Sept. 24, 2015 -- The American Water Works Association (AWWA), in collaboration with four other leading water associations, has sent a joint letter to congressional committees urging an extension of the upcoming deadline for railroads to comply with Positive Train Control regulations.
AWWA -- along with the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, Association of California Water Agencies, National Association of Water Companies, and National Association of Clean Water Agencies -- has urged Congress to protect America's water treatment facilities from treatment chemical shortages that could occur due to the rule.
The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 required railroads to install positive train control by December 31, 2015. The system regulates the speed and track movements of trains and applies to passenger trains and to trains carrying substances dubbed an inhalation risk. That includes chlorine and anhydrous ammonia.
A majority a freight railroads are not close to meeting this deadline, and many are planning to stop shipments of the chemicals in question in mid-November so that no cars are stranded on December 31. This interruption of rail transportation will affect both gaseous chlorine and sodium hypochlorite, as sodium hypochlorite manufacture employs gaseous chlorine.
The water association letter was addressed to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
See also:
"AWWA releases utility methods guidance for Radionuclide Rule compliance"
"AWWA names new executive director of Government Affairs"
About AWWA
Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life. For more information, visit www.awwa.org.
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