Transport Canada proposes new rail tanker standards
by The Canadian Press
The latest proposals would require shippers to upgrade tank cars to a standard called TC-117 by 2025
TORONTO—Transport Canada is proposing a further upgrade to rail tanker cars that haul flammable materials across the country.
In the past month, four trains carrying crude oil have derailed in Canada and the United States, sparking major fires, polluting waterways and forcing some evacuations.
A CN train also derailed Wednesday evening near the Manitoba community of Gregg, about 50 kilometres east of Brandon.
The latest proposals would require shippers to upgrade tank cars to a standard called TC-117 by 2025.
The standard includes improved shields at the top of the tank car to better cover the pressure release valve from damage in a derailment. A full shield to protect either end of a tank car from puncture would also become mandatory.
A thermal shell to better shield tank cars from fire would become mandatory and steel used to build the cars would be thickened to 9/16th of an inch from 7/16ths.
The proposed regulations do not cover improved braking requirements. Transport Canada says technical discussions continue with the U.S. to achieve a harmonized set of standards.
