Rail safety focus of roundtable

The Montana Public Service Commission will hold a roundtable discussion on Jan. 20 in Helena on improving railroad safety in Montana. 

The commission is responsible for the supervision of railroads in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration.

The rountable comes after an audit determined that the state’s oversight of railroad safety falls short when everyday crude oil train traffic from the Bakken region is passing through Montana.

According to the report, U.S. crude oil production has risen sharply in recent years, with shipments across Montana increasing by up to five trains per week. At full capacity, that could increase crude oil shipments up to as many as 40 trains per week across the state, the report notes.

The audit suggested that the commission increase its railroad safety inspection capability by adding inspectors. The commission is looking at possibilities for addressing this in the 2017 Legislature. There are only two inspectors in the state.

The report also noted that the absence of statewide emergency planning is leading to weaknesses in local emergency planning. The report said there is a lack of hazardous materials response capability in a large portion of the state where first responders are properly trained to respond to hazardous materials incidents.

The audit recommends the Public Service Commission conduct a rail safety risk assessment and develop a state rail safety plan.

Stakeholders have been invited to attend the meeting which will focus on a variety of topics, including conduction a rail safety risk assessment; establishing rail safety goals and objectives; developing a rail safety plan for Montana reviewed with the Federal Railroad Administration; engage with Montana Disaster and Emergency Services, engage in emergency planning to ensure the rail safety program is proactively addressing risk in the state; and conduct rulemaking on local safety concerns of blocked railroad crossings.

The roundtable meeting is scheduled for the Montana PSC office, 1701 Prospect Ave. in Helena. It begins at 9:30 a.m.

Written comments need to be submitted by Jan. 15 and can be mailed to the Commission at P.O. Box 202601, Helena, MT 59620. Electronic comments can be submitted on the commission’s website at psc.mt.gov/consumers/comments/