DOT Extending Tank Moving Permit Into 2010

In early April, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) confirmed that the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has extended SP-13341, a special permit that allows for the transportation of consumer tanks filled with more than than 5% propane, through March 31, 2010.

NPGA notes that just 72 hours prior, it had requested an extension to the special permit.

Specifically, the permit allows for the transportation of a consumer storage tank from the consumer’s location to the nearest bulk plant when the tank is filled more than 5%. This special permit can only be used in conjunction with an authorization letter from DOT. NPGA says that it has been updating its members-only portion of its website to include the new authorization letter.

The special permit was granted to the association and its members on June 16, 1996 following discussions between NPGA and DOT. NPGA argued that safety would be enhanced “by providing a means to offload storage tanks with more than 5% propane at bulk plants.”