the Denver Regional
will be made available promptly to abandonment proceedings normally will
Transportation District (RTD), a political
those requesting it. be made available within 60 days of the
subdivision of the State of Colorado.
The interest of railroad employees filing of the petition. The deadline for
Reg’l Transp. Dist.—Acquis.
will be protected by the conditions set submission of comments on the EA
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Exemption—Union Pac. R.R. in Adams,
forth in Oregon Short Line Railroad— generally will be within 30 days of its
Boulder, Broomfield, & Weld, Colo., FD
Abandonment Portion Goshen Branch service.
35252 (STB served June 29, 2010). UP
Between Firth & Ammon, In Bingham & Board decisions and notices are
retained an exclusive, perpetual freight
easement over the entire Lead. UP states available on our Web site at
1 According to UP, a transit line will use the
that following abandonment, the Line WWW.STB.DOT.GOV.
former right-of-way from milepost 1.15 to milepost
would continue to be owned by RTD 9.27. Decided: November 17, 2015.
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Document Created: 2015-12-14 13:58:30
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 13:58:30
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 72781 |
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