PUEBLO — Railroads will be required to haul the most-hazardous materials on their most secure routes under a new Transportation Department rule announced Wednesday.
The rule limits transport of materials such as chlorine that fall in the “poison inhalation hazard” category to routes determined to be the most secure and safest.
The Federal Railroad Administration estimated carriers will spend $20 million over 20 years to comply. The new rule lists 27 factors to be considered in risk assessments, such as population densities along routes, trip lengths, track types and maintenance schedules, and past accidents.
At least one environmental group was critical of the rule, saying it was unsure if the requirements would protect residents along the routes from derailments or terrorist attacks.
