Transportation of hazardous materials : state and local activities

NHTSA · 1986 · ROSA P / United States. Government Printing Office

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Summary

This 1986 report by the U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) addresses the growing concerns surrounding the transportation of hazardous materials in the United States, specifically focusing on the roles and capabilities of state and local governments. The study was motivated by the impending reauthorization of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, heightened public awareness following incidents like the Bhopal disaster and the Caldecott Tunnel fire, and a lack of comprehensive data on the quantities and types of materials being transported. The report aims to summarize federal programs and identify three primary areas of state and local concern: prevention and enforcement, emergency response and training, and planning and data gathering. The OTA conducted its assessment through a workshop held in May 1985, supplemented by follow-up interviews with government, industry, and academic experts, and an extensive literature review. The report analyzes the distribution of responsibilities among federal, state, local, and industry entities. It highlights that while the federal government leads in regulation and enforcement, state and local agencies bear the primary burden for initial emergency response. The analysis covers various modes of transport, noting that truck transport accounts for approximately half of all hazardous materials shipments and is of greatest concern to local officials due to its prevalence on public rights of way. The report also examines existing state programs, including enforcement capabilities, training initiatives, and data collection efforts, drawing on case studies from states such as Illinois, Washington, and Maryland. Key findings indicate that over 4 billion tons of hazardous materials are transported annually, with more than 180 million shipments occurring each year. Between 1973 and 1983, there was an annual average of 11,462 reported incidents, resulting in roughly 24 deaths and 663 injuries per year, though the report notes that actual incident rates and costs are likely significantly underreported. The study found that state and local enforcement and response personnel are often dissatisfied with the information provided on shipping papers and placards, which fail to accurately reflect hazard degrees or mitigation techniques. Furthermore, many localities lack adequate financial resources, training, and equipment to handle hazardous materials accidents effectively. The report identifies a critical need for uniform national standards regarding licensing, permits, and shipment notification to simplify compliance and improve safety. The significance of this report lies in its identification of gaps in the current regulatory and response framework, providing a basis for congressional policy decisions in 1986. It concludes that financial assistance is needed for local enforcement and training, and that better coordination between federal, state, local, and industry stakeholders is essential. The report emphasizes that while the statistical risk of death is low compared to other transportation accidents, the potential for catastrophic events drives the demand for stronger enforcement and improved emergency preparedness. These findings serve as background for a subsequent OTA report that would examine federal regulations and technical programs in greater detail.

Key finding

State and local governments face significant challenges in hazardous materials transportation safety due to fragmented enforcement capabilities, inconsistent emergency response training, and inadequate data collection, necessitating federal support for uniform standards and funding.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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• emergency work zone conspicuity