Washington state solicits input on crude-oil transport rules

The Washington State Department of Ecology will host a hearing on Friday and accept comments through June 10 on proposed rules that would affect the reporting requirements and spill contingency plans for the movement of crude oil by rail or pipeline.

One rule addresses new reporting requirements for the notification of the movement of crude oil by rail and pipeline to "enhance oil spill preparedness and response" in the state, according to the department's website.

The rule would create reporting standards for facilities that receive crude oil by rail and pipelines that transport crude oil through the state. In addition, the rule would identify reporting standards for the department to share information with emergency responders, local governments, tribes and the public.

The other two rules address oil spill contingency plans — one for oil transported by rail and the other by pipeline.

The department has been accepting comments via public hearings, by email and by postal mail. The comments must be submitted by June 10. The final hearing will be held Friday in Vancouver, Wash.

Email comments may be sent to Kim.Morley@ecy.wa.gov.