80 FR 80450 - Petition for Waiver of Compliance
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 247 (December 24, 2015)
Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 247 (December 24, 2015)
| Page Range | 80450-80451 | |
| FR Document | 2015-32452 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 247 (Thursday, December 24, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 80450-80451] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-32452] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA-2015-0127] 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 November 3, 2015, General Electric Transportation (GE) 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 229, Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA-2015-0127. GE has requested a waiver of compliance from the requirement of 49 CFR 229.129(b)(1), that each locomotive (or a sampling of similar locomotives) be tested for compliance with the sound level requirements given in 49 CFR 229.129(a)(1) prior to entering service, for 31 new ET44AC Locomotives to be delivered to CSX Transportation (CSX) and numbered CSX 3375 to CSX 3405. The locomotives will be manufactured in Erie, PA, and delivered to purchasers from January through March 2016, when weather conditions will likely preclude successful testing in accordance with 49 CFR 229.129(c)(6). GE requests that the deadline for completing the horn testing on these locomotives be extended until September 30, 2016. In support of this petition, GE has submitted data showing that horns on the previous 2015 model ET44AC locomotives were compliant with both high and low sound level requirements, with some margin above the minimum and below the maximum. GE also submitted illustrations demonstrating that the horn location has not been altered and that the only concern is changes in the component of the horn noise affected by reflectance off the roof and roof discontinuities on the 2016 model locomotives. Changes are generally less than 2 inches. 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. 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: http://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, [[Page 80451]] Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Communications received by January 25, 2016 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.). In accordance with 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 www.dot.gov/privacy. See also http://www.regulations.gov/#!privacyNotice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. Issued in Washington, DC. Robert C. Lauby, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, Chief Safety Officer. [FR Doc. 2015-32452 Filed 12-23-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
![80450 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 247 / Thursday, December 24, 2015 / Notices
of rail, to be tested every 60 to 365 days. • Web site: http:// CFR 229.129(b)(1), that each locomotive
BNSF is proposing to test these www.regulations.gov. Follow the online (or a sampling of similar locomotives)
subdivisions every 30–45 days. instructions for submitting comments. be tested for compliance with the sound
The nonstop continuous tests will be • Fax: 202–493–2251. level requirements given in 49 CFR
conducted with self-propelled • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, 229.129(a)(1) prior to entering service,
ultrasonic rail flaw detection vehicles U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 for 31 new ET44AC Locomotives to be
capable of data acquisition speeds up to New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140, delivered to CSX Transportation (CSX)
30 mph. Upon completion of each daily Washington, DC 20590. and numbered CSX 3375 to CSX 3405.
run, the acquired data will be analyzed • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey The locomotives will be manufactured
offline by technical experts with Avenue SE., Room W12–140, in Erie, PA, and delivered to purchasers
specific analysis tools proven to be Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. from January through March 2016, when
effective on a worldwide basis for over and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, weather conditions will likely preclude
10 years, including the most recent except Federal Holidays. successful testing in accordance with 49
several years of experience in the Communications received by January CFR 229.129(c)(6). GE requests that the
United States. The analysis process will 25, 2016 will be considered by FRA deadline for completing the horn testing
provide the categorization and before final action is taken. Comments on these locomotives be extended until
prioritization of suspect locations to be received after that date will be September 30, 2016. In support of this
verified in the field. considered as far as practicable. petition, GE has submitted data showing
Field verification will be conducted Anyone is able to search the that horns on the previous 2015 model
by qualified and certified rail test electronic form of any written ET44AC locomotives were compliant
professionals with validation equipment communications and comments with both high and low sound level
based on global positioning system received into any of our dockets by the requirements, with some margin above
location and known track features name of the individual submitting the the minimum and below the maximum.
identified within the flaw detection comment (or signing the document, if GE also submitted illustrations
electronic record. All verifications will submitted on behalf of an association, demonstrating that the horn location has
occur within 72 hours from completion business, labor union, etc.). In not been altered and that the only
of the data acquisition test run. accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT concern is changes in the component of
Remedial actions will be applied based solicits comments from the public to the horn noise affected by reflectance off
on the regulations set for in 49 CFR better inform its processes. DOT posts the roof and roof discontinuities on the
213.113, Defective rails, for confirmed these comments, without edit, including 2016 model locomotives. Changes are
rail defect locations. any personal information the generally less than 2 inches.
BNSF believes nonstop continuous commenter provides, to A copy of the petition, as well as any
rail testing will provide the capability to www.regulations.gov, as described in written communications concerning the
reduce service failure and derailment the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– petition, is available for review online at
risk through implementation of 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.regulations.gov and in person at
advanced technologies and processes www.dot.gov/privacy. See also http:// the U.S. Department of Transportation’s
that enable BNSF to more completely www.regulations.gov/#!privacyNotice (DOT) Docket Operations Facility, 1200
and frequently conduct the inspection for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140,
for their rail network. Washington, DC 20590. The Docket
Issued in Washington, DC.
Operations Facility is open from 9 a.m.
A copy of the petition, as well as any Robert C. Lauby, to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
written communications concerning the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, except Federal Holidays.
petition, is available for review online at Chief Safety Officer. Interested parties are invited to
www.regulations.gov and in person at [FR Doc. 2015–32453 Filed 12–23–15; 8:45 am] participate in these proceedings by
the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BILLING CODE 4910–06–P submitting written views, data, or
(DOT) Docket Operations Facility, 1200
comments. FRA does not anticipate
New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140,
scheduling a public hearing in
Washington, DC 20590. The Docket DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION connection with these proceedings since
Operations Facility is open from 9 a.m.
the facts do not appear to warrant a
to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Federal Railroad Administration hearing. If any interested party desires
except Federal Holidays.
[Docket Number FRA–2015–0127] an opportunity for oral comment, they
Interested parties are invited to should notify FRA, in writing, before
participate in these proceedings by Petition for Waiver of Compliance the end of the comment period and
submitting written views, data, or specify the basis for their request.
comments. FRA does not anticipate In accordance with part 211 of Title All communications concerning these
scheduling a public hearing in 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), proceedings should identify the
connection with these proceedings since this document provides the public appropriate docket number and may be
the facts do not appear to warrant a notice that by a document dated submitted by any of the following
hearing. If any interested party desires November 3, 2015, General Electric methods:
an opportunity for oral comment, they Transportation (GE) has petitioned the • Web site: http://
should notify FRA, in writing, before Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
the end of the comment period and for a waiver of compliance from certain instructions for submitting comments.
specify the basis for their request. provisions of the Federal railroad safety • Fax: 202–493–2251.
All communications concerning these regulations contained at 49 CFR part • Mail: Docket Operations Facility,
proceedings should identify the 229, Railroad Locomotive Safety U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200
appropriate docket number (e.g., Waiver Standards. FRA assigned the petition New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140,
Petition Docket Number FRA–2015– Docket Number FRA–2015–0127. Washington, DC 20590.
0130) and may be submitted by any of GE has requested a waiver of • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey
the following methods: compliance from the requirement of 49 Avenue SE., Room W12–140,
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:57 Dec 23, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00139 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\24DEN1.SGM 24DEN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_80697/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 247 / Thursday, December 24, 2015 / Notices 80451
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. prior to September 8, 2000, and placed business, labor union, etc.). In
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, into service prior to September 9, 2002, accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT
except Federal Holidays. will not meet the emergency lighting solicits comments from the public to
Communications received by January requirement deadline of December 31, better inform its processes. DOT posts
25, 2016 will be considered by FRA 2015. Keolis justifies the need for this these comments, without edit, including
before final action is taken. Comments deadline because of the delay in finding any personal information the
received after that date will be qualified vendors and adding the commenter provides, to
considered as far as practicable. required labor forces to successfully www.regulations.gov, as described in
Anyone is able to search the complete this installation. MBTX rolling the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–
electronic form of any written stock fleet was not in compliance with 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
communications and comments all applicable safety standards. The www.dot.gov/privacy. See also http://
received into any of our dockets by the extra time sought in this petition will www.regulations.gov/#!privacyNotice
name of the individual submitting the allow Keolis to finish its ongoing for the privacy notice of regulations.gov.
comment (or signing the document, if program (58 coaches have been Issued in Washington, DC.
submitted on behalf of an association, upgraded to date) so that 70 percent of
Robert C. Lauby,
business, labor union, etc.). In this rolling stock is in compliance.
A copy of the petition, as well as any Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety,
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT Chief Safety Officer.
solicits comments from the public to written communications concerning the
petition, is available for review online at [FR Doc. 2015–32454 Filed 12–23–15; 8:45 am]
better inform its processes. DOT posts
these comments, without edit, including www.regulations.gov and in person at BILLING CODE 4910–06–P
any personal information the the U.S. Department of Transportation’s
commenter provides, to (DOT) Docket Operations Facility, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
www.regulations.gov, as described in
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Federal Railroad Administration
14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at Operations Facility is open from 9 a.m.
www.dot.gov/privacy. See also http:// to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, [Docket Number FRA–2015–0132]
www.regulations.gov/#!privacyNotice except Federal Holidays.
for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. Interested parties are invited to Petition for Waiver of Compliance
participate in these proceedings by In accordance with part 211 of Title
Issued in Washington, DC.
submitting written views, data, or 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR),
Robert C. Lauby, comments. FRA does not anticipate
Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, this document provides the public
scheduling a public hearing in notice that by a document dated
Chief Safety Officer. connection with these proceedings since
[FR Doc. 2015–32452 Filed 12–23–15; 8:45 am] September 22, 2015, the Northeast
the facts do not appear to warrant a Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad
BILLING CODE 4910–06–P hearing. If any interested party desires Corporation (Metra) has petitioned the
an opportunity for oral comment, they Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
should notify FRA, in writing, before for a waiver of compliance from certain
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the end of the comment period and provisions of the Federal railroad safety
specify the basis for their request. regulations contained at 49 CFR part
Federal Railroad Administration All communications concerning these
238, Passenger Equipment Safety
[Docket Number FRA–2015–0131] proceedings should identify the
Standards. FRA assigned the petition
appropriate docket number and may be
Petition for Waiver of Compliance docket number FRA–2015–0132.
submitted by any of the following
Metra seeks a 6-month waiver of
methods:
In accordance with part 211 of Title • Web site: http:// compliance from the requirements of 49
49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), www.regulations.gov. Follow the online CFR 238.115(b)(1)–(2) regarding
this document provides the public instructions for submitting comments. passenger car emergency lighting (until
notice that by a document dated • Fax: 202–493–2251. June 30, 2016). Metra is seeking this
September 22, 2015, Keolis Commuter • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, temporary relief because 70 percent of
Services (Keolis), contract operator of U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 its passenger rolling stock fleet of 544
the Massachusetts Bay Transportation New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140, coaches, which were ordered prior to
Authority’s (MBTX) commuter rail Washington, DC 20590. September 8, 2000, and placed into
system, has petitioned the Federal • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey service prior to September 9, 2002, will
Railroad Administration (FRA) for a Avenue SE., Room W12–140, not meet the emergency lighting
waiver of compliance from certain Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. requirement deadline of December 31,
provisions of the Federal railroad safety and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 2015. Metra justifies the need for this
regulations contained at 49 CFR part except Federal Holidays. deadline extension because of ongoing
238, Passenger Equipment Safety Communications received by funding and technical difficulties. The
Standards. FRA assigned the petition February 8, 2016 will be considered by extra time sought in this petition will
Docket Number FRA–2015–0131. FRA before final action is taken. allow Metra to retrofit 70 percent of its
Keolis seeks a temporary waiver of Comments received after that date will passenger rolling stock fleet to meet the
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
compliance from the requirements of 49 be considered as far as practicable. requirements.
CFR 238.115(b)(2) regarding passenger Anyone is able to search the A copy of the petition, as well as any
car emergency lighting until October 31, electronic form of any written written communications concerning the
2016. Keolis is seeking this temporary communications and comments petition, is available for review online at
relief because 70 percent of its rolling received into any of our dockets by the www.regulations.gov and in person at
stock fleet (233 of 332 coaches name of the individual submitting the the Department of Transportation’s
encompassing series: 200, 300, 500, 600, comment (or signing the document, if (DOT) Docket Operations Facility, 1200
700, 1500, 1600, and 1700), ordered submitted on behalf of an association, New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140,
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:57 Dec 23, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00140 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\24DEN1.SGM 24DEN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_80697/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2015-12-24 02:25:40
Document Modified: 2015-12-24 02:25:40
| 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 80450 |
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