The State - News from July 24, 1988

Railroads carrying hazardous materials would have to file shipping and emergency plans with state and local agencies and inspect stationary freight cars every two hours, according to regulations proposed by the state Public Utilities Commission staff. In addition, the proposed rules would require railroads to notify state and local emergency authorities and the commission in the event of an actual or threatened release of any substance posing a significant threat to public safety or property. The commission intends to consider the state’s first rules for coordinated planning by federal, state and local agencies for rail shipping of hazardous materials and the handling of accidents. The commission said similar regulations have been effective in other states.