Canadian Minister of Transport Marc Garneau has announced that legacy DOT-111 tank cars will be completely removed for crude oil service by 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2016, in accordance with Protective Direction 38.
Protective Direction 38 accelerated the phasing out of unjacketed legacy DOT-111 tank cars six months early and legacy jacketed DOT-111 cars 16 months early.
“Rail safety is my number one priority and the phasing out of DOT-111 tank cars is a crucial step towards strengthening our rail safety system by making sure that crude oil no longer travels in the least crash-resistant tank cars,” stated Minister Ganeau. “My department will ensure that the deadline is respected and will not hesitate to take quick action should any legacy tank cars be found transporting crude oil.”
Legacy DOT-111 tank cars, considered to be the least crash resistant tank cars in crude oil service, have been replaced by the TC-117, which includes several additional safety features, including thicker steel, head shields, thermal protection, and top fitting protection.
Crude oil can no longer be imported, handled, offered for transport or transported in legacy DOT-111 tank cars into or within Canada. As part of its existing inspection program, Transport Canada’s dangerous goods inspectors continue to closely monitor industry’s compliance with the tank car phase-out schedule.