The Canadian government is accelerating its phaseout of railroad tank cars of the type involved in the fatal 2013 derailment of a train hauling crude oil in Quebec.
The accident killed 47 persons and destroyed downtown Lac-Megantic (OGJ Online, Aug. 20, 2014).
Starting Nov. 1, transport of crude oil will be prohibited in tank cars designated DOT-111, which are considered the least crash-resistant units in use.
The ban takes effect 6 months earlier than originally scheduled for DOT-111 cars with shells lacking outer steel covers called jackets and 16 months earlier for jacketed DOT-111 cars.
DOE-111 cars are to be phased out for all flammable liquids by Apr. 30, 2025.
Replacement cars have added safety features such as thicker steel, end shields, thermal protection, and valve covers.
