Welcome to American Railroading! We're "Sharing the world of American railroading, one episode at a time".
Nov. 27, 2024

Intro to Federal Agency PHMSA with Eamonn Patrick – Transportation Specialist

Intro to Federal Agency PHMSA with Eamonn Patrick – Transportation Specialist
Season 2

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Eamonn Patrick, Transportation Specialist, Standards and Rulemaking, for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Together they discuss who PHMSA is, what PHMSA does, and they do a deep dive into several pending and proposed rules including HM-264 regarding the shipping of LNG by rail tank cars and the recent HM-265 docket issued 10/28/24 regarding the proposed removal of sole delegated authority from the AAR Tank Car Committee for the approval of tank car designs and Quality Assurance Programs. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. You can find the episode on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

  • The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!
  • PHMSA is divided into two parts, the Office of Hazmat Safety which focuses on hazmat shipments made by rail, highway, air and vessel; and the Office of Pipeline Safety.
  • There are 1.2 million hazmat shipments by all modes of transportation daily.
  • Hazmat shipments in the U.S. arrive at destination safely 99.000005% of the time.
  • PHMSA’s focus is to create regulations that address any safety issues that are present in each mode of hazmat transportation in the U.S.
  • PHMSA is also a resource including offering grant programs for first responders.
  • As a part of the Department of Transportation, PHMSA sometimes receives mandates for rule makings directly from Congress.
  • The proposed changes to the current rail tank car design and QAP processes in HM-265 is meant to mirror the current regulations regarding Highway tanks.
  • Any questions you may have regarding the safe transportation of hazardous materials can be addressed by calling the DOT Hazmat Info Center at (800) 467-4922.
  • Stay tuned for our next episode!

 

 

LINKS MENTIONED: 

 

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com  

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.aldonco.com

https://www.enviroserve.com 

https://www.PHMSA.DOT.gov

https://www.FederalRegister.gov

Eamonn Patrick Profile Photo

Eamonn Patrick

Transportation Specialist at PHMSA

Mr. Eamonn Patrick is a Transportation Specialist in the Standards and Rulemaking Division in the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Prior to his time at PHMSA, Eamonn was a consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., primarily supporting the Hazardous Material Information Center. During his time at PHMSA, Eamonn has led the development of the HM-234 Cylinders final rule, the HM-265A Modernizing Regulations to Improve Safety and Efficiency Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the HM-265 Advancing Safety of Highway, Rail, and Vessel Transportation Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and contributed to the HM-264 LNG by Rail final rule. Eamonn is a graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences and lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife and miniature poodle and enjoys going hiking.